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O V 






INTERNATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION 

JAMES M. LYNCH, PRESIDENT HUGO MILLER, SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT 

J. W. HAYS, SECRETARY-TREASURER CONSTITUTING EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 



History of 
The Typographical Union 



ITS BEGINNINGS, PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT 

ITS BENEFICIAL AND EDUCATIONAL FEATURES 

TOGETHER WITH A CHAPTER ON THE EARLY 

ORGANIZATIONS OF PRINTERS 



Compiled by Authority of the Executive Council oj the 
International Typographical Union 



By 

GEORGE A. TRACY 

President Columbia Typographical Union No. 101 (1894-1895) 

President San Francisco Typographical Union No. 21 (1906-1910) 
First Vice-President International Typographical Union ( 1909-1912) 



PUBLISHED BY THE 
INTERNATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION 

1913 



/ 



PRINTED BY THE HOLLENBECK PRESS INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA USA 







7. 









Contents 



PAGE 

Preface : 9-1 3 

Acknowledgment 14 

Early Organizations of Printers: 

Beginnings, 1786 to 1830 17-62 

Period from 1830 to 1850 63-113 

Conventions, 1850-1912: 

Conventions 1850, 1851, 1852 117-139 

Conventions National Typographical Union, 1 853-1 869 143-241 

Conventions International Typographical Union, 1870-1888 243-424 

Conventions International Typographical Union, 1889-1900 425-658 

Conventions International Typographical Union, 1901-1912 659-1068 

Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 1069-1094 

Technical Trade Education 1095-1110 

Public Copyright Acts 1111-1128 

Historical Sketch of the Union Printers Home 1129-1144 

Index 1145-1165 



I llustrations 

FACING 
PAGE 

Aimison, William, Nashville, president- International Typographical 

Union, June 8, 1886 -June 14, 1888 408 

Armstrong, John, Toronto, president International Typographical Union, 

June 8, 1878 - June 5, 1879 312 

Atkinson, William P., Erie, Pa., president International Typographical 

Union, June 11, 1880 -June 10, 1881 328 

Bell, Walter W., Philadelphia, president International Typographical 

Union, June 11, 1875 - July 7, 1876 288 

Bodwell, William H., New York, President International Typographical 

Union, June 1, 1874 - June 11, 1875 280 

Bramwood, J. W., Denver, secretary-treasurer International Typographical 

Union, November 16, 1896 - February 1, 1909 536 

Brant, Lyman A., Detroit, corresponding secretary International Typo- 
graphical Union, June 11, 1 880 - June 10, 1 88 1 336 

Brown, M. C, Philadelphia, president third national convention journey- 
men printers, May 3-5, 1852; president National Typographical Union, 
May 5, 1856 -May 4, 1857 *• 168 

Carver, A. M., Cincinnati, president National Typographical Union, May 

2, 1864- June 6, 1865 216 

Clark, George, St. Louis, president International Typographical Union, 

June 10, 1881 - June 8, 1883 360 

Craig, Robert E., St. Louis, president National Typographical Union, June 

6, 1865 -June 4, 1866 224 

Crawford, Mark- L., Chicago, president International Typographical Union, 

June 8, 1883 - June 3, 1884 376 

Deacon, Charles, Colorado Springs, superintendent Union Printers Home. 1128 

Donnelly, Samuel B., New York, president International Typographical 

Union, November 1, 1898 -October 31, 1900 576 

Farquhar, John M., Chicago, president National Typographical Union, 

May 7, 1 860 - May 4, 1 863 200 

\ Force, Peter, president New York Typographical Society, 1815, mayor of 

Washington, D. C, 1836 88 

George, Isaac D., Nashville, president International Typographical Union, 

June 8, 1869 - June 6, 1870 248 

Gibbons, J. L., Louisville, president second national convention journey- 
men printers, September 12-16, 1851 136 

Graham, Lewis, New Orleans, president National Typographical Union, 

May 2, 1854- May 7, 1855 160 

Haldeman, Samuel, Washington, D. C, president International Typo- 
graphical Union, June 5, 1879 - June 11, 1880 320 

Hammond, William J., New Orleans, president International Typograph- 
ical Union, June 6, 1870 -June 2, 1873 264 

Hays, J. W., Minneapolis, secretary-treasurer International Typographical 

Union, February 1, 1909-19 — 936 

Lewis, Miss Augusta, New York, corresponding secretary International 

Typographical Union, June 6, 1870 - June 5, 1871 244 

Lynch, James M., Syracuse, president International Typographical Union, 

November 1, 1900-19 — 658 

McClevey, W. S., Chicago, secretary-treasurer International Typographical 

Union, June 10, 1 887 - January 28, 1 893 424 

McKechnie, Robert, New York, president National Typographical Union, 

June 1. 1868 -June 8, 1869 240 

McLean, W. R., Washington, D. C, president International Typographical 

Union, June 2, 1873 - June 1, 1874 272 



Illustrations 

FACING 
PAGE 

Mc Vicar, John, Detroit, president International Typographical Union, 

July 7, 1876 - June 8, 1877 296 

Miller, Hugo, Indianapolis, Typographia vice-president International 
Typographical Union, 1894-19 — ; secretary-treasurer German -Amer- 
ican Typographia, 1886-19 — 1068 

Morrison, Frank, Chicago, secretary American Federation of Labor, 

1897-19— 552 

Nafew, John S., Albany, president National Typographical Union, May 

5, 1852 - May 5, 1853 144 

Oberly, John H., Cairo, 111., president National Typographical Union, 

June 4, 1866 -June 1, 1868 232 

Peregoy, John W., Baltimore, president first national convention journey- 
men printers, December 2-5, 1850 120 

Philadelphia Typographical Society (allegory) 56 

Plank, Edward T., San Francisco, president International Typographical 

Union, June 14, 1888 — June 13, 1891 440 

Prescott, William B., Toronto, president International Tj'pographical 

Union, June 13, 1891 - October 31, 1898 456 

Smith, Robert C, Philadelphia, president National Typographical Union, 

May 3, 1858 -May 7, i860 184 

Stith, Gerard, New Orleans, president National Typographical Union, 

May 5, 1853 - May 2, 1854 152 

Streeter, Darwin R., St. Louis, president International Typographical 

Union, June 8, 1877 -June 7, 1878 304 

Sullivan, J. J., Washington, D. C, copyright representative International 

Typographical Union 1110 

Tracy, George A., San Francisco. Cal., first vice-president International 
Typographical Union, March 24, 1909 -October 31, 1912; compiler 
"History of the Typographical Union" _ 8 

Union Printers Home, Colorado Springs, Colo n 44 

Vallette, Eugene, Philadelphia, president National Typographical Union, 

May 4, 1863 - May 2, 1864 208 

Wines, A. G., St. Louis, secretary-treasurer International Typographical 

Union, January 28, 1893 - November 15, .1896 472 

Witter, M. R. H., St. Louis, president International Typographical Union, 

June 3» 1884 - June 8, 1886 392 













In the same spirit of fraternity that has marked the progress and development 
of the Typographical Union and guided its destiny through a long and honorable 
career, and with the hope that its future achievements may even excel what has 
been accomplished in the past, as recorded in these pages, this volume is rever- 
ently dedicated to the membership of the organization. 



^Le^. ^t* A-25^ey. 



Pre f a c e 

IN offering this history to the public it is advisable to 
say a word concerning the aims and objects of the 
work. Many questions must necessarily be considered be- 
fore launching such a project. First of all, perhaps, is the 
query : Does anybody want such a book? If so, how best 
can it be compiled and presented to satisfy the desires 
and wishes of those who may subscribe for it, and to what 
extent is it possible to go in attempting to satisfy what- 
ever demand there may be? To the first question it may 
be said, in view of the many requests received by the 
union for information regarding events in its history, and 
the unquestioned duty of the organization to preserve for 
future generations, in permanent and indestructible form, 
the story of its birth, struggles, progress and develop- 
ment, that it would seem an imperative duty on the part 
of the organization to produce the history. 

Assuming that the publication of the history is justi- 
fied, the next question, How shall it be done? is presented. 
In answer to this question it may be said that, while sev- 
eral distinguished authors have from time to time pro- 
duced monographs and special articles covering parts of 
the history of the Typographical Union, and many rhe- 
torical efforts have been offered on special subjects of in- 
terest, no one has yet attempted to produce a history of 
the Typographical Union complete in all its parts. For 
that reason, and because, perhaps, no other agency than 
the organization itself is prepared or in a position to un- 
dertake the work, it may be argued that no other agency 
can tell the story of the printers' organization better than 
the printer himself. And so we have produced, between 
the covers of this book, a history, compiled by a printer, 
in a manner consciously lacking in literary style, but yet 



Preface 

sufficient, it is believed, to satisfy whatever demand there 
may be for such a work. 

. In adopting a style for the history it was determined to 
use such portions of the public document issued by the 
United States Department of Commerce and Labor, en- 
titled "A Documentary History of the Early Organiza- 
tions of Printers," as are deemed sufficient to cover the 
period preceding the formation of the National Typo- 
graphical Union. This document was prepared by Ethel- 
bert Stewart, special agent of the United States Bureau 
of Labor, and is believed to be the most comprehensive 
and authentic work of its character yet produced. In mak- 
ing use of this document, no part of the appendix has 
been included. That part of the text, however, which has 
been used is carefully sustained by many interesting quo- 
tations from the records of the early societies. Following 
this chapter is summarized the proceedings of the early 
conventions of journeymen printers and the conventions 
of the National Typographical Union and the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, covering the complete his- 
tory of the organization, as preserved in the records of 
those conventions. Important events that occurred be- 
tween the convention sessions are included in sequence 
with the meetings of the delegates from year to year. 
Authenticity for all statements of fact contained in the 
history may be found in the archives of the International 
Typographical Union, unless original evidence is pro- 
duced by footnote citations, which occur only in the chap- 
ter describing early organizations of printers. It is be- 
lieved that this assertion guaranteeing authenticity will 
satisfy all readers, and thus is obviated the ofttimes vex- 
ing necessity of diverting one's attention from interesting 
text to tedious verifications of fact. 

In many instances throughout the book will be found 
evidences of contradictory action by the various conven- 

10 



Preface 

tions. Some reversals are so complete and direct that any 
one not acquainted with the vagaries of the printer, es- 
pecially the compositor of early days, may regard the in- 
cidents as amusing, if not absurd. Neither was the case — 
the printer was merely wandering around till he found 
what he wanted, and in his travels visited the starting 
place occasionally before reaching the end of his journey. 
A peculiarity of the printer in legislating is that he is 
continually fixing things over by offering amendments to 
this or that section of the law of his organization. Con- 
ventions are held yearly and the chief business transacted 
is the consideration of amendments to the laws. Just why 
this is so has never been satisfactorily accounted for, but 
no doubt the character of the printer's work, fixing up 
bad copy and fixing over and over this or that job to 
create a neat and tasty typographical appearance, has 
trained his mind to a degree where it seems impossible to 
produce anything that can not be fixed over and made 
better or more attractive. 

Under the chapter heading "Conventions," the nar- 
rator has endeavored to bring together, in comprehensive 
form and chronological sequence, the essential formative 
acts of legislation by the three important historical con- 
ventions of union printers, held in 1850, 1 85 1 and 1852, 
out of which the National Typographical Union was pro- 
jected. Following this interesting epoch, and beginning 
with the first convention of the National organization 
(1852), this chapter contains a summary of the important 
transactions, interesting happenings and legislative enact- 
ments of each succeeding convention to date. The data 
from which this history is learned are contained in the 
minutes of the proceedings of the various conventions, as 
recorded by the duly elected officers and approved by the 
delegates. All such data are preserved in the archives of 
the International Typographical Union. 

11 



Preface 

In 1836 a convention of the National Typographical 
Society met in Washington, D. C, and held a session last- 
ing five days. Delegates were present from six societies. 
A year later this society met in New York, eight organi- 
zations being represented. A fraternal delegate was pres- 
ent from Nova Scotia. This was the last meeting held by 
the society, although the convention adjourned to meet in 
Pittsburgh the following year. As the date for the meet- 
ing approached a notice was sent out postponing the 
gathering for a year, but the organization never held an- 
other convention, at least no record can be found of any 
future meeting. 

At the seventh annual session of the National Typo- 
graphical Union, held in Chicago, May, 1858, Sam Slaw- 
son, of Chicago, was requested to prepare an abbreviated 
history of the organization. From information contained 
in the monograph prepared by Mr. Slawson, it appears 
that in the year 1843 an attempt was made in the city of 
New York to form a general union of the craft, under the 
title of "The Order of Faust." According to the Boston 
Guide, "The Order of Faust" could have been success- 
fully carried out had there been the least effort made to 
extend it, as there were men in Washington, Albany, Cin- 
cinnati, Boston and Philadelphia ready to form co-opera- 
tive branches. Its proceedings were secret and confined 
entirely to journeymen. Enrolled under this title were 
many of the most competent printers of New York city. 

We hear of no further attempts for some years to form 
a general organization, though many good men in the 
craft saw the necessity for it, and talked and corresponded 
in regard to it. In May, 1849, there appeared in the Bos- 
ton Guide, above alluded to, an editorial on the formation 
of an "American Printers' Union," to be composed of ac- 
credited delegates from all parts of the United States. 
"This union," says the editorial, "should be possessed of 

12 



Preface 

the power of granting charters to co-operative or subordi- 
nate unions; to endeavor to promote their formation 
throughout the country; to act as a council of advice, and 
to exercise a general control. The subordinate unions 
should have the power of settling the prices in their sev- 
eral districts and should exercise under the supreme union 
a general control each in its district." This plan of organ- 
ization, so well conceived, is substantially the same as that 
now in existence. It was apparent at that time that 
the abuses which had crept into the trade, one by one, 
oppressing the journeymen in their relations with the 
employers, and the many disadvantages arising out of 
disconcerted and disconnected action on the part of vari- 
ous unions and societies, called loudly for some means of 
redress. To devise measures for the correction of these 
abuses, and to harmonize interests which were identical in 
their nature throughout the country, by united and ear- 
nest action in one common cause, a circular was issued 
about the 1st of November, 1850, by the New York, Phil- 
adelphia and Boston unions, calling on sister unions and 
societies to send delegates to a "National Convention of 
Journeymen Printers," to be held in New York city on the 
2d day of December following. 

The special chapters presented in conclusion have been 
prepared in order that those features of the union's prog- 
ress and development which have been most successful, 
and of which the organization is justly proud, may receive 
the attention they deserve. 

The aim has been to prepare a narrative historically 
accurate, and at the same time present it in such form 
as to sustain the interest of the reader, and especially the 
membership of the union. Th£ Author> 



13 



Acknowledgment 

The International Typographical Union wishes pub- 
licly to acknowledge its appreciation of the privilege ac- 
corded it in making use of such part of the documentary 
history of the early organizations of printers, by Ethel- 
bert Stewart, as is contained in these pages. To former 
President William B. Prescott, Second Vice-President 
Hugo Miller and J. J. Sullivan, copyright representative 
at Washington, members of the organization, who have 
contributed to the success of the publication, public ac- 
knowledgment of appreciation is also made. To those 
persons who assisted in gathering the collection of photo- 
graphs of former officials of the union, which are used to 
illuminate the pages of the history, the executive council 
wishes to return thanks. 



14 



Early Organizations of 
Printers 



Early Organizations o£ Printers 
Beginnings, 1786 to 1830 

(inclusive) 

WHATEVER of associated effort there was among 
printers prior to 1795 was temporary, having a 
single purpose, and when this was accomplished the com- 
pact was dissolved. It was the custom in all trades to call 
a "general meeting" of the trade whenever a matter of 
importance to all presented itself. Such calls were signed 
by one or two men of recognized influence in the trade. 
These meetings, usually held in private homes, were or- 
ganized by the election of officers, a statement was made 
of the purpose in calling the trade together, and after 
discussion resolutions were adopted embodying the views 
of those present upon the question presented. When the 
meeting had decided what the attitude of the trade was to 
be, all those present, if willing to do so, signed an agree- 
ment to stand by each other during the difficulty. Com- 
mittees were appointed, and frequent meetings were held 
during the trouble, especially if it proved to be a strike and 
of some duration, thus creating the impression that a per- 
manent association of journeymen had been formed. It is 
certain that some of the strikes in colonial times were un- 
dertaken with no more of an organization than this, and 
while there is nothing inherently improbable about the 
existence of permanent unions in colonial times, since they 
had been in existence in England and other countries in 
Europe for many generations before, yet we should be 
cautious about concluding from such a statement as "The 
journeymen bakers of New York went on strike in 1 741 ," 
that therefore there was an organization, other than a 
temporary understanding, among them. 

The first, probably, of such understandings among 

17 



History of The Typographical Union 

journeymen printers was in New York city in 1776, when 
a demand for an increase of wages was made by them and 
refused by their employers, with the result that a strike 
was called, which, proving successful, the association 
ceased. Again, in Philadelphia in 1786, an attempt by the 
employers to reduce wages to $5.83 1-3 a week was made 
the occasion for calling the trade together. The statement 
issued by the printers at this meeting has fortunately been 
preserved, and was as follows : 

Philadelphia, June 7, 1786. 

At a meeting of journeymen printers of Philadelphia held 
at the house of Henry Myers on Wednesday evening, the 31st 
ultimo, the following resolutions were unanimously entered into 
and ordered transcribed for publication. In consequence of an 
attempt having been made by some of our employers to reduce 
our wages to 35 shillings per week : 

Resolved, That we, the subscribers, will not engage to work 
for any printing establishment in this city or county under the 
sum of $6 per week. 

Resolved, That we will support such of our brethren as shall 
be thrown out of employment on account of their refusing to 
work for less than $6 per week. 

This document is signed by twenty-six printers, prob- 
ably comprising a majority of the competent men in the 
city at that time. There are indications that this struggle 
lasted for some time, but none whatever that the organiza- 
tion of printers had any purpose beyond the immediate 
one of resisting that reduction of wages, or any existence 
after this single purpose was accomplished. The docu- 
ment is important, however, as showing that the sentiment 
of supporting each other in time of a strike, out of which 
the union strike-benefit fund grew, existed among printers 
long before unions as such were formed. 

In 1795 an organization was formed in New York city 
known as "The Typographical Society," comprising in its 
membership most of those working at the trade at that 

18 



Early Organizations of Printers 

time. It was the first known society devoting its energies 
to trade conditions and wage scales that existed for any 
appreciable length of time. So far as known it was the 
first society not called into existence by an immediate 
exigency of the trade, and ceasing to exist when that 
exigency was removed. The Typographical Society of 
1795 lived two and one-half years, or until far into 1797, 
and succeded in securing an increase of wages to $1 per 
day for New York printers. 

In 1799 the Franklin Typographical Society of Jour- 
neyman Printers of New York was organized. Mr. David 
Bruce, the famous typefounder, was its first president. 
This society formulated the first complete wage scale ever 
adopted by the printers of New York city, and went on 
strike for its enforcement. No copy of this scale has been 
preserved. It demanded 25 cents per 1,000 ems, and not 
less than $7 per week in book and job offices, and $8 per 
week on newspapers. None of its records and no copy 
of its constitution could be found, but from contempo- 
rary newspaper files it is learned that the "Franklin 
Typographical Society assembled at the house of Mr. 
P. Becanon, 87 Fair street, to celebrate the twenty-sixth 
anniversary of American Independence July 4, 1 801." 

The Daily Advertiser, of New York, in its issue of Feb- 
ruary 4, 1803, printed the following notice: 

A regular meeting of the Franklin Typographical Society 
will be held at their rooms, 63 Stone street, on Saturday even- 
ing, February 5, 1803. Members are requested to be punctual 
in their attendance. 

By order of the president: j 0H n Collins, Secretary. 

It would appear from this that the society had grown 
too large to meet in the private homes of its members and 
strong enough to have a hall, or at least rooms of its own. 

In its issue of September 19, 1803, the New York Even- 
ing Post had the following acknowledgment. 

19 



History of The Typographical Union 

The president of Franklin Typographical Society, of New 
York, acknowledges the receipt of $83.50 from the Philadel- 
phia Typographical Society for the relief of such of our 
members as may be distressed in consequence of the prevailing 
epidemic. 

The minutes of the Philadelphia society show that at 
its monthly meeting in June, 1803, "it was voted to con- 
tribute $83.60 to assist the printers in New York city who 
may be suffering from ravages of the yellow fever." 

The Franklin Typographical Society of New York 
ceased to exist in 1804, but the bill of prices formulated 
by it remained the standard of wages until September 
20, 1809, when the New York Typographical Society, 
organized early in that year, formulated a new scale. 

As further tribute of a documentary character to the 
work of this society of I 799- 1804, may be cited the first 
paragraph of a letter written August 25, 1809, by the sec- 
retary of the New York Typographical Society : 

New York, August 25, 1809. 

Gentlemen : The board of directors of the New York 
Typographical Society, by a resolution passed the 19th instant, 
have directed me to inform you that the customary price per 
token for working super-royal paper is 37^2 cents, and 48 
tokens (which is supposed to be the number you work per week) 
at that price would be $18. The present society, however, 
have yet no established prices, either for presswork or for com- 
position, but the price which is here mentioned is that which was 
instituted by a former association in this city, and which we 
believe is now generally conformed to. 

So much space has been given to this organization 
because to it belongs the credit of formulating the first 
detailed scale of wages presented to employers in the 
printing business in the United States, and because, curi- 
ously enough, while the earlier society of 1795 is some- 
times mentioned by writers, this much more important 
one of 1 799- 1 804 is not referred to by any of them. 

20 



Early Organizations of Printers 

The Philadelphia Typographical Society was organ- 
ized in 1802, and enjoys the distinction of being the old- 
est existing organization of the craft. Up to 183 1 it 
existed as both a benevolent and a trade society, as was 
the rule among the early societies. In 1 83 1 it became a 
purely benevolent association, and as such exists today. 

February 22, 1802, this society formulated a list of 
prices (which is believed to be identical with that of the 
New York Typographical Society in 1800), and, pref- 
acing it with a neat address to the employers, submitted it 
for acceptance. 1 A reproduction of the only copy of this 
price-list known to be now in existence is here presented : 

Philadelphia, February 22, 1802. 
Sir : The "Philadelphia Typographical Society" takes the 
liberty to furnish you with their List of Prices. We hope that 
we shall be indulged with at least a candid examination of our 
demands .... we presume you are not unacquainted with many 
of them. We would wish to be placed on a footing, at least, 
with mechanics .... our wages have, in no instance, kept pace 
with them. We have the merit of not being the most dissatis- 
fied, and in no one instance of demanding anything unjust. We 
have, in the following statement, confined ourselves to what 
a majority of the employers in this city give. Our object is, to 
have one uniform price established. In doing this, we shall act 
as men toward men .... no person will leave his employ until 
he has given a reasonable notice .... in return, we expect that 
your conduct toward us will be equally candid. Indeed, we 
cherish a hope, that the time is not far distant, when the em- 
ployer and the employed will vie with each other, the one, 
in allowing a competent salary, the other in deserving it. 
Under these impressions, we submit the following prices to 
your decision : 

COMPOSITION 

Per week, not less than $8 oo 

Every iooo m's, from Brevier to English, inclusive 25 

Common Rule or Figure work 50 

1 The bibliography appended to Sidney and Beatrice Webb's "Histoiy of 
Trade Unionism" in England gives "the scale of prices of the Edinburgh com- 
positors for 1805" as the oldest printers' scale. It may therefore develop that 
this Philadelphia price list is the oldest in the language. 

21 



History of The Typographical Union 

PRESS WORK 

Per week, not less than $8 oo 

All paper below medium, per token 30 

Ditto above medium llVi 

Broadsides, per token 75 

Cards, per pack 12% 

A single pack of cards 30 

All small jobs 30 

George White, President. 
John Childs, Vice-President. 
William Little, Secretary. 

The constitution of this society, which was not finally 
adopted until November 6, 1802, is believed to be the old- 
est constitution of a labor organization extant in the 
United States. 

While the constitution gives prominence to the sick and 
funeral benefit features of the organization, as did the 
early craft guilds and still earlier burial societies, never- 
theless, unlike them, it does not entirely conceal its indus- 
trial purposes. The journeymen printers had secured the 
acceptance by the master printers of their price-list of 
February 22, and under "a desire to consolidate the pres- 
ent good understanding and harmony which now happily 
subsists among the brethren of our profession," the con- 
stitution of November 6 was adopted. In addition to a 
sick benefit of $3 a week and a funeral benefit of $10, "in 
every case when a member may be thrown out of employ, 
by reason of his refusing to take less than the established 
prices," the board of directors "shall advance, if required, 
on his own security, in their discretion, such sum per week 
as will be sufficient to defray his ordinary expenses," and, 
furthermore, if such person was unable to return the 
money so loaned, then an assessment should be levied 
upon the membership to repay the same. To this incip- 
ient strike-benefit fund was added an obligation upon the 
part of at least the officers of the society to use their in- 
fluence to secure employment for members in preference 
to non-members, and, above all, membership in the 

22 



Early Organizations of Printers 

society was conditioned on having "served an apprentice- 
ship satisfactory to the board of directors." It is impos- 
sible to read the minutes of the meetings of these early 
societies, however, without being convinced that the seri- 
ous purpose of their existence was not made prominent in 
their published documents. They had an exoteric and an 
esoteric side. To the public they pointed out their benev- 
olent features. The real work was done in executive 
session. However, a great many of their members joined 
them because of these benevolent features, and thought 
their mission confined to this, so that there were always 
two factions, one demanding more and more of trade 
regulation by the society, the other opposing any inter- 
ference in trade matters, and constantly urging a further 
extension of the mutual benefits, from an "alimoner's" 
point of view. 

At its monthly meeting of December, 1802, the society 
appointed a committee to draft a memorial to congress 
praying for an additional duty on all imported European 
books. April, 1803, it raised the price of composition on 
daily newspapers to 30 cents per 1,000 ems, placed a 
charge of 20 cents on each alteration from copy after 
proofs were corrected, and passed a "lost-time" rule, as 
follows : 

Whenever an employer agrees to pay for lost time it shall 
be at the rate of 15 cents per hour. 

In June, 1803, the society raised the initiation fee to 
$2 ; voted $83.60 to the printers in New York who were 
suffering from yellow fever; then passed the following 
not at all eleemosynary measure: 

Whereas, Several employers have taken laborers at press- 
work, and thereby the business has been materially injured; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That no member of this society shall be permitted 
to work at presswork with any person who is not regularly 

23 






History of The Typographical Union 

bred, bound .apprentice till 21 years of age, except under pen- 
alty of expulsion. 

In 1806 it began expelling members on first offense for 
working below the scale of prices, and in February, 1807, 
extended the obligation to all members, theretofore rest- 
ing upon officers only, to aid members in securing em- 
ployment in preference to non-members by the passage of 
the following : 

Resolved, That if any member of this society who shall pro- 
cure employment for any person or persons who are not mem- 
bers of this institution in preference, and knowing at the time 
of the procuring of such employment that there are members of 
this society then out of actual employment, such member or 
members so offending shall on conviction be subject to a fine of 
$5, and for second offense be liable to suspension or expulsion, 
at the discretion of the directors : Provided, nevertheless, that 
this resolution shall not be construed to the prejudice of mem- 
bers interesting themselves in behalf of strangers in distress or 
emigrants from Europe. 

The year 1807 marks the development by the Typo- 
graphical Society of Philadelphia of much that has been 
thought to have originated with modern unionism, such 
as the demand for the exclusive employment of union 
men, the monthly "working card," and the adoption of a 
system very suggestive of the "house of call," or union 
employment bureau. At the meeting held April 4, 1807, 
the initiation fee was raised to $4 and the funeral ben- 
efit increased to $25. After these concessions to the 
"alimoners" this resolution was passed and a committee 
appointed in accordance with its terms : 

Whereas many illegal practices and abuses hostile to the 
established regulations of this society, as well as injurious to the 
interests of each and every industrial member thereof; and 
whereas, also, the said abuses and illegal practices on the part 
of the employers are tamely submitted to, and in some instances 
connived at by the employed, to remedy which and to make such 
further inquiries as they may deem necessary, 

24 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire into the 
present state of the art, and whether any and what abuses are 
practiced, and what regulations it may be expedient on the part 
of the society to adopt, to check and do away with all such 
abuses and irregular practices hostile to the interests and well- 
being of its members, and that the committee report the results 
of their investigations. 

Apparently there is a studied vagueness about this 
resolution so unusual that one is at a loss to understand 
it until it is learned from the report of the committee 
that the resolution is aimed not at members of this so- 
ciety, but at the master printers, who were cutting prices 
and employing "two-thirders," or persons who, not hav- 
ing finished their apprenticeship, were willing to work 
for anything they could get. The report of the com- 
mittee follows : 

In reviewing the present state of the art, it is with consider- 
able regret that we dissent from a very prevalent opinion, which 
we can not think was even true when it was first formed. 

To say that "printing was in a highly flourishing condition" 
may be well enough applied to themselves by the gang of petti- 
fogging master printers, but the great body of the journeymen 
and the few respectable master printers know it to be false. The 
prices received by the master printers six years ago were better 
for common work than what they receive at present. At that 
time all common work gave them 64^ cents, whereas at pres- 
ent they only receive 45 cents, and in some cases even less. 

The committee are of the opinion, that in order to maintain 
that harmony which as yet happily exists between the society 
and the master printers, it would be expedient to hold a con- 
ference with them on the subject, and make such regulations in 
the prices as the nature of the times may require, and enable 
employers in all cases to give the preference, and, if possible, 
never to employ any other than members of this society, or at 
least men who have served a regular apprenticeship. 

September, 1807, the society adopted the following 
regulation : 

Resolved, That cards be printed by the society, to be renewed 

25 



History of The Typographical Union 

by the secretary every month, for the benefit of those out of em- 
ployment, stating that they are not in arrears; and such per- 
sons who can not produce the same, on inquiring of a member 
for a berth, he is prohibited from informing the said person 
under penalty of $l for every such offense. 

As yet no journeymen's society had been strong enough 
to maintain, indeed none had had the temerity to ad- 
vance any apprenticeship regulations. There was a cus- 
tomary apprenticeship rule that had come down from 
the masters' guilds to the effect that a term of six years, 
between the ages of 15 and 21, was necessary to con- 
stitute a journeyman. But the old guild conditions 
were gone, and the new conditions were only forming; 
neither the conditions nor the workmen's societies were 
ripe for a definite stand on the regulation of apprentice- 
ship. The Philadelphia society, at its meeting of De- 
cember, 1808, took such stand as it could on the problem 
by enacting that no member should teach an apprentice 
who was not bound before his eighteenth year ; the pen- 
alty for violation being not only expulsion from the so- 
ciety but notices of such expulsion to be sent to the other 
societies of printers. This is the first intimation of the 
exchange of names of objectionable printers, which aft- 
erward developed into the "unfair lists," "rat lists," etc. 

The regulation as passed reads : 

That from and after the 1st day of January, 1809, no per- 
son, a member of this society, shall teach or assist in teaching 
any person in the art of printing who may have arrived at the 
age of 18 years ; and be it further 

Resolved, That if any member or members of the Philadel- 
phia Typographical Society shall, in violation of the rule in 
that case made and provided, undertake to instruct, or in any 
manner assist to instruct, in any branch of the art of printing, 
any irregular person included in the foregoing resolution, such 
member or members shall, on conviction, be expelled from the 
society, and notice of such expulsion shall be communicated to 
the different typographical associations throughout the United 

26 



Early Organizations of Printers 

States as the president of the board of directors may think 
proper. 

The latter part of this resolution not only marks the 
beginning of the ''unfair list," but raises the question 
as to what other typographical associations existed in the 
United States at that time. 

So far as can be definitely ascertained, from original 
records at this late date, there were no other such so- 
cieties in existence in December, 1808. In "Thomas's 
History of Printing" it is stated that "The Boston Typo- 
graphical Society was organized in 1803," without giv- 
ing any clue to the authority for the statement. In 1809 
the Philadelphia society received a communication from 
the Boston Typographical Society, stating that it had 
just completed and presented a scale of prices to the 
employers. The letter gives an impression that the so- 
ciety had been but recently organized, though it does 
not say so. This society seems to have been short lived, 
as another of the same name was organized November 
25, 181 5, as appears from a letter in the minutes of the 
New York society. The records of the Boston Typo- 
graphical Society, after its demise, were placed in the 
library of the Franklin Typographical Society, of Bos- 
ton, which was organized in 1822 as a purely beneficial 
society, admitting to membership both employers and 
employes, and prevented by its constitution from taking 
any part in trade matters. This society still exists, but 
the records of the journeymen's organization have been 
lost. The latest mention of the Boston Typographical 
Society is in 1826, when it sent a communication to the 
Columbia Typographical Society, at Washington, D. C, 
as shown by the minutes of the latter society. The Faus- 
tus Association of Printers was organized in Boston in 
1805, Dut this was an employers' association, to regulate 
prices of work done for the public. It can not, therefore, 

2J 



History of The Typographical Union 

be confidently asserted that there were any societies, out- 
side of Philadelphia, in existence when the Philadelphia 
society passed its resolution in December, 1808; but it 
is not improbable that there were such in Boston and 
Baltimore. The Baltimore Typographical Society is re- 
ferred to in 1 81 5 as one of the older societies. The date 
of its organization has not been ascertained, and none of 
its records could be located. Unfortunately, also, the pres- 
ent typographical union of Baltimore, organized in 1831, 
lost its records in the great fire of February, 1904. 

The condition of the trade in New York city seems to 
have deteriorated rapidly after the collapse of the union 
in 1804. In June, 1809, a coterie of printers met in the 
private house of David Reins, 49 Barclay street, to dis- 
cuss the question of organization. A committee was 
appointed to draft a constitution and report Saturday 
evening, July I. At this meeting the constitution was 
presented, adopted, and an organization perfected by the 
election of S. W. Andrews, president, and David Reins, 
secretary. One of the most active men in the organiza- 
tion of the society, known as the New York Typograph- 
ical Society, was Samuel Woodworth, author of "The 
Old Oaken Bucket." From the start the society took 
what was at that time a radical stand along trade lines, 
though embodying in its plan the beneficial features 
common to all trade societies of the time. 

The first efforts of the society were directed toward 
the education of the journeymen in the purposes of the 
organization, and inducing them to join. At a meet- 
ing held July 29 two members (pressmen working at 
the office of the American Citizen) reported that when 
they notified their employer that they could not longer 
work for less than the customary standard of wages fixed 
by the scale of 1800, they were both discharged and their 
places given to "two strangers." A committee was 

28 



Early Organizations of Printers 

appointed to wait on the "strangers," and later, when this 

committee reported, a letter was ordered to be sent them 

which so explicitly states the purpose of the society that 

it is transcribed in full : 

New \ork, August 25, 1809. 

Gentlemen : The board of directors of the New York 
Typographical Society, by a resolution passed the 19th instant, 
have directed me to inform you that the customary price per 
token for working super-royal paper is 2>7 J A cen ts, and 48 
tokens (which is supposed to be the number you work per week) 
at that price would amount to $18. 

The present society, however, have yet no established prices, 
either for presswork or for composition ; but the price which is 
here mentioned is that which was instituted by a former asso- 
ciation in this city, and which we believe is now generally con- 
formed to. [This was the society of 1799- 1804.] 

The board of directors, however, actuated only by motives of 
interest for the profession, have also directed me to inform you 
that, having expressed your determination to use all honorable 
means to increase the wages, both of compositors and pressmen, 
if necessary, and to support and maintain the honor and dignity 
of the trade, the best manner in which you could evince your 
sincerity would be by joining the society, whose objects and 
conduct you seem to have mistaken. To establish equitable 
prices for our labor is the principal object for which we have 
recently associated, and which we hope in a short time to ac- 
complish. The first step toward this is an increase in our num- 
bers, and we conceive it to be the duty and the interest of every 
journeyman printer in the city to come forward and unite with 
his fellow-craftsmen in promoting an object which has for its 
end the benefit of the whole. 

Should you, gentlemen, conceive the above observations satis- 
factory and have a desire to promote the objects we have in 
view, I would observe that the board of directors meet every 
Saturday evening at the house of Mr. Clark (Harmony Hall), 
to whom an application can be made at any of their meetings. 

D. H. Reins, 
Secretary New York Typographical Society. 

The organizers of this society began at once, as a 
part of their vigorous policy, to open communication 

29 



History of The Typographical Union 

with all similar organizations in the country, to which 
they mailed a circular letter dated September 9, 1809, 
and which proposed nothing less than an exchange, from 
time to time, of what is today known as "unfair lists;" 
that is, that whenever a printer does what to the union 
is considered an unfair thing in trade matters, other 
unions shall be notified of the fact. 

That this principle was then new, or practically so, is 
inferred no less from the arguments used in the circular to 
maintain it, than from the letter of the Philadelphia Typo- 
graphical Society in reply. Both these letters are repro- 
duced in full : 

New York, September 9, 1809. 

Gentlemen : In all classes of society experience has proven 
that there have been men who, laying aside those principles 
of honor and good faith which ought to govern their conduct 
toward their brethren, and for a mere gratification of private 
interest, have set aside the obligations they were under by vio- 
lating the ordinances which they had pledged themselves to 
maintain. 

It is for the interest of the profession that such persons (if 
any there are) should be discountenanced; and to the end that 
the knowledge of their sins should follow them, the directors of 
the New York Typographical Society have directed me to open 
a correspondence with you, by requesting, if compatible with 
your constitution, that in cases where members of your society 
or others of the profession may have acted dishonorably toward 

it, and should leave for this city, you would be so good 

as to transmit information to them, the favor of which, on a 
like occasion, would be reciprocated. 

The directors of the New York Typographical Society sin- 
cerely hope that an instance of this nature may never have to 
be recorded, yet it appears to them that the adoption of a rule 
like the above might be attended with mutual benefit. There is 
nothing which acts more powerfully on the human mind than 
shame. It makes the coward bold, the miser generous ; and it 
is to be hoped that it will ever deter a journeyman printer from 
conducting unworthily toward his brethren when innate princi- 
ple is wanting. 

30 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Accept the assurance of my esteem for you gentlemen, and 

my sincere wishes for the prosperity of the society. 

D. H. Reins, 
Secretary New York Typographical Society. 

To this elaborate argument for and cautious statement 
of one of the protective features of unionism, so univer- 
sally understood today that it is never stated in terms, 
the following equally remarkable reply was received from, 
the Philadelphia society. The "second letter of the 23d" 
referred to was one announcing the completion of the 
wage scale of September 20 by the New York society. 

Philadelphia, October 28, 1809. 

Sir: Your letter of the 18th ultimo and 23d instant came 
duly to hand, and I have to apologize for the delay in forward- 
ing an answer. 

That of the 18th embraced a principle which was not read- 
ily acceded to — and the consideration of it was twice referred 
to the opinion of a select committee — a report was made this 
evening and finally adopted by the following words: "The 
committee thinks proper to report that they have considered the 
letter referred to them, and are of the opinion that the principle 
set forth therein is a good one, and will have a tendency to pro- 
mote the interests of the two societies, therefore, 

"Resolved, That whenever any member of this society shall 
act derogatory to the principles of this constitution, and shall 
leave this city for New York, information shall immediately be 
forwarded to the New York Typographical Society." 

As I am decidedly opposed to the principle, it can not be ex- 
pected that I should dilate upon it. I beg leave, however, to 
assure you that the will of the majority is my guide, and that 
I shall consider it my duty to act in strict conformity to the 
resolution. 

Your second letter of the 23d instant has given inexpressible 
pleasure to the members of the board and of the society in gen- 
eral. The energetic measure you have taken had been so long 
wanting in the respectable city of New York that the friends 
of equal rights reflect with disgust upon the humiliating condi- 
tion in which our brethren suffered themselves to remain there ; 
and the following hope now held forth that they have broken 

31 



History of The Typographical Union 

their manacles, with a determination that they shall never be 

riveted again, will be fostered and cherished, nay, assisted, as 

far as constitutionally may lay in their power. But the old 

adage will here apply, and should be attentively considered : 

"He that will not help himself shall have help from nobody." 

Persevere in your laudable struggle, and remember that no great 

end was ever yet attained without danger and difficulty. 

Be pleased to accept my best wishes and regards for your 

society, and believe that I am, with the sincerest respect, your 

humble servant, t~ t ™ t r- TTTTT .o 

' John Childs, 

President Typographical Society of Philadelphia. 

September 20, 1809, the society adopted a scale of 
prices, no copy of which has been found, but which it 
is known did little more than restore the scale of 1800 
on common work while providing for the classes of work 
not covered by any former standard of wages. 

A circular letter was printed and sent to the master 
printers, of which a copy follows : 

To the Master Printers of the City of New York. 

Gentlemen : Between employers and employed there are 
mutual interests depending, mutual duties to perform. To the 
end that these may result in harmony, certain rules and regu- 
lations should be adopted. Therefore, we, the journeymen 
printers of the city of New York, having duly and deliberately 
taken into consideration the present irregular state of the prices 
in many of the printing offices, and conceiving that they are in- 
adequate to a comfortable subsistence, have united themselves 
into an association for the purpose of regulating and establish- 
ing the same. The annexed list, framed with a due deference 
to justice and equitability, is presented with a view that it may 
meet your approbation. 

Upon receipt of the above the master printers formed 
an organization, and as a first move asked for a post- 
ponement of the date when the new regulations should 
go into effect. This the journeymen declined. To gain 
time, the masters' association then agreed to the demands, 
but at once began to advertise in other cities and towns 

32 



Early Organizations of Printers 

for printers, offering good wages and permanent posi- 
tions. As an offset, the Typographical Society's board 
of directors instructed the secretary to — 

Inform the different typographical societies in the United 
States that this board have reason to believe that it is the object 
of the master printers of this city, by advertising for a great 
number of workingmen, to fill the city with hands and thereby 
be enabled to reduce the prices of work in this city to their 
former standard. 

The members of the society were instructed to send 
information of the situation by letter to all outside jour- 
neymen of their acquaintance. 

Evidently the master printers were having some suc- 
cess with their plan, and, to bring the matter to imme- 
diate issue, the Typographical Society called a strike, 
beginning October 30, 1 809, for the enforcement of their 
scale. Most of the master printers soon agreed to the 
scale, but quite a number fought the issue bitterly, and 
what was for that time a strike of considerable duration 
resulted. Strike benefits were paid weekly, and it is not 
until December 18 that the last entry on the minutes is 
found recording money appropriated to the "brethren 
who had been thrown out of their employ in consequence 
of their refusing to work for less than the established 
prices." 

During this strike the society discovered that one of 
its members had secretly arranged to work for less than 
the scale in an office ostensibly paying the society's rate 
of wages. Immediately the other members of the so- 
ciety refused to work in the office with him, and requested 
that he not only be expelled from the society, but that 
his name be sent to the other societies. For some time 
the society was busy expelling members who had secretly 
worked below the scale during the strike. However, the 
struggle had cleared the atmosphere perceptibly. 

33 



History of The Typographical Union 

As showing the situation before the strike, it may be 
stated that the report of a committee appointed by the 
society to ''investigate the state of trade" and "list those 
working for less than the established price" showed com- 
positors working at 20 cents per 1,000 ems, pressmen 
working at 25 cents per token (240 sheets), and num- 
berless boys at from $4 to $4.50 per week. At one office 
they report : 

There is a man working at press who occupies the situation 
of two journeymen, who is said to have served no apprentice- 
ship at the business. 

Out of their experience came an amendment to their 
by-laws, passed December 23, within a week after the 
close of the strike : 

No person shall be admitted a member of this society unless 
he shall have duly and regularly served the term of three years 
as an apprentice to one branch, namely, either as a compositor 
or as a pressman. 

On December 30, 1809, they issued a circular letter, 
going into the whole matter of "half-way journeymen," 
afterward called "two-thirders," and the laxity of the 
apprenticeship regulations. It was addressed to the em- 
ployers, and as it is the earliest survey of the situation 
in the trade from the workman's point of view it is, 
notwithstanding its length, given in full below : 

To the Master Printers of the City of New York. 

Gentlemen : Viewing with deep concern the improper 
practices in many of the printing offices in this city, the journey- 
men composing the New York Typographical Society have ap- 
pointed the undersigned committee to address you on the sub- 
ject, and represent the many evil effects they have on the art of 
printing in general and its demoralizing effects on its professors. 

The practice of employing what is termed "half-way jour- 
neymen" in preference to those who have served their time, 
while it holds out encouragement to boys to elope from their 
masters, as soon as they acquire a sufficient knowledge of the 

34 



Early Organizations of Printers 

art to be enabled to earn their bread, is a great grievance to 
journeymen, and almost certain ruin to the boys themselves. 
Becoming masters of their own conduct at a period of life when 
they are incapable of governing their passions and propensities, 
they plunge headlong into every species of dissipation, and are" 
often debilitated by debauchery and disease before they arrive 
at the state of manhood. And it also tends to an unnecessary 
multiplication of apprentices, inasmuch as the place of every 
boy who elopes from his master is usually supplied by another, 
while at the same time the runaway supplies, after a manner, 
the place of a regular journeyman, and one who, probably, has 
a family dependent on his labor for support. 

We would also beg leave to call your attention to a practice 
as illiberal and unjust as the former, and attended, perhaps, 
with evils of a more aggravating nature. We mean that of tak- 
ing grown men (foreigners) as apprentices to some twelve or 
fifteen months, when they are to be turned into the situations 
of men who are masters of their business ; which men are to be 
turned out of their places by miserable botches, because they 
will work for what they can get. By these means numbers of 
excellent workmen, who ought to be ornaments to the profes- 
sion, are driven by necessity to some other means of support. 
When a parent puts out a child to learn an art, it is with the 
pleasing idea that a knowledge of that art will enable him, 
when he becomes a man, to provide for himself a comfortable 
subsistence. Did he know that after laboring from his youth to 
manhood to acquire our art he would be compelled to abandon 
it and resort to some business, with which he was totally unac- 
quainted, to enable him to live, he would certainly prefer that 
he should in the first instance seek a livelihood on the sea, or 
by some other precarious calling, than trust to the equally pre- 
carious success of a trade overstocked by its professors. Of the 
number that have completed their apprenticeship to the print- 
ing business within the last five years, but few have been en- 
abled to hold a situation for any length of time. And it is an 
incontrovertible fact, that nearly one-half who learn the trade 
are obliged to relinquish it and follow some other calling for 
support. 

Under the direful influence of the unwarrantable practices, 
the professors of the noblest art with which the world is blessed, 
have become "birds of passage," seeking a livelihood from 

35 



History of The Typographical Union 

Georgia to Maine. It is owing to such practices that to ac- 
knowledge yourself a printer is to awaken suspicion and cause 
distrust. It is owing to such practices that the professors of 
the noble art are sinking in the estimation of the community. 
And it will be owing to such practices, if persisted in, that to 
see a book correctly printed will, in a few years, be received as 
a phenomenon. 

To render an art respectable it is indispensably necessary that 
its professors should be perfect masters of their calling, which 
can only be acquired by serving a proper apprenticeship. And, 
in our art, it is not always time that perfects the printer. For 
it is too often the case, that boys of little or no education are 
taken as apprentices which the first services as devil frequently 
preclude the knowledge of, until they are bound, when the dis- 
covery is too late to be remedied. Owing to the deficiency, they 
make but sorry printers ; whereas, had they learned some trade 
which does not particularly require a good education, they 
might have been perfect masters of it and better able to gain 
a livelihood. These are evils, gentlemen, which we sorely feel, 
and which it is in your power to remedy ; and we sincerely hope 
that this appeal to your justice and humanity may meet with 
that consideration which its importance demands. 2 

D. H. Reins, 

W. BURBRIDGE, 

S. Johnson. 

A letter from the Philadelphia society in September, 
1810, informed the New York city organization of the 
new wage scale, that of September 20, and the strike for 

2 It is impossible to read this circular, and the subsequent struggle the 
unions had for fifty years with the runaway-apprentice and "two-thirder" prob- 
lems without recalling that oldest of journeymen printers' documents, preserved 
in the British Museum, and quoted in full by Brentano in his "History and De- 
velopment of Guilds" (note to p. 97), as follows: 

"The case and proposals of the free journeymen printers in and about Lon- 
don humbly submitted to consideration. Licensed October 23, 1666. 

"Whereas there are at this present in and about the city of London, to the 
number of 140 workmen printers, or thereabouts, who have served seven years 
to the art of printing, under lawful master printers, and are reduced to great 
necessities and temptations for want of lawful employment, occasioned partly 
by supernumerary apprentices and turnovers, which have increased the number 
almost twice as many, on the whole, as would be sufficient to discharge all the 
public and lawful work of the kingdom. The workmen printers above-mentioned, 
etc., propose: 1. That no foreigners (that is to say) such an one as has not 

36 



Early Organizations of Printers 

its enforcement in the former city. Immediately an 
extra meeting of the New York society was called to act 
upon it. The following extract from the minutes shows 
how a feeling of unity of interest was rapidly growing 
among the workmen of the neighboring cities of that date. 
The minutes are those of the special or called meeting: 

A letter was read from the journeymen printers of Philadel- 
phia, accompanied with a circular list of prices, which they are 
now standing out for, and urging us to co-operate with them in 
order to obtain their just demands ; and the board, conceiving 
the nature of the communication of the utmost importance, 
came to the immediate resolution of convening the general so- 
ciety, and the following was immediately passed : 

"Resolved, That a general extra meeting of this society be 
called on Monday, the 24th instant, for the purpose of giving 
general information to the members of the proceedings of the 
journeymen printers of Philadelphia. 

"Resolved (unanimously). That we highly approve of the 
proceedings of our typographical brethren of the city of Phila- 
delphia in the demand for a raise of prices. 

"Resolved, etc., That we pledge ourselves to each other that 
we will not take any situation vacated by any of our brethren in 
Philadelphia under the present circumstances. 

"Resolved, etc., That it be recommended to the members of 
this society to make the proceedings of this meeting known as 
general as possible. 

"Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted 
by the secretary to the Philadelphia Typographical Society." 

served seven years to the art of printing, under a lawful master printer, as an 
apprentice, may be entertained and employed by any master printer for the 
time to come. 2. That a provision may be made to hinder the increase of ap- 
prentices and a limitation appointed as to the number, etc. 3. That no turn- 
overs be received by any master printer but from a master printer; and that 
no master printer turning over any apprentice to another master printer may 
be permitted to take any other apprentice in his place till the full time of the 
said apprentice so turned over be expired; for, otherwise, the restraint and 
limitation of apprentices will be evaded, and the number supplied by turnovers." 
It is significant to note that the remedy proposed by this first craft guild 
of London printers in 1666 — i. e., limitation on the number of apprentices — was 
precisely the one eventually adopted by the typographical societies in the United 
States, beginning with the New Orleans society in 1839, and finally adopted 
by the Washington (D. C.) Union in its constitution of 1867, the last of the 
local unions to adopt the measure. 

37 



History of The Typographical Union 

On August 7, 1 81 1, the society added an article to its 
constitution limiting the age at which apprentices at 
presswork may begin and prohibiting members from 
working with men receiving less than the scale. The 
words of the amendment were : 

No member of this society shall be permitted to take with 
him as a companion at press a person who is of full age at the 
commencement of his apprenticeship ; nor shall any member of 
the society work in an office where a person is employed for less 
than our established prices, under the penalty of expulsion in 
either case. 

A side light is thrown on the conditions which fur- 
nish a justification, from the trade-unionist point of view, 
for the first provision of the above article, when on July 
24, 1 81 3, a committee reports on a proposition for mem- 
bership. This applicant proves to have been a weaver 
by trade; but as weaving "gave him a pain in the breast" 
he got a situation in a livery stable, From that he went 
into a printing office as a pressman. Even his employer 
testified before the committee that when he came to work 
for him "he did not know how to scrape a ball, and by 
his appearance and conduct thought he was never in a 
printing office before." The society refused him admis- 
sion "since he is a weaver, not a printer." Apprenticeship 
was- felt to be their only protection, and as a safeguard 
the pressmen (who worked in pairs) were prohibited from 
taking as companion a man who had "broken into the 
trade" after he was 21 years of age. 

Early in 181 5 the society began debating the question 
of a new wage scale. One was finally adopted October 
7, 181 5. This scale further restricted the apprentices by 
requiring the employer to pay the pressmen an extra 
piece price where apprentices were being taught the 
trade. Not only did the society adopt a new scale, rais- 
ing the rates to 27 cents per 1,000 ems and $9 per week, 

38 



Early Organizations of Printers 

but at the same meeting, by unanimous vote, adopted a 
resolution that "a committee of three be appointed to 
confer with the different typographical societies in the 
United States, the duty of which committee shall be to 
induce (if possible) the journeymen of Philadelphia, and 
Albany in particular, to raise their prices to at least the 
same standard as ours." 

The new wage scale was accepted by most of the 
employers, but involved the society in a strike for its 
enforcement in a few minor offices. From a clause in 
a letter the New York society sent to the societies in Al- 
bany, N. Y., and Washington, D. C, in 1816, in response 
to notices of the adoption of new wage scales by those 
societies, it will be seen that the employers of New York 
were the first to insist upon or at least suggest the idea 
of a uniform wage scale for the entire country, an idea 
which for other reasons agitated the various societies for 
nearly a half century afterward. The clause referred to 
states : 

That you should pursue the measures you are now pursuing 
has been the desire of both the journeymen and employers of 
this city for the following reasons : It was urged by the em- 
ployers last summer, when our journeymen made a demand for 
higher wages, that unless journeymen in other places would 
raise their prices to an equilibrium with those we had presented, 
it would induce the booksellers to send their work out of the 
city, as the difference in the price for which work could be done 
elsewhere would more than pay for the transportation. 

It must be remembered that at this time and for nearly 
a quarter of a century afterward newspapers employed 
such a small percentage of the printers that the societies 
paid little attention to anything else than the book and 
job offices. 

After the strike to enforce the wage scale of 181 5 the 
society again had to discipline a number of its members. 
Some of the early societies had admitted to membership 

39 



History of The Typographical Union 

employers who paid the scale. While this society had 
never done this, a member who had been admitted as a 
journeyman did not lose any of his rights in the society 
by becoming an employer. The obligation or pledge re- 
quired members not only to demand the scale of prices 
as journeymen, but to pay it should they become "mas- 
ters." The experience of the strike forced a new meas- 
ure upon the organization. The temper of the society 
was to be tested by the trial of an extreme case, and one 
member who had become an employer subsequent to 
joining the society was brought up on a charge having 
six separate counts, three of which read as follows : 

First. For an attempt, in combination with a few employ- 
ing printers, to lessen the established wages of journeymen. 

Second. For introducing into the printing business men 
wholly unacquainted with it to the exclusion of regular-bred 
workmen. 

Third. For refusing to give employment to members of this 
society and employing one not a member in preference — a di- 
rect violation of the solemn pledge he has repeatedly given us. 

The other three charges were, in substance, that he had 
given currency among the masters to the plans and pur- 
poses of the society, contrary to his obligation ; that he 
had permitted his name to be added to the announcement 
of other employers in advertising for "strangers" to come 
to New York and take the places of the striking printers; 
and lastly, that he had injured his brother members of 
the society. On motion, a resolution of expulsion was 
passed, which resolution provided : "And his name, with 
the nature of his offense, be transmitted to the differ- 
ent typographical societies in the United States." To 
safeguard the future and make permanent the lesson 
learned, the by-laws were amended by the addition of 
the following: 

Experience teaches us that the actions of men are influenced 
almost wholly by their interests, and that it is almost impossible 

40 



Early Organizations of Printers 

a society can be regulated and useful where its members are 
actuated by opposite motives and separate interests. This so- 
ciety is a society of journeymen printers, and as the interests of 
the journeymen are separate and in some respects opposite to 
that of the employers, we deem it improper that they should 
have any voice or influence in our deliberation ; therefore, 

Resolved, That when any member of this society shall be- 
come an employing printer he shall be considered without the 
limits of the society and not to vote on any question, or pay any 
dues in the same. 

No device was to be permitted to lessen the piece price 
of a quantity named in the scale. Under the old system 
of printing playing cards but one was printed at a time. 
Some master printer devised a scheme of setting up two 
cards in a form and then claimed a reduction from the 
pressmen's scale for presswork. The meeting of June 7, 
181 7, was devoted to a solution of the problem: "If 
two cards of the same be set and worked two at a pull 
shall they be charged less than if they were worked 
singly?" The decision of the society was that "every 
fifty-two cards so worked be charged a pack." 3 Mem- 
bers were held to honest work for their employers and 
expelled from the society for an unworkmanlike thing 
as surely as for an act prejudicial to the interests of 
other workmen. In November, 181 7, a member was ex- 
pelled and his name sent to all known societies because 
he had "turned wrong a half sheet of 24/s, and without 
mentioning the fact to his employers left the city, even 
neglecting to note down the signature letter in his bill — 
conduct highly derogatory to the New York Typograph- 
ical Society and disgraceful to himself as a member." 

Out of the conditions in the industry were rapidly de- 



3 The principle involved here has always been contended for by British 
trade unions, but not, as a rule, by those of the United States, at least until 
recently. The claim is that labor should have a once-established percentage 
share of the product, regardless of time involved in its production. This is now 
a dictum of the unions that seek to maintain "a competitive equality" among 
employers, but is not a part of the typographical union's creed. 

41 



History of The Typographical Union 

veloped the measures which soon became the customs 
which, ossifying, became the anatomy of subsequent trade 
unionism — the bones and framework of all modern or- 
ganizations along trade lines. These "fundamental 
principles of trade unionism," which are never now 
expressed in constitutions, or elaborated in resolutions, 
because too thoroughly understood to be expressed, or 
require expression, are but the successful experiments of 
the formative period in its life, made permanent by time ; 
the sediment of experience petrified. As witness to this 
development it is worthy of note that at its meeting in 
November, 1817, the society resolved to keep a register 
of members, and their places of employment. One mem- 
ber was appointed as the representative of the society in 
each printing office, and at each meeting as their names 
were read they must give information "as to the state of 
trade and the chances of employment for more of our 
members." A list of those out of work was also to be 
kept, and these in the order of registration were to be 
notified of any vacancies or opportunities for employ- 
ment reported at each meeting. How suggestive this is 
of the "father of the chapel," the "house of call," and 
the "waiting list," and each of the early societies de- 
veloped similar features. The aggressive element was, 
however, being defeated in another direction. In 1 816 
the society had made application to the state legislature 
at Albany for an act of incorporation. The assembly 
passed the bill, but the senate inserted an amendment, 
which, while preserving all of the social and "benefit" 
features of the society, prohibited it from interfering in 
any manner with trade matters, or attempting to influ- 
ence the wages of labor. This amendment to its bill the 
society declined to accept, and the matter went over for 
two years. In 1818 the bill came up in its original form 
again, and was again passed by the assembly. Thurlow 

42 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Weed, who had joined the society in October, 1816, just 
after it had established its wage scale of 181 5, but be- 
fore industrial peace had been entirely secured, had 
charge of the society's bill in Albany. Mr. Weed seems to 
have been thoroughly in sympathy with the trade regula- 
tion interests of the organizations, but the senate was not 
to be moved. After two years of effort to secure what it 
wanted from the legislature, the society finally accepted 
the senate's terms and adopted, as section 5 of article 1 
of its constitution, the following: 

Sec. 5. In no case shall the society interfere in respect to 
the price of labor. 

The society exists today and is financially prosperous, 
but it passed out of the class of organizations considered 
in this article by its acceptance of this legislative charter 
in 1818. On its beneficial side it had a most elaborate 
system for the relief of needy members, going so far as 
to furnish and pay watchers for the sick. The large 
area of its jurisdiction was divided into sections with 
visiting committees for each. It was as active in matters 
of mutual benefit and help as on its trade side. The mu- 
tual aid element in these early societies has been fully 
written up heretofore by scholars who, judging only from 
their printed constitution, and not having access to the 
minutes or records, have assumed that they were merely 
mutual aid and burial societies. There is no disposition 
here to question or ignore this element in these societies, 
but to bring to light from the minutes the evidence that 
whatever livery of charitable clubs they wore in public, 
in their hall rooms they were labor organizations. 

Considerable space has been given to this New York 
society of 1809 because of its trade aggressiveness. In 
trade matters it was the stormy petrel of the early so- 
cieties, and but for the clipping of its wings in 18 18 the 
societies organized in the movement of 181 5 to 1820 

43 



History of The Typographical Union 

would probably, under its influence, have been as dis- 
tinctively and as openly trade unions as were those 
organized from 1830 to 1 850. 

In order to follow more closely the career of this New 
York Typographical Society from its inception to the 
surrender of its trade influence, there has been some sac- 
rifice of strict chronological arrangement. It remains, 
however, but to state that from the time of its organiza- 
tion, July 1, 1809, until it ceased to be a labor force in 
1 81 8, it had enrolled 237 members. 

During the war of 181 2 the secretary of the society, 
David H. Reins, organized a company of artillery com- 
posed entirely of printers for the defense of the harbor 
of New York; just as the Philadelphia society, by unani- 
mous vote in September, 18 14, resolved to appropriate 
one day's labor for each of its members "on the fortifica- 
tions now erecting for the defense of the city," and on 
October 14, 18 14, appointed a committee of three "whose 
duty it shall be to receive applications of the wives of 
such members of this society now absent in the service 
of the country, under the requisition of the president 
thereof, as may stand in need of assistance, and that they 
report at every meeting of the directory the sum they 
think proper to be allowed to each." 

The Philadelphia society, after passing the resolution 
of December, 1808, forbidding its members to instruct 
an apprentice who was more than 18 years of age at the 
commencement of his apprenticeship, and providing for 
the transmission to other societies of the names of ex- 
pelled members, as elsewhere referred to, followed this 
up in March, 1 809, by requiring all members to take the 
obligation formerly exacted only from officers, including 
the pledge "that I will procure employment for any 
member or members of this society in preference to any 
other when occasion may require." 

44 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Early in 1809 tne society began proceedings to secure 
incorporation. Some alteration in the constitution was 
required by the courts preliminary thereto, though the 
exact character of the change does not appear on the 
minutes. In December, 1809, however, "the committee 
appointed to procure an incorporation reported that the 
constitution had been handed to the judge of the supreme 
court for signature on that day and that Mr. Franklin's 
fee as counsel was $8, which he would not accept, but 
returned to the committee as a donation to the funds of 
the society." 

July 14, 1810, the initiation fee was raised to $5 and a 
clause added to its constitution which has caused the 
downfall of more societies than any other one thing with 
which tHey had to contend, to the effect that members 
who paid their dues for twenty years became "free mem- 
bers," entitled to all the benefits of the society for life 
without further payment. The effect of this will be 
referred to elsewhere. 

In September, 18 10, the society presented a new scale 
of prices to the employers, which seems to have been 
unsatisfactory. No copy of this price list has been found. 
A strike for its enforcement seems to have been a dis- 
astrous failure, almost depleting the society's treasury 
and greatly reducing its membership. At the beginning 
of 1 8 10 there were 119 members in good standing, 14 
joining during the year, and 78 resigned or were ex- 
pelled, leaving the membership 55, or only one more than 
in 1802, at the close of its first year of existence. 

Apart from its patriotic attitude in 18 14, referred to 
above, the benevolent features of the society occupied its 
energies until June, 18 16, when the pressmen formulated 
a scale and issued the following address to the employers. 
A similar statement was issued by the compositors, bear- 
ing the indorsement of the society, which raises the ques- 

45 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion as to whether the pressmen belonged to the society or 
whether the society as such indorsed only the demands 
of the compositors and not those of the pressmen. The 
only copy of this address and price list found was tran- 
scribed on the minutes of the New York Typographical 
Society as a communication from Philadelphia. The 
document itself appears to emanate from a mass meeting 
rather than from the society. 

The Philadelphia Typographical Society seems not to 
have become a purely benevolent association until 1831. 
Whether or not the pressmen acted independently of the 
society in this matter the address and scale is worth pre- 
serving here. 

Philadelphia, June 17, 1816. 

To the Employing Printers of the City and County of Phila- 
delphia. 

Gentlemen : The pressmen are induced, from a duty 
which they owe to themselves, to call your serious attention to 
what they here present you. The general prices that they now 
receive for their work were established fourteen years since [by 
the scale committee of 1802] ; it will therefore appear obvious 
to every person that there has been a great increase since that 
period in the population of our country, likewise a wide exten- 
sion of our commerce, agriculture, and manufactures. The 
consequence has been a very considerable rise in the things 
necessary for the comfort of man. They are decidedly of the 
opinion that almost all mechanics have had an advance in their 
wages in proportion to the rise in the necessaries of life, taken 
in the aggregate ; while the printer, whose profession is not 
second in point of merit to any other, is left as it were to stem 
the torrent of adversity with an empty pocket. Heaven forbid 
thLt this should be the fate of those whose labors tend so essen- 
tially to the promulgation of knowledge throughout our ex- 
tensive country. And they likewise believe it to be an indelible 
fact, long since established, that Philadelphia is famous for its 
workmen in the art preservative of all arts, both in skill and 
faculty; but with shame they are compelled to say (notwith- 
standing our city is the emporium of art) that they receive a 

46 



Early Organizations of Printers 

less award for their services than is awarded in any of the other 
cities of the Union. From a sense of imperious duty incumbent 
upon them as respectable members of society, they now make 
the demand, fully confident that it is moderate and just. The 
laborer is worthy of his hire. 

They therefore anticipate that you will, with liberality be- 
coming your profession, give your decided approbation to the 
annexed scale of prices. Your opposition we ought not to ex- 
pect. We are, however, directed by the meeting to inform you 
that we have been authorized and directed to correspond and 
confer with you individually, or to meet any committee that may 
be appointed on your part for that purpose. You will, there- 
fore, gentlemen, please to inform us of your determination as 
soon as possible, as we have to report to the next meeting. On 
our part, we assure you that we will use our utmost endeavors 
in this conference to produce a good understanding and to 
avoid, as far as possible, those inconveniences and altercations 
which invariably arise out of an imperfect understanding, well 
aware that it is too often cherished by those whose position 
"does not command a view of the whole ground." 

(Signed by order of the meeting.) _ _ _ 

■ J. C. DOWDEN, 

P. Miller, 
Geo. Hitner, 
John Douglas, 
O. P. Merrill, 
Committee on behalf of the Journeymen Pressmen. 

press work 

Pressmen to receive not less than $9 per week for 10 hours' 
work per day. Paper — medium and below medium, not less 
than 33 1-3 cents per token; when the number is less than four 
tokens, to be charged 35 cents per token ; above medium 37^ 
cents per token; stereotype editions to be charged 35 cents per 
token ; broadsides, medium, 60 cents per token ; royal, 75 cents 
per token. Cards — for one pack and not exceeding two packs, 
33 I- 3 cents ; when the number exceeds two packs, to be charged 
l2 J / 2 cents per pack. 

The result of this appeal is not known. In April, 181 7, 
the society appointed a committee styled the Committee 
of Employ — 

47 



History of The Typographical Union 

"Whose duty it shall be to receive the name or names of 
such person or persons belonging to this society as shall 
from time to time be out of employment, which committee 
shall thereupon take all just and honorable methods of 
procuring situations for such applicants. 

"Said committee shall meet at least twice in every month, 
and shall make report to the board of directors at every 
meeting thereof of the number of applicants (designating 
their names), and generally of the progress made in the 
duties of said committee, which report shall be duly en- 
tered on the minutes by the secretary and read at each 
stated meeting of the society." 

From time to time committees were "appointed to in- 
vestigate the state of the printing business in this city" 
until February 5, 1831, when, by resolution, it was de- 
cided "that this society from and after the first day of 
April, 183 1, be dissolved," and a committee was appointed 
to turn all its assets into cash and divide the funds among 
the members. Before the date set for dissolution ar- 
rived, however, namely, February 12, it was decided 
"that we do now agree to form an association for benevo- 
lent purposes;" and that while the cash on hand should 
be divided among the members, "the library and book- 
case and the burial lot" should be given to the new 
organization, provided the donor of the burial lot (Mr. 
Ronaldson) would consent to the transfer. 

Thus died the trade regulation features in one of the 
oldest societies. As a society it still exists, as does the 
New York society of 1809. Never so aggressively indus- 
trial as some of the others, the Philadelphia society was 
conservatively a trade organization from 1802 to 1831, 
and even after that, in 1832, it being rumored that one 
of its members was about to employ women as compos- 
itors, and had offered a non-union printer a situation as 
foreman in case women were employed, the feeling in 

48 



Early Organizations of Printers 

the society was so strong that the member in question felt 
called upon to write a letter to be spread upon the 
minutes of the society denying that lie had ever intended 
to employ women. 4 

A table (see page 50), compiled from the records of 
this society, shows the growth in membership and receipts 
and expenditures for half a century, from its organi- 
zation in 1802 till 1852. 

The year 181 5 was a memorable one for printers' so- 
cieties. Boston, Mass. ; Albany, N. Y., and Washington, 
D. C, organized during the year, and while the date of 
the organization of the Baltimore Typographical So- 
ciety is not known, the first mention of it is also found 
during this year. The first meeting of the Washington 



4 This is the first mention found of women in the trade. Later the ques- 
tion became of utmost importance to printers, and a brief summary of its his- 
tory seems necessary here, since the final disposition did not occur until after 
the date set as a limit to the general text of this article. January 17, 1835, a 
special meeting was called by the Washington (D. C.) society because of the 
alarm occasioned by a statement published in a local paper "that girls were 
being employed as compositors in newspaper offices in Philadelphia," to break a 
strike. Resolutions were adopted and embodied in a circular letter sent to the 
typographical societies of Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Baltimore, ask- 
ing if any girls were so employed, if so, how many, and what action these so- 
cieties "proposed to take to prevent the further progress of this evil?" The 
records do not show that any replies were received. The national convention 
of 1854 devoted much of its time to a discussion of the "woman question," as 
the Detroit Union had asked for instructions in the matter. The proceedings 
of the convention contain pages of resolutions on all sides of the problem, none 
of which passed. The matter was referred to a committee which recommended 
that the regulation of the subject be left to local unions, since "the employ- 
ment of females, as compositors, can never become so general or extensive 
as to affect the trade materially." At a meeting of the Boston Typographical 
Union held June 14, 1856, a motion that "any member working in any office 
that employs female compositors should be expelled from the union," was "laid 
over" for future consideration, and April 11, 1857, tne same union passed a 
resolution "that all females be allowed by this society to work in all branches 
of the business, provided they receive the scale of prices adopted by this union." 
The Philadelphia delegates to the national convention of 1855 were especially 
"instructed to oppose any recognition of the employment of females as com- 
positors." Nearly every national convention debated, and every local union, 
in cities at least, had to adopt a policy in regard to this subject. Finally a 
"union of women printers" was organized in New York city in 1870 and 
sought admission to the national, and the national convention of 1872 settled 
the matter by admitting women to full membership in local unions and demand- 
ing for her labor the same price paid to men. 

49 



.History of The Typographical Union 

Statistics of Membership and of Receipts and Expenditures 
During First Half Century of the Philadelphia Typograph- 
ical Society : 









MEMBERS 


RECEIPTS 


EXPENDITURES 


YEAR 


Ad- 
mitted 


Died, 
Resigned, 

or 
Expelled 


In Good 
Stand- 
ing 


Dues, 

Fines, 

Initiations 


From 
Other 
Sources 


Death, 

Sick, or 

Out-of-work 

Benefits 


Other 
Expenses 


1802 


54 




54 


$80 64 








1803 






13 


5 


62 


70 94 




$3 00 


$59 00 


1804 . 






I 




63 


162 00 






9 00 


1805 










63 


52 62 






9 00 


1806 






6 


1 


68 


116 87 


$3 75 


12 00 


44 10 


1807 






22 


2 


88 


229 38 


48 00 


41 00 


30 37 


1808 . 






9 


2 


95 


109 78 


48 70 


36 00 


45 25 


1809 






24 




119 


168 00 


44 00 


65 '00 


165 37 


1810 






14 


'78 


55 


333 00 


52 00 


79 00 


255 02 


I8I.I 






6 


2 


59 


209 88 


31 00 


194 00 


57 50 


1812 






7 


2 


64 


172 00 


833 00 


101 00 


32 50 


1813 






6 


3 


67 


193 00 


65 34 


31 00 


46 50 


1814 






3 


4 


66 


138 37 


74 90 


105 00 


33 00 


1815 






10 


4 


72 


251 38 


70 34 


103 00 


38 18 


1816 






11 


3 


80 


232 62 


78 19 


75 00 


91 24 


1817 






14 


6 


88 


247 50 


95 93 


48 00 


160 84 


1818 






7 


2 


93 


203 87 


95 67 


129 00 


44 00 


1819 






2 


4 


9i 


130 25 


67 92 


183 00 


256 25 


1820 






2 


5 


88 


128 50 


21 98 


215 00 


192 34 


1821 








4 


84 


118 50 


35 75 


270 00 


27 75 


1822 






9 


4 


89 


123 87 


314 09 


143 00 


13 88 


1823 






2 


3 


88 


161 88 


7i 54 


114 50 


271 01 


1824 






9 


6 


9i 


128 87 


62 81 


259 50 


27 84 


1825 






10 


2 


99 


154 63 


999 05 


101 50 


259 26 


1826 






6 


1 


104 


115 50 


73 25 


36 00 


118 19 


1827 






12 


4 


112 


19.9 25 


80 25 


163 50 


130 87 


1828 






4 


3 


113 


ii4 75 


76 50 


162 00 


25 00 


1829 






6 


3 


116 


137 91 


91 00 


248 00 


5i 30 


1830 






1 


3 


114 


158 2 S 


297 12 


328 00 


106 00 


1831 






S 2 


*H4 


52 


463 35 




55 00 


21 58 


1832 






22 




74 


429 36 


100 00 


368 57 


34 35 


1833 






45 


14 


105 


473 84 


112 00 


267 00 


79 94 


1834 






29 


23 


in 


840 19 


45 00 


150 00 


257 78 


1835 






39 


33 


117 


831 00 


70 00 


295 52 


305 92 


1836 






26 


28 


ii5 


620 49 


77 65 


297 54 


22 12 


1837 






19 


19 


115 


688 13 


88 10 


203 67 


180 09 


1838 






19 


12 


122 


569 56 


100 00 


462 84 


109 75 


1839 






21 


18 


125 


729 24 


1 12 00 


260 36 


147 45 


1840 






25 


15 


135 


835 24 


132 00 


267 72 


131 33 


1841 






37 


6 


166 


1,030 04 


150 00 


648 35 


130 04 


1842 






1 1 


9 


168 


1,008 04 


278 00 


i,33i 84 


172 27 


1843 






9 


8 


169 


1,156 21 


162 00 


827 13 


258 92 


1844 






16 


10 


175 


1,161 15 


162 00 


1,293 35 


^34 02 


l8 4 S 






15 




190 


1,221 00 


162 00 


1,264 72 


165 55 


1846 






24 


6 


208 


1,340 76 


162 00 


782 99 


123 30 


1847 






1 1 


7 


212 


1,642 34 


163 10 


1,235 35 


132 00 


1848 






14 


1 


225 


i,533 53 


162 00 


1,362 16 


141 20 


1849 






18 


9 


234 


1,630 42 


162 00 


1,566 88 


150 85 


1850 






7 


6 


235 


1,564 50 


328 90 


1,801 69 


85 50 


1851 






15 


9 


24I 


1,508 12 


233 71 


1,568 23 


99 90 



* Reorganization. Funds divided equally. 



50 



Early Organizations of Printers 

printers for the purpose of organization was held Decem- 
ber 10, 1 8 14, at the private house of H. L. Lewis, in 
whose parlor the society met for some years, paying him 
$1 per month for the privilege. At this first meeting 
a committee was appointed to draft a constitution "with 
instructions to model the same as nearly as may be prac- 
ticable by that of the Philadelphia Typographical So- 
ciety." This committee reported in January, 181 5; the 
constitution was adopted, and the society organized with 
nineteen members. Nine more were added during the 
year, making a total of twenty-eight at the close of 

1815. 5 

The fact should not be overlooked that the Washing- 
ton society (called the Columbia Typographical Society) 
was modeled after the most conservative and largely ben- 
eficial of the earlier societies — that of Philadelphia ; 
while that of Albany, N. Y., evidently organized at the 
instigation of the emissaries from the New York city 
society, was patterned after that more aggressive body. 
But if the "first object of the Columbia society was benev- 
olence," it also proposed to "regulate prices," and in the 
conflict of factions, almost evenly divided as to numbers 
(except under extreme provocation, as in 1836), it was at 
once liberally benevolent and conservatively persistent in 
trade matters, being the only one of the old societies that 
has survived until today, and developed into a modern 
trade union, rather than a mutual benefit association. 

On June 15, 181 5, a committee of correspondence was 



5 As no information has hitherto been obtainable relative to the membership 
of these organizations, the accessions to this society, by years, is here noted up 
to 1840. As stated above, it had twenty-eight members at the close of 1815. 
In 1816 it added fifteen to its membership; five in 1817; nine in 1818; five in 
1819; nine in 1820; six in 1821; five in 1822; fourteen in 1823; ten in 1824; 
thirteen in 1825; eleven in 1826; nine in 1827; eleven in 1828; two in 1829; 
four in 1830; eleven in 1831; seven in 1832; five in 1833; seventy-one in 1834; 
thirty-three in 1835; seventeen in 1836; thirty-one in 1837; seventeen in 1838, 
and seventeen in 1839, making a total of recorded names in twenty-five years 
of 365. 

51 



History of The Typographical Union 

appointed, which reported July I that it had sent the 
following circular letter to the typographical societies 
of Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Albany, and Bos- 
ton. The copy here given is from the minutes of the 
original society. It differs in phraseology on minor 
points from the copy made from the records of the New 
York society as received. 

Washington, July — , 1815. 
To the President of the Society, at . 

Sir : By a vote of the Columbia Typographical Society, we 
were appointed a committee of correspondence : In pursuance 
of which appointment it has become our duty, through you, to 
address the society over which you preside, informing them of 
the organization, in the District of Columbia, of a society un- 
der the above title : having for its object, first, benevolence, and 
second, the establishment of a regular system of prices. In the 
obtainment of these views, we feel assured of the good wishes 
of your body, as well as of every friend to the profession. 

In the infancy of associations of this nature difficulties will 
frequently occur, tending to dampen the fondest expectations 
of the most sanguine. That we have had to contend with such 
difficulties we will not attempt to deny, but by a determined 
perseverance on the part of each member, they have been caused 
to vanish, and we now indulge the pleasing hope that our so- 
ciety is firmly and permanently established. With satisfaction 
we have it in our power to state that, with but few exceptions, 
every journeyman in this District is now a member of this so- 
ciety. The few who are not, we have the strongest reasons for 
asserting, will in a short time attach themselves to us. 

We are also directed to state, for the information of the 
journeymen in your vicinity, the wages given in the District, 
viz. : 

During the session of congress, per week $1000 

Working on a Sunday 2 00 

During the recess, per week 9 00 

For pressmen and compositors — 

Composition, per 1000 m's, for brevier and upward . 28 

Composition, per 1000 m's, for lesa than brevier 335^ 

Presswork, per token 33 Vi 

Presswork, per token, on newspapers 37^2 

52 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Journeymen are altogether employed by the week during the 
session of Congress. 

We give this notice with a hope that it may prevent journey- 
men at a distance engaging at less prices than those above 
quoted. 

With a request that reciprocal communications having a 
tendency to benefit the profession may at all times take place, 

We have the honor to be, sir, yours, etc., respectfully, 

Jas. Pettigrew, 
J. Gideon, jr. 

This letter brought but two replies, one from Balti- 
more 6 and that of the president of the New York Typo- 
graphical Society, which society sent a further commu- 
nication, received October 7, notifying the Columbia 
society of a strike in New York to enforce the scale of 
prices, and asking that no Washington printers be per- 
mitted to take situations in New York until the trouble 
was over. At this meeting of October 7 a "committee 
was appointed to draft a list of prices similar to that of 
Baltimore." This committee reported and the list was 
approved November 4, 181 5. 



The letter from the Baltimore society makes so clear the fact that that or- 
ganization was likewise as thoroughly economic in its purpose as were the 
others that it is reproduced here, since no other documents of this early Balti- 
more society have been discovered. 

Baltimore, December 8, 1815. 
To the President of the Columbia Typographical Society. 

Sir: I hasten to comply with a requisition of the Baltimore Typographical 
Association, imposed on me by a vote of that body at their last meeting, viz., 
a reply to a communication received from a committee of the society over 
which you have the honor to preside — under the name and title first mentioned. 
Previous, however, to entering into the performance of this task it .becomes a 
duty incumbent on me as a friend to a mutual interchange of sentiments be- 
tween associations of this nature, as well as individuals, to explain, so far as 
is within my power, the causes which have produced this almost unpardonable 
delay — a delay so derogatory to the feelings and so contrary to the wishes of 
every member of our body. 

Your communication bears date of June 30, 181 5. It was, I believe, re- 
ceived in due season, and promptly laid before the next meeting after its re- 
ceipt, which meeting empowered and required the then secretary to forward 
a reply, expressive of the thanks of the association for the attention you have 
shown them, the pleasure they always experience in the establishment of any 

53 



History of The Typographical Union 

The Boston Typographical Society of 1809 had appar- 
ently ceased to exist, as another of the same name was 
organized November 25, 1815, and on March 2, 1816, 
on the eve of a demand for an increase of wages, sent 
the following letter to the various societies : 

Boston, March 2, 1816. 

Sir : A society bearing the name of the "Boston Typo- 
graphical Society" was formed in this town on the 25th of 
November last past, of which P. F. Quearean is president; 
Henry Nichols, vice-president, and William Learned, secretary. 

On Monday next, 4th of March, the journeymen of this 
town and vicinity calculate to receive the prices which they have 
adopted. The employers have already been informed of our 
determination and we doubt not they will be obstinate at first, 
but must eventually agree to give us the prices we ask, provided 
we are united and the journeymen of your city do not think 
proper to come to this town for work at the call of the masters, 
as they will doubtless many of them advertise for workmen in 
a short time. 



regulations which have the least tendency to promote the interest and happi- 
ness of our brethren in every section of the Union, their congratulations that 
you have so completely succeeded in rebuffing the many obstacles naturally in- 
cident in the formation of such associations, and their readiness at all times 
to co-operate with you in all and every measure which may have for its ob- 
ject the mutual interest of both associations and the profession generally. The 
above order, from causes not yet explained, has not been complied with, nor 
was known until the last meeting. 

Hoping that the above-recited fact will be sufficient to remove any un- 
pleasant sensations from your minds which may have been excited in conse- 
quence thereof, I embrace the present occasion of complimenting you on the 
fundamental principles of your association — "benevolence" and the "establish- 
ment of a regular system of prices." The first is one of the noblest virtues 
of the human heart and the last very essential to the promotion of the inter- 
est and happiness of every association of a mechanical nature. 

To conclude, sir, you may be assured that we will always feel proud to 
receive any communication from the Columbia society which may, in the least, 
have a tendency to favor the views or carry into effect the objects of each 
association, and will ever be ready at any moment to act with alacrity in con- 
junction with it on any measure that might lead to our mutual benefit. 

I have the honor to remain, with the sentiments of respect (on behalf of 

the Baltimore association), your very obt. humble servant. 

John Revell, 

_ President of said Association. 

Mr. Alexander Graham, 

President of the Columbia Typographical Society. 

54 



Early Organizations of Printers 

We, therefore, earnestly request that you will give notice to 
the members of your society of our proceedings, and as it is all 
important that we should be left to manage our own affairs in 
our own way, you will please give us every necessary aid in the 
present contest which "try men's souls." 
We are, sir, with respect, yours, etc., 

Eliakim Fish, 
Geo. Singleton, 
Wm. Kerry, jr., 

Committee. 
P. S. — Should you observe in the newspapers an advertise- 
ment for journeymen wanted in this place, we request you to 
advertise in our behalf that there are between 50 and 60 jour- 
neymen out of employ in Boston. 

October 4, 1816, the aggressive Albany society, which, 
as stated above, had been organized in 181 5, sent the 
following letter to all societies : 

Albany, October 4, 1816. 
To the President of the Washington City Typographical So- 
ciety, Washington. 

Sir : All bodies formed for the purpose of maintaining the 
rights of those concerned therein, while at the same time they 
afford relief in cases of distress to which any of their members 
may be exposed, ought to possess the means of holding up to 
the contempt of those societies who have the same just and 
benevolent ends in view, such persons as either from self- 
interest or perverseness endeavor to defeat the object of such 
associations. 

Influenced by these sentiments, the Albany Typographical 
Society authorized the undersigned to communicate to the differ- 
ent societies in the United States their willingness to co-operate 
with them in the furtherance of all lawful measures conducive 
with the interests of the business, and at the same time to for- 
ward the names of several' unprincipled persons to you, and 
through you to the Washington City Typographical Society, 
who, for months past, have been and are still working in the 

office of Messrs. in this city below the prices established 

by the society. 

Their names are , , , , , . 

55 



History of The Typographical Union 

What renders their conduct the more censurable is the fact 
of their being several times warned of the consequences which 
would result from their proceedings, but persisting notwith- 
standing. 

By order of the society. 

John B. N. wSteinbergh, President. 
John Henshall, Secretary. 

While this was recognized as a radical step to take at 
that time, there was no refusal to comply with the re- 
quest of the Albany society. It was, in fact, no more 
than the Philadelphia society had reluctantly conceded 
to the New York society in 1809. The Albany society 
seems to have refused to permit its members to work in 
offices with men receiving less than the scale almost from 
the first. This society seems to have been the first to 
give currency to the term "rat" as applied to a printer 
who works for less than the established wages, and struck 
against the employment of a man designated as a "rat" 
in 1 82 1. To the credit of this stormy little society in 
Albany, N. Y., let it be said that in a subsequent letter 
it took up the case of at least one of these men and re- 
scinded its action. The letter gives an inside view of 
the industrial conditions of the time which renders it 
pre-eminently worth preserving. 

"We have become more fully acquainted with the causes 
which compelled Stephen Dorion to accept of the illegiti- 
mate prices. It appears he was among the first of those 
who refused to comply with the views of the employers 
and consequently lost his situation. He went to New York 
in pursuit of work, but could not procure any. He returned 
again to this city and after sacrificing all his property, 
amounting to about $100, besides contracting a heavy debt 
for the support of his family, with starvation staring him 
in the face, without the least hope or possibility of pro- 
curing any assistance from our society, and, from the 

56 



Philadelphia Typographical 
Society 

On the illustrated sheet preceding this paragraph is reproduced the allegory 
used by the Philadelphia Typographical Society to embellish its certificate of 
membership. It was designed and engraved by John Sartain.* 

The Philadelphia Society was organized November 6, 1802. Every member 
was required to provide himself with a silver rule, with his name on one side 
and the name of the society on the other. The president and vice-president 
were provided with a gold rule, at the expense of this society, for their use 
and their successors. The sums given by the society to its members are paid 
as a right, and not as a charity. 

This society has always been a public-spirited and patriotic body. In 181 2 
it sold its profitable bank shares at a loss of twenty per cent, and subscribed 
to United States bonds instead, to help the government in its war with Great 
Britain. It also made appropriations to assist the families of members who 
had enlisted. 

In 1824 the society turned out in a body at a reception given to General 
Lafayette. 

In 1827 the society contributed $90 to assist the Greeks in their gallant 
though fruitless struggle for independence. 

In 1832 it participated in the centennial celebration of the birth of General 
Washington. It had in the line of parade a press in operation, on which some 
of the members were busy printing the "Farewell Address" of Washington 
while other members gave the printed sheets to the people along the route of 
parade. 

In 1834 the society participated in the mock funeral over General Lafayette. 

In 1844 it took part in the obsequies to General Harrison. 

In 1 861 to 1865, during the War of the Rebellion, it kept those members 
in good standing who were serving their country "at the front." 

From 1802 until the Typographical Union was formed in 1850, this society 
was the regulator of all matters pertaining to the trade, and its decisions 
were acquiesced in by both employers and employed. Upon it were centered 
the respect of the employer, the faith of the journeyman and the hope of the 
apprentice. It has been especially honored in its membership by such men 
as John C. Clark, James Ronaldson. T. K. Collins, book printer; J. B. Lippin- 
cott, book publisher; Charles Eneu Johnson, ink manufacturer; Louis A. Godey, 
publisher of "Godey's Lady's Book"; Mathew Carey, well known as an author 
and publisher; Charles Johnson, Sr. ; Archibald Binney, eminent as an attorney- 
at-law; Adam Ramage, inventor of the "two-pull" Ramage press; P. G. Collins, 
printer, one of the founders of the present society; Simon Cameron, secretary 



* Sartain, John: Engraver, designer and literary editor; born in London, 
England, October 24, 1808; became^ an engraver and did some important work, 
including some of the plates for William Young Ottley's works on early Italian 
prints. He removed to the United States in 1830 and settled in Philadelphia. 
He is generally thought to have introduced mezzotint engraving into America. 
He also practiced oil-painting and miniature-painting on ivory and vellum. 
Afterward he was editor and proprietor of the Foreign Semi-Monthly Magazine, 
and having bought the Union Magazine renamed it, making it Sartain's Union 
Magazine. He designed several public monuments, among which is_ that to 
Washington and Lafayette in Monument Cemetery, Philadelphia. His Remi- 
niscences of a Very Old Man was published in 1899. Died in Philadelphia, 
October 25, 1897. Revised by Russell Sturgis. — Universal Encyclopedia. 



of war during Lincoln's administration; William W. Harding, publisher for 
years of the Philadelphia Inquirer; Robert P. King, printer, a member of 
the late firm of King & Baird; Colonel James Page, eminent as a member of 
the Philadelphia bar; John W. Forney, United States senator, and founder of 
the Philadelphia Press; Morton McMichael, publisher of the North American 
for a number of years, also sheriff, and mayor of Philadelphia; Isaiah Thomas, 
of Worcester, Mass., author of "Printing in America"; Anthony J. Drexel; 
Laurence Johnson, Thomas MacKellar, John F. Smith, Richard Smith, Peter 
A. Jordan, type founders; Richard Ronaldson, one of the founders of the 
Johnson type foundry; George W. Childs, publisher for some years of the 
Public Ledger. 

From the year 1831 down to the present time the" society has paid out 
for relief more than $300,000. 

Following is a key to the allegory referred to: 

A figure of Liberty enveloped by the American banner and accompanied 
by the American eagle, which hovers immediately over her head; she holds 
in one hand a scroll inscribed with the motto of the society, and with the 
other directs the attention of the world (as represented by four figures per- 
sonating its great leading divisions of Europe, Asia, Africa and America) to 
the printing press as the source of mental light. The light on the foreground 
objects comes both from the form on the press and from a figure of Intelli- 
gence above it, who has overthrown Ignorance, and points to the press as the 
instrument of power. The dark figure of Ignorance is represented with 
chains, and going down headlong, writhing and imprecating. In front is a 
pile of volumes, periodicals, newspapers, etc., and a number of instruments 
of warfare and destruction broken into fragments. 

Far in the distance is the Temple of Fame, placed on the top of an almost 
inaccessible hill, and at its foot a king, his head bowed to the ground and 
his crown rolled in the dust — his freed subject standing by, erect, with fetters 
broken. 



Early Organizations of Printers 

conviction that 'rats' in abundance could be procured to 
carry on the work of destruction, he chose rather to work 
at reduced wages than to become an inhabitant of a gaol or 
a poorhouse. Therefore we hope he may be exonerated 
from the odious appellation of 'rat'." 

Twenty years later (1838), St. Louis, Mo., protested 
against a too strenuous hounding of "rats," and it was 
one of the first acts of the national organization of 1852 to 
call a halt on the abuse of this custom by local societies. 

From 1 8 16 to 1827, so far as can be determined from 
the minutes of the Washington society, communications 
between the various societies practically ceased, but each 
was active in its own field. The problem of a uniform 
wage scale throughout the country, begun by the com- 
plaint of the employers of New York city in the strike 
of 181 5, now became a serious question to the societies 
from another point of view. The price lists were printed 
separately from the constitution, and the earlier constitu- 
tions in most societies made no direct reference to wage 
scales. Some members claimed that working for less 
than the wage scale was not a violation of the constitu- 
tion. Roving printers also claimed that if they did not 
work below the scale of the society they had originally 
joined they were not violating any obligation. The 
Washington society's scale was higher than that of any 
northern city, and, as the government printing made the 
capital a sort of Mecca for "tramp" printers, this society 
became the first serious victim of this subterfuge. 

To settle the claim made by home members, who in- 
sisted that the scale was not a part of the organic law, 
the society, February I, 181 7, ordered 250 copies of the 
constitution printed "with the list of prices annexed 
thereto." This plan was adopted by Boston in 1825, and 
gradually by all societies, and the reason for it is as 
stated above. It is kept up to this day by local printers' 

57 



History of The Typographical Union 

unions. This, however, only partially settled the trouble 
with itinerant compositors. 7 

April 4, 1818, the society adopted an entirely new con- 
stitution, both in preamble and nearly every section. It 
broke away, practically, from the ultra conservatism of 
the Philadelphia model, and placed the Washington so- 
ciety mora in line with that of New York city prior to 
its acceptance of a legislative charter. 

The special agitation of the apprentice question began 
in Washington in 181 8, and while the constitution of that 
year does not go beyond requiring "a satisfactory ap- 
prenticeship," nevertheless from the minutes it is learned 
that candidates for membership were not only vigorously 
questioned on this point, but were required to prove by 
written statements from "their masters" that they had 
served "a four-years' apprenticeship." Even after ad- 
mission members were held liable to expulsion if it was 
discovered that there "had been irregularities in his ap- 
prenticeship." A case of this character came up July 
16, 18 1 8, when it was charged that one Fleming had no 
right to membership. Fleming proved that he had served 
two and a half years' apprenticeship in Dublin, Ireland, 
and afterward a short-term apprenticeship in Philadel- 
phia, but this was claimed irregular, as the entire term 



7 The division of sentiment on the uniform wage scale was apparent in the 
call for the national convention of 1836, in which the Washington society 
sought to estop the convention from dealing with uniform rates by the very 
terms of the call, while Cincinnati had made the original request for a na- 
tional convention in the hope of securing uniform rates of wages. In the con- 
vention of 1854 a resolution was introduced that all members should consider 
the bill of prices a part of the by-laws, and the convention of 1855 formulated 
a pledge, to be taken by all members, which covered the question in the fol- 
lowing manner: 

"I, , hereby solemnly and sincerely swear * * * that I 

will, without equivocation or evasion, and to the best of my ability, so long as 
I live, abide by the constitution and by-laws, and the particular scale of prices 
of work acknowledged and adopted by this or other typographical unions of the 
United States, of which I now am or may become a member, and that I will 
at all times, by every honorable means in my power, procure employment foi 
members of our union in preference to all others. So help me God." 



58 



Early Organizations of Printers 

must be under one master to protect the trade against 
"runaways." The vote on his expulsion being a tie, he 
was saved only by the casting vote of the president. The 
constitution of 1 8 1 8 provided for certificates of member- 
ship, especially traveling certificates, and remitted the 
dues of members while traveling outside the District of 
Columbia, provided they joined any other society while 
so traveling and brought back with them a clear record 
from the society so joined. February 16, 1819, the so- 
ciety ordered 250 certificates of membership and made 
it obligatory for members to carry them when at work, 
whether in the District or out. The constitution was 
again revised in 1 821, when the faction opposed to any 
trade interference had again secured a majority in the 
society. This revision is not here reproduced, as there 
are no important changes, except that four years' ap- 
prenticeship is made an "indispensable qualification for 
all persons hereafter admitted." All reference to other 
societies was stricken out, and a member absent from the 
District was compelled to pay dues upon his return pre- 
cisely as though he had not been absent. 

The first clause of article 17, section 1, states that "a 
majority of the society shall determine on all charges al- 
leged against any member, whether they are of a nature 
cognizable by the rules of the society." As the event 
proved, it was under this provision that all interference 
in trade matters was to be ruled out of order by the "ali- 
moners," who, at that moment, held a majority against 
the "industrialists." The society was not ready, how- 
ever, to take a step which might compel the surrender 
of its right to interfere in wage matters. At a meeting 
held December 1, 1821, a resolution was introduced 
looking to the incorporation of the society by Congress. 
The trade-regulating element among members feared 
that this would result, as it had in New York city, in 

59 



History of The Typographical Union 

taking away all power to interfere in prices of labor. It 
being pretty generally conceded that this might result, 
the debate was along that line. The vote was a tie, the 
president casting his vote against the project of incor- 
poration. It was not until October 4, 1823, that a trade 
question was forced before the society, at which time the 
question whether or not setting minion for 30 cents per 
1,000 ems on a newspaper was a violation of the price 
list was decided in the negative. April 3, 1824, charges 
were lodged against three men — one a foreman, one a 
proprietor for whom the others worked, and the third 
a journeyman — all members of the society, charging the 
two former with paying the latter less than the scale, 
and the latter with working under the scale. The con- 
tention was that it was none of the society's business, if 
all parties to the arrangement agreed to it willingly 
as individuals. 

The test of strength between the two factions came 
on the question as to whether this was a charge "of a 
nature cognizable by the rules of the society," under 
article 1 7 of the constitution, as quoted above, and a ma- 
jority voted that it was. The membership of the society 
had been waning for some time — but six new members 
joined in 1 821, five in 1822. Some improvement began 
to be noted, however, and in 1824, for the first time, the 
society joined in a civic parade on the Fourth of July 
as a society, wearing silver "printers' rules" as badges. 
From the minutes it appears the society was out in full 
force, forming "in front of the president's house." In 
the parade they had a press on a wagon "printing and 
distributing from it copies of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence." 

At the June meeting in 1827 the spirit of the progres- 
sive element began to stir anew, and a communication 
was ordered to be sent to the New York city and Phila- 

60 



Early Organizations of Printers 

delphia societies. For ten years there had been no cor- 
respondence between these organizations. The letter of 
the Washington society s brought replies from both the 
societies addressed. They were faint-hearted letters, 
however, indicating that those societies, as such, were not 
more progressive than this one at that time. The letters 
are not of sufficient historical interest to reproduce them 
here. Of considerable more importance is a resolution 
introduced by W. H. Blaney, January 5, 1828. Mr. 
Blaney was a member of both the Philadelphia and 
Washington societies. During 1827 he had been visiting 
in New York city and Philadelphia. His acquaint- 
ance with the views of the printers of these cities was 
wide, and the plan he proposed was without reasonable 
doubt approved by a strong minority in all three of the 



s Copy of a communication to the presidents of the New York and Phila- 
delphia typographical societies: 

Washington City, July 9, 1827. 

President of the New York Typographical Society. 

Sir: At a stated meeting of the Columbia Typographical Society of Wajh- 
ington, held on the 7th instant, the president was "requested to forward a copy 
of our constitution and by-laws to the society over which you preside, and to 
request a reciprocation of favors on the part of your society." 

In compliance with this request, I take pleasure in forwarding our consti- 
tution and reqtiesting that you will forward us a copy of yours in return. The 
object of transmitting this instrument is, to open a correspondence with our 
brethren of New York, in the hope that, if kept up between the societies, it 
may be of mutual benefit. Any facts or information that may have that tend- 
ency will be thankfully received on our part, and we shall not fail to notify you 
of all matters which may be of moment, or likely to prove interesting to you. 

Within the covers of the constitution you will find our list of prices, and 
the names of all the members of our society, up to the time it was printed. 
This latter information will prove interesting to some of our brethren of your 
city, if there shall be found among these signers of our constitution the names 
of any of their friends. It naturally gives us pleasure to procure information 
of the companions of our earlier years, and to learn, after a long separation, 
whether they are yet alive or whether they have passed that bourn from which 
no traveler returns. 

This communication, and the constitution, will be handed you by our secre- 
tary, Francis G. Fish, who is on a visit to some of the principal Atlantic cities, 
and to his friends at the eastward. He is recommended to your favorable re- 
gard, and will be the bearer of any favor you may wish to send us in return. 

Very respectfully, sir, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 

William Kerr, jr.. 
President Columbia Typographical Society. 

6l 



History of The Typographical Union , 

societies, though it must be remembered that the New 
York city society was prevented by its legislative char- 
ter of 1818 from embarking in such a project, nor is it 
entirely certain that the Philadelphia society had not, as 
a society, lost its control over price regulation. Mr. 
Blaney's plan was embodied in the following: 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed from this society 
to devise means to form a connection with the Philadelphia and 
New York typographical societies for the support of prices in 
each city, and report the same at the next stated meeting. 

The resolution was tabled, as the time was not yet 
come for this. Here we have the first hint (unless it be 
true that the New York society did make the same propo- 
sition to Boston in 1816) of a grouping of printers' organ- 
izations, such as was accomplished in 1836. 

From 1828 on, the scrutiny of applicants for member- 
ship, on the point of their having served a full term of 
apprenticeship, became more searching and jealous. 

The trouble with the printer to the United States 
Senate, Gen. Duff Green, which cemented the scattered 
societies and made new ones, and of which much will be 
said later, began early in 1829. At a meeting held July 
4, 1829, the president of the society reported that he had 
held several fruitless conferences with and had six let- 
ters from "Mr. Duff Green on the subject of a reduction 
of the established prices." 

At the meeting of February 7, 1829, a resolution to 
have the society incorporated by Congress was voted 
down by a decisive majority. This idea of incorporation 
was always associated more or less with that of surren- 
dering control over wages, and the time for that had 
passed. A new impetus was coming to organization — 
new plans forming, a new opponent arising, who in 
an attempt to crush was destined to solidify the trade 
organizations. 

62 



The Period from 1830 to 1850 

The fatal mistake of the early societies was the "free 
membership" section in their constitutions. A member 
who paid his dues for a certain period — ten years in 
Washington, ten years in Baltimore, and twenty in Phil- 
adelphia, or who paid a lump sum equivalent to the ac- 
cumulated dues of such periods — became a free member, 
entitled to all the benefits of the societies without further 
payment. When this maturing period arrived the society 
found itself with a list of non-paying members which 
acted as a discouragement to new members, because on 
the latter must fall the entire expense of the organization 
while the "free members" got most of the benefits. 

The societies generally ceased to exist about the time 
the first list of free members appears. Baltimore, or- 
ganized in 1814 or 1815, ceased to exist in 1825 or 1826; 
Philadelphia, organized in 1802 (with a twenty -year 
paying period adopted in 1 810), disbanded to reorgan- 
ize on another basis in 1831, and so on. The reason the 
Washington society did not go down under the baneful 
influence of this provision was that the printing business 
in Washington was so unevenly distributed. When Con- 
gress was in session the city was filled with itinerant 
printers who paid their dues while they stayed, but few 
of them settled down so as to ever become "free mem- 
bers." This influx and exodus of printers, resulting from 
sessional work, made possible the preservation of the 
Columbia Typographical Society, notwithstanding this 
defect in its early constitution ; and this society, by the 
preservation of its minutes, has made possible a fairly 
comprehensive study of the character of these early socie- 
ties, as well as furnishing a fair index, through its corre- 
spondence, of the progress of organization elsewhere. 

The older organizations, almost without exception, 
called themselves societies. The new organizations were 

63 



History of The Typographical Union 

adopting the term "association." In 1830 the New 
Orleans Typographical Association was organized, as 
appears from a notice of organization sent by it to the 
Philadelphia society. In 1832 this New Orleans asso- 
ciation issued a price list radically increasing the scale 
of wages ; no copy of this list has been found. This 
organization seems to have collapsed within a year or 
two and was reorganized, or another of the same name 
organized, May 9, 1835. 

The printers of New York city were becoming dis- 
satisfied, and a strong element began to feel that the 
typographical society, hampered as it was with legisla- 
tive restrictions, was not sufficient for their needs. On 
November 19, 1830, a mass meeting of printers employed 
on the daily papers of the city was called, and the fol- 
lowing resolution passed : 

Resolved, That it was never the intention of the printers em- 
ployed on the morning and evening papers to make a schism 
between themselves and the New York Typographical Society 
(some of whom are members of that society) . So they disclaim 
and refute the many insinuations prepared to convey that idea. 

It is not at all clear that the old society attempted, as 
an organization, to check the move to organize the print- 
ers along trade lines; and it is certain that many mem- 
bers of the old society became members of the new when 
it was formed. 

The formation of a new association along strictly trade 
lines occurred June 17, 1 831. A price list was issued, for 
the enforcement of which the association seems to have 
become immediately involved in a strike. The organiza- 
tion continued in existence until about 1840. It should 
be understood that its organization was mainly due to 
the compositors on daily papers. There were 220 mem- 
bers in 1833. 

The constitution of 1833 was prefaced with a most 

64 



Early Organizations of Printers 

remarkable document, called "Introductory Remarks." 
Probably no similar statement covering the period will 
be found written by workmen themselves. They give 
their point of view in language which, to put it mildly, 
must be considered vigorous. * Some of the conditions 
complained of were local to New York city, but many of 
their grievances were general in the trade, and especially 
that of what would now be called child labor, out of 
which later on grew the apprenticeship restrictions. 

Notwithstanding its length, the undoubted historical 
value of this document warrants its complete transcrip- 
tion here. It should be explained, perhaps, that in this, 
as in all the early documents, the term "printer" is often, 
though not exclusively, used to denote 5 ' the employer, or 
proprietor, of the printing establishment, instead of the 
journeyman or compositor. 

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 

The Typographical Association of New York was instituted 
on the 17th day of June, 1831. It may not be deemed improper 
to state some of the causes which led to its formation ; and, in 
doing this, it will be necessary to revert to the condition of the 
printing business for some years past. 

In the year 1809 the New York Typographical Society was 
formed, for the purpose of sustaining a uniform scale of prices, 
and of affording pecuniary relief to the sick and distressed of 
its own members, their widows and orphans. This institution 
has continued to the present time ; but the principal object of 
its first formation has long since ceased to claim any part of its 
attention. In 181 2, war occurring between this country and 
Great Britain, the business suffered extremely, and continued in 
a depressed state until 1815 or 181 6, when it was found neces- 
sary to call a general meeting of the journeymen in the city, to 
take into consideration the propriety of revising the scale of 
prices; and after considerable debate between employers and 
employes, a scale was agreed upon, which was adopted by the 
New York Typographical Society. The demands of the work- 
men were very generally acceded to, and for some three or four 
Years business was very brisk. 

65 



History of The Typographical Union 

In the year 1818 the society was incorporated by an act of 
the legislature, and, being prohibited by the terms of its charter 
from interfering with the scale of prices, it became merely a 
mutual benefit institution. 

In the meantime, the seeds of declension in the trade were 
gradually sown, and the fruit began to appear in various ways. 
Some printers from a distance, having heard that business was 
good, and, being determined to obtain it at all hazards, located 
themselves among us ; and to secure a sufficient quantity of work 
commenced operations on terms that could not be afforded, if 
they wished to obtain a fair remuneration for their labor, or act 
honestly by the workman. The consequence was, that while a 
few grew rich at the expense of the journeymen, old-established 
printers, who had before paid honorable prices, were obliged to 
reduce their charges for work, or lose much of their business; 
and as their receipts were diminished, the wages of the journey- 
men were by degrees reduced, until, instead of a uniform scale 
of prices, every man was compelled to work for what he could 
obtain. 

Another cause of depression was the practice, which then 
prevailed, and has continued more or less to the present time, 
of employing runaway or dismissed apprentices for a small 
compensation. These were called two-thirds men, and have 
always proved a great pest to the profession. Added to this, 
roller boys, having gained admission to the interior of a printing 
office, have in a short time found their way from the rear to 
the front of the press, to the discharge of the regular pressman. 

The trade, also, as far as pressmen are concerned, had suf- 
fered extremely by the applications of machinery to that branch 
of the business ; and while a few individuals were growing rich, 
as they asserted, for the benefit of the public at large, many 
who had spent from five to seven years of the flower of their 
lives in acquiring a knowledge of their profession, were left 
without employment, or were obliged to resort to some business 
with which they were unacquainted, and thus constrained to 
serve a sort of second apprenticeship. 

Matters continued in this condition for a number of years. 
Meantime the business of stereotyping had increased to a great 
extent ; and the numerous improvements in the art, or rather the 
motto of multum in parvo literally reduced to practice, ren- 

66 



Early Organizations of Printers 

dered it every year more and more difficult for compositors 
to support themselves and their families. To the disgrace of 
some employers, every advantage was taken of the necessities 
of the workmen, and impositions were continually practiced 
upon them. 

Men, however, when borne down by oppression, rise in their 
strength, and assert their rights. The journeymen printers of 
the city of New York, from a sense of justice to themselves, and 
those employers who had uniformly paid honorable prices, re- 
solved to unite as an association for the purpose of elevating the 
business to a proper level. Numbers of them were engaged on 
the several daily newspapers of this city at prices deemed suffi- 
cient when there was little labor and scarcely any competition, 
but which were found totally inadequate when all vied with 
each other to present the latest news to their readers. To ac- 
complish this, the workmen were almost entirely deprived of 
their rest for nights together. 

Scarcely any employment can be more laborious than that of 
publishing a daily morning newspaper. Many of the offices are 
in the most crowded parts of the city; and, not having been 
built for the purpose, are illy calculated to afford a good circu- 
lation of air, or what is next in importance, good light. To the 
injurious effects of these and similar causes, many of the most 
worthy of the profession have fallen victims ; and others, after 
a short endurance, have found their faculties so impaired, and 
their constitutions so debilitated, as to be rendered incapable of 
undertaking any other permanent employment for their future 
support. It requires the united exercise of the mental and bod- 
ily labor of the persons employed, for nearly the whole night, 
and a considerable portion of the day; being seldom able to 
allot more than seven hours to rest and refreshment. To be 
thus confined for such a length of time, inhaling the stagnant 
air of a printing office, is sufficient to enervate a man of the 
most vigorous constitution. 

Under all these circumstances, a general meeting of the 
trade was called about the ist of June, 183 1, at which a com- 
mittee was appointed to draw up a just and equitable scale of 
prices. The committee made their report to an adjourned 
meeting, which adopted it; and on the 17th day of the 
same month the Typographical Association of New York was 

67 






History of The Typographical Union 

established, and a constitution and by-laws framed for 
its government. 

A circular to the employing printers was forthwith issued, 
covering the new scale of prices, and respectfully asking them 
to accede to it. Most of them, to their honor, saw the justice 
of the demand, and promptly awarded the wages asked for. 
There were some, however, both among the book offices and 
daily newspapers, who altogether refused, and have managed, 
from that time to the present, by a constant change of work- 
men (for no honorable journeyman, after a knowledge of the 
facts, would remain a moment in such degraded employment), 
to evade the demands for a fair compensation. It is a source 
of consolation, after all, that the expenses of those establish- 
ments where the prices are not paid are greater than those 
where they are, owing to the incompetency and dishonesty of 
those employed. 

Among the means made use of to depress the business by 
those who withhold from the workmen their just demands, has 
been advertising in several of the newspapers in Scotland, and 
elsewhere in Great Britain, that a great opening for printers 
existed in New York, thereby inducing many to leave the com- 
forts of home in the old country, to seek for a precarious sub- 
sistence on this side of the Atlantic. Many, to their regret, can 
testify of the truth of this assertion; and the feelings of the 
man, by whose unprincipled conduct this breaking up of kin- 
dred and subsequent disappointment in obtaining the means of 
support have happened, are not to be envied. Perhaps the day 
may come when remorse, like a subtle poison, may lurk about 
his heart, and cause him to do an act of justice to those who 
have been swindled by his deception. 

When the association was informed of the means taken by 
unprincipled men to injure the business, a circular was immedi- 
ately addressed to the printers of the United Kingdom of Great 
Britain and Ireland, and dispatched by one of its members. 
The association has since learned, by letters from Europe, that 
the appeal has had an extensive circulation, and has tended in 
a great measure to counteract the evil contemplated by the 
original advertisements. 

Since its formation, the association has steadily advanced 
in strength and respectability, and has repeatedly been called 
upon to settle disputes arising between employers and journey - 

68 



Early Organizations of Printers 

men; and it is gratifying, that, in all instances where it has 
been appealed to, its decision has been respected and acted on 
by the parties concerned. 

These repeated appeals, in cases of difficulty, have induced it 
again carefully to revise the scale of prices, explaining those 
points which were before involved in doubt, and amplifying 
others, so that no other construction can be given to them than 
the true one. As the trade has for a long time, and particularly 
since the introduction of stereotyping, been burdened with nu- 
merous grievances and vexations, which while they employed 
much of the journeyman's time, were never paid for, these 
things have in the revised scale been taken into consideration, 
and a proper compensation awarded. In doing this, however, 
proper attention has been paid to the interest of the employer ; 
for if any of the vexations spoken of arise from either careless- 
ness or the want of skill of the workmen, it shall be at his ex- 
pense. It is intended that the revised scale of prices shall be 
for the benefit of both honorable employers and journeymen 
who know their business; but shall be of no service to those 
unfledged apologies for humanity who obtrude themselves on a 
profession of which they know nothing, and to which they can 
be little else than a burden and a disgrace. 

Many of the latter class of individuals have made their ap- 
pearance in this city, in consequence of advertisements inserted 
in papers whose proprietors do not pay the prices ; but they are 
found, on trial, to be too bad even for such infamous uses. 
Some of them are runaway apprentices ; others are destitute 
not only of honorable feeling but of all knowledge of their 
business, and generally trace their defects to the want of proper 
instruction from their masters. The consequence of the good 
workman is, that he is frequently made to suffer from errors 
committed by these pretenders. 

As all institutions, in their infancy, are liable to imperfec- 
tion, the Typographical Association could not expect to be ex- 
empt from the common lot. It was found that the constitution 
under which it has hitherto acted, was in many things defect- 
ive ; and it was deemed proper to appoint a committee to revise 
that instrument. This has been done, and the association, after 
a long and arduous discussion, adopted the constitution, by-laws 
and rules of order published in the following pages. 

It now only remains for the members to be just to them- 

69 



History of The Typographical Union 

selves and the printing business will take its proper stand in the 
community. To do this it is necessary' that all journeymen 
coming within the jurisdiction of the association should become 
members, and strictly abide by the principles of the constitution. 

December 6, 1834, the Columbia Society at Washing- 
ton received a letter from the New York Typographical 
Association containing a list of the "rat offices/' and an- 
other of the individual "rats" in the city. The strike 
had not been entirely successful, but the association re- 
covered and seems to have been strong enough in 1835 
to prevent the employment of non-union printers in New 
York. The evidence of this, such as it is, is to be found 
in the minutes of the Washington society, which show 
that September 26, 1835, a former member of the society, 
expelled for his connection with the strike of March, 
1835 ( tne Duff Green strike), plaintively asks to be rein- 
stated, his principal reason being that he wants to go to 
New York. 

"I have," he says in his application, "for a long time 
past wished to go to New York, but I can not procure 
employment there without I take with me a certificate 
from this society, which, of course, I can not procure 
unless the society will reinstate me in my membership, 
which I now most respectfully and earnestly request 
them to do." 

Some doubt about the association's power to prevent 
employment of non-union men in the city at least two 
years later is, however, suggested by the impassioned 
address of June 29, 1837, which it issued : 

To the Journeymen Printers of New York City and Vicinity. 

Fellow Craftsmen: At an adjourned meeting of the 
Typographical Association of New York city, held at the asso- 
ciation rooms on Saturday evening, June 24, 1837, informa- 
tion having been given of a regularly organized "combination" 
on the part of certain of our employers to take advantage of the 

70 



Early Organizations of Printers 

present depressed state of our trade, and business in general, in 
order to reduce our present prices, and to render us, if possible, 
obedient vassals to the nod of the oppressor, a committee was 
appointed to address you in this particular, and urge you to a 
prompt and resolute resistance. 

That committee is of opinion that the time has now arrived 
when you are to prove to the world one of two things — either 
that you are freemen and capable of understanding and main- 
taining your rights ; or that you are base and servile sycophants, 
ready and willing to receive whatever compensation and terms 
your employers may choose to allow. 

You are now to show whether, in your judgment, your em- 
ployers or yourselves possess the right of fixing a value on your 
labor. If there yet remains one spark of the courage, manhood 
and determination which sustained you when forming the pres- 
ent scale of prices, let the employing printers of New York and 
the United States, see that it still exists, and can be easily 
fanned to a flame; let them see that the insignificant and pal- 
try pittance which you now obtain for your support shall not be 
reduced at their pleasure — that for them to grow richer you 
will not consent to become poorer. 

That a pressure exists, and that it is more difficult for all 
employers to procure money with which to meet expenses, we 
are all aware, but why should your wages be reduced on that 
account ? 

The prices for printing advertisements and for newspapers 
have not been reduced. 

The prices that are now paid to printers are no more than 
will barely support them, and the common necessaries of life 
are even higher than when your present scale was formed. Then 
why should you submit to a reduction? Why be the passive 
minion of the will of tyrants? 

The committee can discover no reason why you should, and 
it is their opinion that if true to yourselves you will not be. 

Depend upon it, that if, in obedience to the mandate of 
grasping avarice — if because your employers say you must, you 
determine to yield, and go to work for less than the scale de- 
mands, you will not only cover yourselves with the consequent 
odium, but you will necessarily involve yourselves in debt from 
week to week; for it is folly to suppose that if your wages are 
once reduced your employers will of their own accord advance 

71 



History of The Typographical Union 

them again, even though business should resume its accustomed 
course. No, having accomplished their purposes, and brought 
you in submission to their feet, they will keep you there, and the 
iron hand of oppression will be laid more heavily than ever. 

Your employer knows well, that without constant employ- 
ment, your wages are not sufficient for your support, and those 
of the unholy alliance which is now raising its hydra head 
against you, are no doubt impressed with the belief, that by 
seizing upon the present period of depression in the trade, they 
may compel you to work for whatever they may please to pay. 

The committee would not be understood to include all em- 
ployers as coming under their just reprehensions. No, thank 
Heavens, there are honorable exceptions, there are employers 
who have an eye to the comfort and happiness of their employes, 
their reward no man can take away, for it consists in the pleas- 
ing consciousness of an exercise of a measure of justice and the 
performance of noble action. 

Our criticism applies to but a dishonorably combined few, 
whose object seems to be to shift the severity of the times from 
their own shoulders to the shoulders of their journeymen, car- 
ing little for their sufferings so that they escape — fattening on 
the profits of your labor, while your wives and children are de- 
nied many of the common necessaries of life. 

The truth is your employers are much more able to pay the 
existing prices than you are to have your wages reduced, the 
pressure operates in a much greater degree to your disadvantage 
than to theirs, the depreciated "shinplasters" of the banks, 
which are bought up, no doubt, with considerable profit to the 
purchasers, are palmed off upon you in requital for your toil, as 
though each rag was worth its face in gold, these rags you must 
take, though on every dollar you get for your labor you suffer 
a heavy loss. Patiently you have borne all this, and would con- 
tinue still to bear it ; but in the name of even-handed justice, 
and for the sake of Heaven, your wives and your children, let 
the line of demarcation be here drawn — say to the overreaching 
oppressor, Thus far shalt thou come, but no farther. 

The committee are well convinced that the chief reason the 
unprincipled combination of your employers have thus dared to 
invade your rights, and attempt the reduction of your wages, is 
because of a rumored want of the union spirit among your- 
selves. Without union nothing can be effected — with it. every- 

72 



Early Organizations of Printers 

thing. Come forward, then, you who are not members of the 
association ; and join in putting a shoulder to the wheel. Sup- 
port the association, and the association will support you. 
There are some of you now in the city who are not members, 
why is this? You all receive the benefits which result from it. 
Why, then, do you not join it, and thereby extend its benefits? 

The committee would also respectfully impress on the minds 
of the members the necessity of a strict attention at all meetings 
of the association and a firm support of its principles. Let 
each and all of us determine upon union, strong and effectual 
union, and let the watchword be, The prices of the association 

must and shall be sustained. „ . . 

Chas. A. Adams, 

H. D. Bristol, 

W. H. McCartenay, 

Geo. Hatten, 

W. N. Rose, 

Committee. 

June 6, 1840, it sent out another "rat list," which seems 
to indicate that it went down in another strike during 
that year, and was followed by the Franklin Typograph- 
ical Association of 1844, which will be referred to fur- 
ther on. 

The Baltimore Typographical Society, being the sec- 
ond of the name, began its existence November 26, 183 1, 
with 25 original members, adding 24 more names to its 
roll within a month. This seems to have been about all 
the journeymen printers in Baltimore, as during the next 
six months, or up to June 30, 1832, it had added but 
5 members. At that date it had expelled 1, and 5 had 
forfeited membership. The constitution and scale of 
prices were not adopted until June 2, 1832. This or- 
ganization still exists as Typographical Union No. 12 
and, next to the Washington Union, is the oldest existing 
trade organization among the printers, it being, of course, 
understood that while the Philadelphia organization of 
1802, and that of New York of 1809 s1:i 11 exist, they have 
long since ceased to be labor organizations. 

73 



History of The Typographical Union 

In the minutes of Columbia Typographical Society, 
under date of February 3, 1832, is mentioned a communi- 
cation from the Typographical Society of Cincinnati, 
Ohio, asking for the Washington list of prices, and an- 
nouncing the organization of the printers in Cincinnati. 

In November, 1833, the Philadelphia Typographical 
Association was formed, the society of 1802 having be- 
come a purely benevolent institution in 1831. This or- 
ganization immediately opened a correspondence with all 
other known societies, as was beginning now to be the 
custom, 9 and at its meeting held June 27, 1835, passed 
the following: 

Resolved, That an advance of 23/2 cents per 1,000 ems be 
demanded in addition to our present scale of prices. 

Resolved, That work by the week in book and job offices and 
on afternoon papers be $9 per week (10 hours to constitute a 
day's work) and 20 cents an hour for overwork — morning pa- 
pers to be charged $10 per week where they work by the week. 

9 As the letter from the new Philadelphia organization to the older one in 
Washington is of something more than local interest, it is given here. 

Philadelphia, March 9, 1834. 

Sir: I am induced to attempt this intrusion on your attention in conse- 
quence of a resolution of the Philadelphia Typographical Association, authoriz- 
ing a correspondence to be established with the : typographical trade societies 
throughout the Union. The ostensible object of this scheme is to elicit and 
impart authentic intelligence connected with the interests of the members of 
our common profession, and it is hoped the imperfect manner in which the 
project may be commenced will not be suffered to occasion the end proposed 
to be disregarded. 

The society in whose name these paragraphs are penned was organized 
about five months since. Its primary and paramount intention is the determina- 
tion and support of adequate wages for journeymen printers. That it must 
acknowledge so late an origin may appear singular; but as the exposition due 
this point might possibly demand a larger space than is allowable at present, 
it is proposed (with your permission) to recur to it at proper length in a future 
communication. 

The outlines of a constitution have been agreed upon, but the details are 
still undetermined. A scale of prices is also under revision, copies of both 
which will be forwarded when sufficiently complete. The principles of associa- 
tion are literal and definite; the eligibility of candidates consisting in their be- 
ing practical printers, not less than 21 years of age, and in actual connection 
with the business. 

As respects numerical strength, the institution may be called feeble; but its 
originators were fully aware that the mental climate of our city might be 
found rather uncongenial to the rapid growth of such a scion of the liberty 

74 



Early Organizations of Printers 

This association seems to have gone out of existence 
in 1839 or 1840. 

Early in 1 834 the Benevolent Typographical Society 
of Richmond, Va., was formed, and on March 1 issued a 
letter to all societies. This letter is here reproduced, not 
alone because of its value in describing labor conditions in 
the trade, but as further evidence that "benevolence" was 
not the most serious purpose of these organizations even 
when they put it first in their name. 

In reading the statement that no "rat" could obtain 
work in Richmond, it must be remembered that at that 
time "rat" meant a man working below the scale, and not 
necessarily that a non-member of the society could not 
secure employment. 

Richmond, Va., March 1, 1834. 

Dear Sir : The journeymen printers in this city have re- 
cently formed a society. Previous to the formation of this 

tree; and though they have not as yet decided cause to exult in the result, 
there is certainly no cause for regret. 

Since the formation of this association, a trades union has been commenced, 
and which now embraces a majority' of the mechanics' societies in the city. 
Its present objects appear rational and useful, and its progress thus far is re- 
ported as satisfactory. 

Business with us is, of course, 'dull; indeed, there is scarcely a volume in 
progress in Philadelphia. But the spring is dawning upon us, in whose very 
name there is relief; and since men's perverseness can not mar the seasons 
or derange the sublime machinery of the planet on whose surface their mad 
pranks are played, we think ourselves warranted in looking forward to better 
things — in the solemn determination (I would hope) that our next passover 
shall not find us unprepared. 

Having thus endeavored to fulfil my instructions as far as is practicable 
at this time, I have now to request that this sheet, or the substance of its con- 
tents, may be laid before your society at your earliest convenience; and we 
shall await advices of the order taken thereupon, and also of the general state 
of affairs at Washington in the typographical department with equal respect 
and interest. Wishing you the perfect consummation of your best wishes and 
endeavors, I remain, with much respect, 

Yours ' H. C. Orr. 

P. S. As our association commits its correspondence to the care of the 
vice-president, any communications intended for the institution may be ad- 
dressed to myself, at No. 227 Mulberry street, or at the office of the Daily 
Chronicle, Philadelphia. WTO 

The President of the Columbia Typographical Society. 

75 



History of The Typographical Union 

society we had no regular prices. The highest price given was 
25 cents for both MS. and printed copy. On the 1st of Feb- 
ruary of the present year, we adopted a constitution (a copy of 
which I herewith communicate) ; together with by-laws for our 
government, and likewise a scale of prices. This scale of prices, 
as you will perceive, fixes the price for the composition of MS. 
at 30 cents — that for print at 28 cents — 5 cents for MS. and 
3 for print more than the highest price previously given. 
There was no alteration made in the price for presswork, the 
wages previously given being generally considered sufficiently 
high — the demand for pressmen having always been so great as 
to put it out of the power of the employers to make deductions 
in that branch. 

The scale of prices was adopted on the 1st of February. A 
resolution passed requiring them to go into operation on the 
ioth of that month. The employers were furnished with a 
copy of the list of prices on the 3d — very short notice. When 
the ioth arrived, the employers, without a single exception, 
gave the wages asked for. 

Things go on as smoothly under the new arrangement as be- 
fore. All the printers here, with the exception of four or five, 
have joined the society. These, however, receive the wages 
fixed by the society. So far we have no rats. Before the society 
was formed we did have a few who did not receive the highest 
prices then given. All of these have joined the society and 
promised to receive, in future, for their labor no less than the 
wages fixed by our scale of prices. 

I deem it unnecessary to say more at present than to desire 
you to send us a copy of your constitution, etc., that we may see 
how our brethren in your city are driving on. I likewise desire 
that you will write me a few lines, giving a history of the origin 
and progress of the society of which you are a member, and to 
lay this communication before your society at its next meeting, 
that they may know we have formed a society here, and so on. 
Communicate, likewise, if you please, the fact of the existence 
of our society to as many societies of this kind as you may know 
to have been formed. I desire this, not to put you to trouble, 
but to be sure of giving the information desired. It is my in- 
tention to write to as many as I have yet heard of. If you will 
be so kind as to comply with my request in this particular, be 
pleased not to omit to state that it is impossible to obtain work 

76 



Early Organizations of Printers 

at our business in Richmond as a rat, so as to save those whose 
intentions were to make the attempt the trouble and expense of 
the voyage. Respectfully, 

R. S. Red ford, 
Corresponding Secretary Benevolent Typographical Society 
of Richmond. 
N. B. — I should like to hear from you previous to the next 
meeting of our society, which takes place on the 1st Saturday in 
April. R. S. R. 

The Corresponding Secretary Typographical Society 
at Washington. 

It will be necessary to relate the trouble that the Co- 
lumbia Typographical Society at Washington had in 
1834 with one of the local newspaper proprietors, Gen. 
Duff Green, who was also printer to the United States 
Senate. This difficulty drew the typographical organi- 
zations of the country into closer touch than anything 
before had done, and led directly to the national organi- 
zation of 1836. 

The apprentice question had been a source of infinite 
trouble to the societies from the very first. From time 
to time the term of apprenticeship had been lengthened 
by various societies, increasing it from three to four, then 
from four to five years, in the vain hope of reducing the 
competition from this source. But there was no effective 
means of preventing apprentices from running away, and 
the longer apprenticeship only increased the temptation 
to do so, hence made matters worse. True, the master 
could legally compel the return of a runaway, if he could 
find him, but the supply of new apprentices and of other 
runaways willing to work for one-half or two-thirds the 
established price for journeymen made it unprofitable to 
search for escaped apprentices. The fact that a run- 
away apprentice could, and would, be so employed at 
rates higher, to say the least, than his apprentice rates, 
operated also to put a premium on running away. All 

77 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the early societies had had more serious trouble with 
this than had that of Washington, which was exception- 
ally fortunate in many ways. In 1833, however, General 
Green began employing "two-thirders" on his paper, the 
United States Telegraph, and later introduced a large 
number of boys as apprentices in doing the government 
printing. He now proposed (1834) to establish what he 
called the Washington Institute, but which was termed 
by the printers "a manual-labor school." In this insti- 
tute he proposed to take 200 boys each year and teach 
them the printing trade, allowing them $2 a week each 
for their work, which $2 was not, however, to be paid 
to them, but kept as a trust fund and invested by their 
employer for such of them as should remain with him 
the full period. 

The first intimation of the excitement which this mat- 
ter finally caused is found in the special meeting of Jan- 
uary 11, 1834. At this meeting its president stated that 
its object was to take into consideration the subject of 
Gen. Duff Green's speech at the late celebration of the 
Columbia Typographical Society, and to adopt such 
measures as would more effectually protect the society 
against his plans, if attempted to be carried into execu- 
tion, and concluded by offering the following preamble 
and resolutions : 

Whereas at a late meeting of the Columbia Typographical 
Society, Duff Green, editor of the United States Telegraph, 
did declare that he intended to monopolize all the work that was 
possible, and that he intended to employ a large number of 
children to take the place of the journeymen now employed by 
him, and that he wished to raise up a respectable class of men 
to take our places ; and 

Whereas the patronage of the press of this city is almost 
wholly derived from the government, and that we have a right, 
as men, to participate in its profits, which his views, if carried 
out, would engross to himself ; be it 

78 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Resolved, That the Columbia Typographical Society are 
desirous of adopting such measures as shall be advantageous to 
the employing printers in this city, insure their own rights, and 
preserve the respectability of the profession. 

Resolved, That we look upon the proposed measure of Duff 
Green, editor of the United States Telegraph, as visionary in its 
final results, subversive of our rights, as journeymen printers, 
and destructive of the profession to which we belong; 

Therefore, resolved, That a committee of be ap- 
pointed to take the subject into consideration, _and prepare a 
report of their deliberations, which when they have completed, 
they shall submit to a general meeting of the printers of this 
district, to be called by them, at such time and place, as they 
shall deem fit and proper. 

After considerable discussion, Mr. Freeland offered 
the following as a substitute : 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this society that the 
practice which has lately come into vogue, of employing an un- 
due number of apprentices, is destructive of the rights and in- 
terests of journeymen, and detrimental to employing printers; 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, whose 
business it shall be, whenever they shall think it necessary to do 
so, to call a general meeting of the printers of this city to take 
the subject into consideration. 

The committee at this time reported against taking 
any action until something more definite was evolved. 
Up to this time no organization of printers had attempted 
to restrict the number of apprentices. In nearly every 
city except Washington the custom of employing a few 
journeymen to direct the work of many so-called ap- 
prentices was firmly established. In a letter to the Co- 
lumbia Typographical Society March 21, 1834, Gen. 
Duff Green takes the position that any objection to his 
''school for printers" by the society must be based upon 
an assumption of the right of the society to "regulate the 
number of apprentices which I may think proper to em- 
ploy, and to otherwise interfere so as to defeat the end 
I have in view." 

79 



History of The Typographical Union 

In reply the society denied that it "assumes the right 
to regulate the number of your apprentices or that of 
any gentleman." In a letter dated April 7, 1834, General 
Green says to the society's committee: 

Your society can have no right to inquire into the age of the 
persons whom I employ. * * * But if, instead of employ- 
ing 50 journeymen, I find it to my interest to employ but 10, 
any attempt on your part to enter into a combination to drive 
those 10 out of my employment, without I would give employ- 
ment to the other 40, would be an offense against my rights, for 
which the laws have made ample provision, and which it would 
become my duty to enforce. 

An elaborate "prospectus of the Washington Institute" 
was carried on the first page of Mr. Green's paper, the 
Telegraph, for some time, acting practically as an adver- 
tisement for boys to fill his school. The society appointed 
another committee to report on the matter. This com- 
mittee was of the opinion that Mr. Green would be able 
to fill his school (this being the point upon which the 
former committee had advised non-action) and recom- 
mended that a protest be formulated and given as wide a 
circulation as the prospectus had enjoyed. 10 This pro- 
test was accordingly issued, and sent not only to every 
printers' society, but to the unorganized printers em- 
ployed on the principal papers throughout the United 
States. In addition to this protest, which was issued by 
the society, as such, a pamphlet was published containing 



10 One paragraph of the committee's report is here given as indicative of 
the social conditions: 

The committee have understood, also, that it is the intention of Mr. Green, 
in organizing his school, to draw a portion of his scholars from the houses of 
refuge in the northern cites. Now, although the committee object not to the 
character of any boy, when it is affected only by his origin, believing that when 
he comes to man's estate he must stand or fall by his individual merit, yet 
there is no doubt, from the facility with which these boys may be obtained 
by Mr. Green, the society will have a delicate and difficult matter on hand in 
attempting to prevent their employment in this school. With the principals 
of these extensive institutions, the specious and deceptive arguments of the 
prospectus will, no doubt, have powerful weight and influence. So far, then, 

80 



Early Organizations of Printers 

the proceedings of a public mass meeting, together with an 
"Address to the people of the United States," emanating 
from the meeting (such addresses were common in those 
days), the expense of printing the pamphlet being met 
by a collection taken up at the meeting. The Baltimore 
society had taken action on the subject from newspaper 
reports and sent a letter to the Columbia society in time 
to incorporate it in the proceedings of the public meet- 
ing. The protest contained an appeal to journeymen 
printers not to come to Washington to act as teachers 
in the proposed school. It was the fear of this that 
prompted the appointment of a committee of seven, un- 
der the following resolution, adopted March 7, 1834: 

Ordered, That a committee of seven members be appointed 
by the chair, whose duty it shall be to confer with each other, 
and report to this society, at their next meeting, what, in their 
opinion* would be the most proper and effectual course to pur- 
sue to bring about the establishment of a national typographical 
society. 

Response was received from the typographical society 
at Louisville, Ky., enclosing a copy of its constitution and 
resolutions against "the Duff Green school for printers," 
and on the same date from Charleston (S. C. ) Typo- 
graphical Society, endorsing protest against the school. 
This is the first reference found to these societies. Rich- 
mond, Va., responded, and later other southern societies. 
December 13, 1834, the Philadelphia association notified 



as the success of the project of Mr. Green shall depend merely on the attain- 
ment of scholars, it is likely to be insured by the readiness with which, no 
doubt, the principals of those houses will supply him with the boys under their 
charge. The committee can conceive of no other mode of preventing this con- 
summation than by circulating among these gentlemen a direct refutation of the 
principles laid down in the prospectus. It is in no degree their interest to aid 
Mr. Green in his schemes — they look only to the welfare of their charge; and, 
if it shall appear to them in the end, should we adopt this course, as it no 
doubt will, that, instead of benefiting the boys for whose future welfare they 
are in a measure responsible, the scheme of Mr. Green will be more likely to 
blast their prospects in life, be assured they will not be instrumental in aiding 
the establishment of the Washington Institute. 

8l 



History of The Typographical Union 

the Washington society that Gen. Duff Green was em- 
ploying printers in Philadelphia and elsewhere "on con- 
dition that they would have no connection with the 
society," and that as fast as he secured "strangers" 
"society men" were being discharged. Matters went 
from bad to worse until a strike was declared against 
General Green March 14, 1835, the causes alleged being 
"against the employment of too many apprentices," for 
the society's scale of prices (or against "two-thirders"), 
because of discrimination against "society men," and for 
the discharge of the foreman. With the details of this 
long strike itself we have nothing to do. It was, how- 
ever, the occasion of bringing the scattered associations 
into closer touch with each other. For the first time in 
its history the Washington society sent out a "rat cir- 
cular." Philadelphia and New York promised to re- 
strain their members from accepting employment in the 
Washington establishment, and the Philadelphia associa- 
tion expelled all its members who did so. Later the 
Washington society asked New York, Philadelphia, Bal- 
timore and Boston for a list of all "two-thirders" and 
names and description of all "rats" in those cities. This 
request seems to have been ignored. 

October 14, 1835, the Washington society passed the 
following resolution : 

Resolved, That the members of this society having hereto- 
fore determined not to accept employment in the office of Duff 
Green, do still adhere to that resolution, and will neither ac- 
cept employment in that office, nor in any other office in which 
any hands or hand employed by the said Green since the 28th 
of March, 1835, or by his successor, E. R. Gibson, may here- 
after be employed, until the obnoxious individual or individuals 
be discharged. 

This sweeping resolution, exceedingly radical for that 
day, and certainly so for this society, was forwarded to 
all other societies in the United States and endorsed by 

82 



Early Organizations of Printers 

most of them, thus foreshadowing the action of the na- 
tional convention of the next year (1836), making "a 
rat" so declared by one printers' organization to be con- 
sidered such by all. 

Two other societies are mentioned in 1835 f° r tne ^ rst 
time. First, the Mississippi Typographical Association, of 
Natchez, which sent out a "rat list" as a result of a strike 
September 19, 1835, and another communication Novem- 
ber 6 ; and, second, the New Orleans Typographical Asso- 
ciation, organized May 9, 1835, indicating that the society 
organized there in 1830 had ceased to exist. 

In June, 1835, tne Franklin Society, of Cincinnati, had 
a strike against a reduction of wages in one establishment. 
It seems that "strangers" were brought in from Pittsburgh 
and elsewhere. November 6, 1835, the Cincinnati society 
sent out a circular calling for a national convention. No 
copy of this circular has been found, but upon its re- 
ceipt the Washington society appointed a committee to 
report on the subject. This report, which was accepted 
and issued to other societies as a call for the convention, 
was as follows : 

Mr. Wm. Walters, from the committee, to whom was re- 
ferred the circular from the Franklin Typographical Society of 
Cincinnati, proposing a National Typographical Society, pre- 
sented the following report : 

Your committee have carefully read the report and resolu- 
tions of the Franklin Typographical Society, of Cincinnati, 
Ohio. 

The resolutions propose — 

"First. That each society in its own district be sustained 
by all others in the prices it may establish. 

"Second. That journeymen bringing certificates of mem- 
bership in any society, of good standing, receive a preference 
over all others in the efforts made to procure them employment. 

"Third. That rats, pronounced such by one society, be con- 
sidered as such by all other societies." 

If there be a community of men, which, more than another, 

83 



History of The Typographical Union 

has felt the necessity of a closer union amongst the different 
typographical societies of the United States, it is our own. 
During the two last years the society and many of its members 
have been the victims of the most unrelenting persecution and 
proscription. Single handed they have encountered the force 
of this opposition, for although one or two societies nobly 
cheered our efforts, the great body of them stood aloof, appar- 
ently idle spectators of the controversy. Any other course, 
however, could scarcely have been looked for from them, when 
we consider the distance which separates them and the absence 
of any effective bonds of union between them. 

A close examination of the resolutions proposed by the 
Franklin Typographical Society has convinced your committee 
that they do not go far enough. Each of the propositions has 
been in [a] degree, and is now enforced by almost every society 
in the Union. There is, however, no obligation to uphold them 
existing amongst any of the societies, and our own experience 
teaches us that the declaration we have all made "to procure 
employment for a member of the society in preference to any 
other person" has been but loosely observed ; or, to use the more 
forcible language of the Franklin Typographical Society, "the 
certificate of membership ought no longer to procure from us a 
mere assent of the good standing of the holder, but should call 
forth our active friendship for the bearer — our zealous effort to 
get him into employment in preference to all others." 

All this and much more should be done; and the question 
for us to consider is, what are the means necessary for its ac- 
complishment ? What additional measures are necessary in 
order permanently, not merely transiently, to assent to such 
regulations amongst the different typographical societies of the 
United States as shall ensure to every member of every society 
a proper equivalent for his labor, and a good prospect of con- 
stant employment while ever he shall remain within the pale of 
the honorable members of the craft ? 

Deeply impressed with the importance of the measure your 
committee are about to propose, in order to accomplish these 
most desirable results, they beg leave to assure the society that 
it has not been without the most mature reflection that they 
have brought forward the resolutions which are appended, and 
which they believe will alone provide a remedy sufficiently am- 
ple for the widespread evils which are now felt. 

8 4 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the different typo- 
graphical societies of the United States to form a union of so- 
cieties, under such name as the convention to be held for that 
purpose shall designate. 

Resolved, That in order to form such union, a convention 
be held in the city of Washington on the 3d day of March next, 
to be composed of three delegates from every typographical so- 
ciety existing in the United States. 

Resolved, That the convention shall have power to draft a 
constitution, and such other regulations as shall be thought 
proper for the government of the union, which constitution 
shall be submitted to the local societies for their adoption ; and 
whenever two-thirds of the local societies shall agree to the 
said constitution, the government of the union shall be consid- 
ered as formed, and annual meetings take place accordingly. 

Resolved, That the power now possessed by the different 
societies to regulate the prices within their respective limits 
shall not be infringed by any regulation of the convention. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to 
every typographical society in the United States ; and that such 
of them as shall agree to them, be requested to appoint dele- 
gates, without further notice, to attend the convention. 

Wm. Walters, 
Jas. Brown, 
W t m. W. CuRRAN. t 

The report and resolutions having been read, the sec- 
ond resolution was amended by inserting the first Mon- 
day of June as the time of the meeting of the convention, 
and as amended were adopted unanimously. 

Letters approving of the convention and promising to 
send delegates were received from Harrisburg (Pa.) 
Typographical Association, August 26, 1836 (first men- 
tion) ; Baltimore, July 30; Nashville, Tenn., August 26; 
Philadelphia, August 27; Cincinnati, August 28; Rich- 
mond, Va., October 14, and later letters along the same 
line were received from New Orleans, and from Mobile, 
Ala. (first mention). New Orleans named two mem- 
bers of the Washington society and asked that they be 

85 



History of The Typographical Union 

permitted to act as proxy delegates from New Orleans, 
thus inaugurating from the very start that system of 
proxy representation that has many times since so nearly 
disrupted organizations. 

October 14, 1836, the Washington society met to elect 
delegates to the convention, and also to appoint a com- 
mittee to arrange for the same, since it was to be held 
in Washington. At the meeting the society decided to 
"pay all the expenses of the National Typographical Con- 
vention. " 

The first convention of the National Typographical 
Society met in the aldermen's chamber, city hall, Wash- 
ington, D. C, November 7, 1836, the session lasting five 
days. Delegates were present from the typographical 
societies in Baltimore, New York city, Washington, Har- 
risburg, Pa., Philadelphia, and by proxy from New 
Orleans. The delegate from the Philadelphia associa- 
tion was excluded from the convention, not because of 
any objection to the association, but because the Washing- 
ton society succeeded in proving that the delegate himself 
was one of the men that had worked for a time in the 
Duff Green establishment during the strike. The Phila- 
delphia association evidently was not aware of this 
when it elected him, as he was immediately expelled by 
that association. 

The convention was welcomed in an address from the 
mayor of the city, Hon. Peter Force, 11 who had joined 
the New York Typographical Society in 181 2, and was 
its president in 1815. In 1816 he joined the Colum- 



11 Visitors going up in the Washington monument may see carved in one of 
its largest stones the name "Peter Force." Students of industrial history pre- 
fer, however, to remember him by a monument of very different character. Mr. 
Force was for a number of years one of the proprietors of a job printing of- 
fice in Washington. Here he executed many of the "broadsides" so character- 
istic of the time, and here were printed the constitutions of many civic so- 
cieties of all kinds. He seems to have had a keen intuition of the historical 
value of things, and early began a collection of tracts, broadsides, constitu- 

86 



Early Organizations of Printers 

bia Typographical Society, and became its first "free 
member" in 1826. 

The convention adopted a constitution and issued two 
addresses, one to the various typographical societies in 
the United States, the other to the printers of the coun- 
try in general. 

To the local societies the convention appealed for a 
closer relation one with the other; proposing uniform 
regulations regarding apprentices; that runaways from 
one office should not be permitted to work in any other; 
that members expelled from one society for any good 
cause should not be admitted to membership by any other 
society; that no member of any society should work in 
any printing office where such expelled member was em- 
ployed until he was reinstated by the original society; 
there was to be an exchange of "rat" lists, and, most 
important of all, the societies were advised to open their 
doors to membership for all printers then working at 
the trade as journeymen, whether they served an ap- 
prenticeship or not; then after organizing all these, put 
up the bars and require a six-year apprenticeship. There 
had for years been two factions in the societies — one, 
seeing that the apprenticeship requirements were creat- 
ing an army of printers sufficiently large to do all the 
work, outside of the societies because of ineligibility, 
wanted temporarily to let down the bars and organize 
the trade, and then increase the requirements; the other 
faction, sticking to the old traditions, sought to remedy 
the evil by increasing the severity of apprenticeship. It 

tions, etc., which he ultimately gave to the Library of Congress as the Force 
Collection of Tracts — a veritable gold mine of industrial information, especially 
as relating to the southern states. In those days tracts and "broadsides" occu- 
pied relatively the position of magazine articles and newspaper discussions of 
today, and their preservation for future reference was of utmost importance. 
Mr. Force was of great assistance to the typographical societies as an em- 
ployer in their struggle with the apprentice problem. As indicated in the text, 
he was mayor of Washington, and was employed by the government to plan 
or outline a system for a government printing establishment. 

8 7 



History of The Typographical Union 

seems that the societies had elected delegates to the con- 
vention from the more radical factions in nearly every 
instance. 

A notice printed on the cover of the published proceed- 
ings of this convention of 1836, and dated November 
26, is of interest. It follows : 

Since the adjournment of the convention the committee on 
publication have learned with much regret that two attempts 
have in the south been made to injure the journeymen. They 
would, therefore, urge upon all printers in every city, town and 
village where no society exists to establish one as •soon as prac- 
ticable to enable them to be represented in the National Typo- 
graphical Society in September next. 

The "two attempts to injure the journeymen" referred, 
no doubt, to the strike in Richmond, Va., in November, 
1836, to enforce the apprentice section of the local con- 
stitution, and to the fight the union in Augusta, Ga., was 
making against that printers' Banquo, Gen. Duff Green, 
who had taken his boys' school idea with him and gone 
to South Carolina to organize "The American Literary 
Company." The Augusta association had gotten out a 
circular similar to the Washington society's "protest," 
which circular was printed in the Washington papers at 
the expense of the local society. At the request of the 
Augusta association the Washington society had a tran- 
script of its minutes, and all documents and letters rela- 
tive to the Duff Green matter, made and forwarded to 
the former organization — no small nor inexpensive task 
in those pre-typewriter days. 

The second convention of the National Typographical 
Society met in New York city September 4, 1837, with 
delegates from eight societies in the United States, and 
a fraternal delegate from Nova Scotia, who was seated 
with full powers, predictive of admission of Canadian 
unions into the National, thus forming the present Inter- 





t "/ CV- t/Y^ 



/*4 T 



Eclmonston. Washington, I). C. 

PETER FORCE 

President New York Typographical Society, 1815 
Mayor of Washington, D. C, 1836 






Early Organizations of Printers 

national Typographical Union in 1869. It is doubtful 
whether the proceedings of this convention were ever 
printed. No copy has been found in the search for data 
for this report. The report of the Washington delegates 
will, however, give an idea of the proceedings, and is 
here transcribed entire from the minutes of that society : 

Washington, January 6, 1838. 

The delegates appointed by the Columbia Typographical 
Society to attend the national association, which was to assem- 
ble in the city of New York on the 4th of September, 1 837, beg 
leave to submit the following report : 

That your delegates have been prevented from making a re- 
port by the non-arrival of the printed proceedings of the meet- 
ing, which was left under the control of the New York mem- 
bers. Although we have received a letter intimating that they 
would be soon sent on, we still have been disappointed. It is a 
matter of regret to us, as we find it almost impossible to direct 
your attention to the necessary acts which require your immedi- 
ate co-operation; and which alone can enable us to discharge 
our task satisfactorily to ourselves. 

That your delegation arrived in New York on the second of 
September, and were notified to meet at the sheriff's room, in 
the city hall, on the 4th, which was kindly granted by the pub- 
lic authorities of said city. Eight societies being represented, 
viz., New York, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Baltimore, Cincin- 
nati, Mobile, New Orleans, and Washington. The meeting was 
organized by calling to the chair one of this society's delegation, 
and appointing A. I. W. Jackson, of Baltimore, as secretary. 
That their first act was to revise the constitution, adopted by 
the convention which met at Washington in November, 1836. 
That after a labored investigation of that instrument, they 
made some amendments, in order to accord with the views and 
instructions of the several members. That they continued in 
session till Saturday, the 9th, inclusive, when, severally, having 
subscribed the new constitution, they adjourned sine die, to 
meet again at Pittsburgh, next September, and that they were 
then invited, and attended a public dinner given by the New 
York association, in courtesy to the members of the national 
association. 

89 



History of The Typographical Union 

Your delegates, not having the constitution to refer to, must, 
of course, be excused from entering into a detail of the several 
articles; but they would remark that, in article ioth, twenty-five 
per cent is to be levied of the different societies, annually, by a 
prescribed rule, to defray all expenses incurred by the associa- 
tion ; their instructions were for thirty per cent. 

Article 13 furnishes the mode of checking the practice of 
employing two-third apprentices. This is of initial importance 
to the whole fraternity, and requires consideration commen- 
surate with its importance; for all can realize the complete 
prostration which such a custom must create. The proposed 
check, adopted by the association, appears as simple as it is easy 
of accomplishment, if judicious measures alone be pursued. 
This plan is by the granting to travelers the "union card," which 
was introduced into the convention's constitution at Washing- 
ton. Many duties are enjoined on local societies, which must 
be referred by you to committees, to mature and prescribe a 
mode of operation for carrying them into effect. 

Your delegates are aware that the society will look for an 
expression of their opinion as to the utility and future prospects 
of the association, and, therefore, they will present their views 
in as brief a manner as possible. From all they could learn 
from their intercourse with the gentlemen composing the as- 
sembly, they are of the belief that no other plan could be 
adopted that would prove so efficacious and satisfactory to all 
concerned, and guard the craft against the innovations which 
are daily arising to drive the regular and good workmen out 
of employment, or to reduce their wages to the standard of 
the cupidity of some employers who forget the rights of their 
fellow-men. 

That the anticipated prospects of the association may be evi- 
denced from the interest taken in it by all associations in the 
United States and Nova Scotia, whose delegate was admitted 
to a seat during the discussions. It is the opinion of your dele- 
gation, that the employer and the journeymen were never on 
such amicable terms of friendly feelings as they are at the 
moment, which certainly is ominous of our success in this 
great cause. 

In closing the imperfect report they have made, they would 
congratulate the society on the high respect in which they are 
at present held by both employers and journeymen, as well in 

90 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Washington as throughout the whole country; and they sin- 
cerely pray this band of union may never be severed by 
any untoward circumstance, originating on your part. They 
now conclude by recommending the following resolution for 
adoption : 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to receive the 
printed proceedings of the association, and to report on their 
contents as soon as practicable, or on any matters concerning 

said association. T ^ 

James Clephane, 

James Handley. 

The national society did not hold a convention in 1838. 
In August of that year the following announcement ap- 
peared in papers in most of the cities where printers were 
organized : 

National Typographical Society 

Meeting postponed — The undersigned, officers of the Na- 
tional Typographical Association composing the board of con- 
trol, at the earnest solicitations of a number of delegates and 
societies forming said association, have, after mature delibera- 
tion, resolved on a postponement of the next meeting, and 
hereby give this public notice to the different societies of print- 
ers attached to said association, as well as those desirous of 
connecting themselves thereto, that the next meeting of the Na- 
tional Typographical Association will be held in the city of 
Pittsburgh, Pa., on the first Monday of September, 1839, at 
which time and place it is fondly expected the representatives 
from the different societies will be in attendance. 

A. I. W. Jackson, Baltimore, President. 
William Wellington, Philadelphia, 

Recording Secretary. 
Charles Albert Davis, New York, 

Corresponding Secretary. 
James Clephane, Washington, 

Treasurer Board of' Control. 
August 10, 1838. 

The publishers of newspapers throughout the United States 
will confer a favor on the craft in general by giving the above 
notice one or two insertions. 

91 



History of The Typographical Union 

Whether this postponed convention ever met is not 
known and may well be doubted. The general laws for 
the government of local societies appear to have been 
promulgated by the New York convention of 1837. 
They were gotten out in leaflet form by the Washington 
society for its own use, as follows : 

Columbia Typographical Society 

December i, 1838. 

Resolved, That the general laws recommended by the Na- 
tional Typographical Society to the local societies for their 
government be printed for the use of the members. 

W. A. Kennedy, Secretary. 

GENERAL LAWS 

Article I. Every apprentice shall serve until he be 21 
years of age ; and at the time of entering as an apprentice shall 
not be more than 16 years of age; and every boy taken as an 
apprentice shall be bound to his employer in due form of law. 

Article 2. No runaway apprentice shall be received into 
any office in the United States attached to the national associa- 
tion, either as an apprentice or journeyman. 

Article 3. That on the death of his master, or if, from 
any cause, the office wherein he was indentured shall be discon- 
tinued, he may be taken into another office, and be regularly 
indentured to finish the term of his apprenticeship. 

Article 4. After the 1st day of January, 1844, it shall not 
be lawful for any local society to consider any application for 
membership unaccompanied by sufficient proof that he had 
served the period of five years, as a regularly indentured ap- 
prentice at the printing business. 

Article 5. That after the 1st of January, 1839, it shall 
not be lawful for any local society to permit members of said 
society to work in any office where boys may be taken as ap- 
prentices to the printing business, to serve for a less period than 
five years. 

Article 6. The local societies shall have the power to 
establish such tariff of prices as may be suitable to the section 
of country in which they may be located. 

92 



Early Organizations of Printers 

Article 7. It shall be the duty of all local societies, work- 
ing under the jurisdiction of the national association, to sustain 
each other in their list of prices or such other regulations as 
they may adopt for their government. 

Article 8. That all local societies suspend so much of 
their constitutions as requires a term of apprenticeship as a 
qualification for membership ; and that they admit all who are 
at work at the business as journeymen so soon as it shall be as- 
certained that the proposed regulations of the association upon 
this subject shall be adopted by two-thirds of the societies. 

Article 9. Any person presenting his union card from 
one society, under the jurisdiction of the national association, 
to another society under the same jurisdiction, and paying the 
monthly dues called for by their constitution, shall be entitled 
to the trade benefits of said society. 

Article 10. Local societies shall recognize but two classes 
of printers — employers and journeymen — that is, persons who 
carry on business solely as employers and those who work 
as journeymen, in the manner prescribed, and at the prices 
demanded by such society. 

Article ii. It shall be the duty of local societies to have 
prepared an annual report of their condition, showing the num- 
ber of members admitted for the year preceding; the amount 
of receipts from initiation, dues, and fines ; the number of news- 
papers and periodical publications, together with all offices of 
whatever character, under the immediate control of practical 
printers, at the time of making such reports ; also, those under 
the control of others than printers, and such other information 
as may be in possession of said local societies, in reference to 
the profession generally; said report to be transmitted to the 
national association at its annual meetings. 

Article 12. That the societies be requested to forward to 
the national association, annually, the number, as near as may 
be ascertained, of apprentices in the district of country over 
which the society has jurisdiction; also, of all the journeymen 
— distinguishing members of the society from others. 

Article 13. That men pronounced rats by one society, 
shall be considered such by all others, until reinstated by said 
society. 

Article 14. A local society, on the suspension or expulsion 
of a member, shall give information to all other societies as 

93 



History of The Typographical Union 

soon as practicable, and make annual report to the national 
association. 

Article 15. That it be made obligatory on the members of 
the respective societies to solicit all printers in good standing to 
join some local society. 

Article 16. That every society which may henceforth be 
established, transmit the title, list of officers, and its locality, to 
the corresponding secretary of the National Typographical 
Association. 

Article 17. The above regulations, when adopted by two- 
thirds of the local societies, shall become binding upon the 
whole, as general laws, for the government of the craft. 

To return now to affairs of the local societies, the Phil- 
adelphia Typographical Association sent out a letter 
dated June 16, 1834, on the state of trade, saying: "For 
several months the book offices have not had work enough 
to employ even their apprentices, and when we may safe- 
ly anticipate a favorable change we are as unable to say 
as we are anxious to hear." July 11, 1835, the same as- 
sociation wrote that it was having trouble as a result of 
''having taken measures to effect an advance in the price 
of our labor;" that the employers were advertising in 
other cities, and asked the Washington society to "pre- 
vent that influx of strangers upon which the employers 12 
rely in connection with the defection, which, in a small 
degree, we are sorry to say, they have effected for de- 
feating the purposes of this association." Later, August 
30, 1835, the association sent out a circular saying the 
trouble was over. 13 



12 It may be of interest to note that an employing printers' association was 
formed just before this in Philadelphia, it being organized February 7, 1835. 
A scale of prices for composition and presswork, by which all contracts for 
such work were made, was adopted and made a part of the constitution. Mem- 
bers violating the contract scale were subject to fine or expulsion. Evidently 
the "Printers' Company" of 1794 had ceased to exist. 

13 The steam press was beginning to alarm the pressmen, and curiously 
enough they proposed at first to meet it just as, in after years, the glass work- 
ers' unions and the coal miners' unions proposed to meet the machine, i. e., by 
reducing their wages for hand work to a point where it would not pay the 
employers to install steam presses, except that the pressmen proposed to do it 

94 



Early Organizations of Printers 

August 6, 1836, the Nashville (Tenn.) Typographical 
Society sent out its revised constitution and price list. 
The society bound itself by its constitution to "co-operate 
with the National Typographical Society" and to be rep- 
resented in its convention. This society had thirty-five 



by exactly the methods they opposed when applied by the employers to type- 
setting — by the introduction of boys into the business through a subdivision of 
labor. A resolution was passed by the Washington society with this in view 
October 14, 1835, as follows: 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of 
making such alterations in the price of presswork and the introduction of roll- 
ers and roller boys as will enable employers to have their work done as cheap, 
better, and with greater certainty by hand than by the use of steam or power 
presses, while at the same time pressmen will be able to make as good wages, 
if not better than under the present system. 

As showing the attitude of the early printers toward machinery the two 
following remarkable letters are taken from the minutes of the Washington 
society: 

[Copy of a letter laid before the society by a member.] 

Warrenton, Va., October 6, 1840. 

Dear Sir: Through you I would respectfully inform the typographical so- 
ciety of Washington that I have invented and made a machine for setting and 
distributing type; which machine is now in complete operation in this place, 
and will, according to the estimate of practical printers, do the work of four 
men; the cost not to exceed $20. Being poor myself, my object is to realize 
something like a compensation for my time, labor and ingenuity; and being 
aware that it may perhaps conflict with the interest of your society, I have 
concluded to propose to sell them the exclusive right for the District of Colum- 
bia. To effect this object, I propose that your society deputize some one to 
decide upon the merits of the same; pledging myself to let them have it, as a 
body, for less than I can get from an individual proprietor. 

Let me hear from you early, or by the society. 

Respectfully, I. D. Hill. 

[Reply.] 
Mr. I. D. Hill. Washington, November 18, 1840. 

Sir: In compliance with a resolution of Columbia Typographical Society, 
I acknowledge the receipt of your letter, apprising it of your invention and your 
desire to dispose of it to said society. And, I am also instructed to say, that, 
while they wish you success in your undertaking, they do not feel themselves 
justified in offering you any pecuniary aid; nor do they feel willing to abet 
in bringing into operation anything that would encroach upon the rights of 
those who have given years of labor and privation to acquire a knowledge of 
a business which they had reason to believe would yield them a support in 
after life. You propose to distribute and set type by machinery! Shade of the 
immortal Faust, thou art forever eclipsed. But should your invention prove 
beneficial to the craft, we will hail you as a benefactor. Your professions of 
regard for this society, and the craft at large, are duly appreciated. 

Yours respectfully, in behalf of Columbia Typographical Society. 

David H. Hanlon, 
Corresponding Secretary. 

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History of The Typographical Union 

members in 1836, and the "chapel" system was firmly 
established in all offices. 

During 1836 a letter was received from the Typograph- 
ical Society at Columbia, S. C. The letter, however, does 
not make clear whether the society had just been organ- 
ized or not. This society sent out a "rat list" in 1842, 
and seems to have gone down in a strike of that year. 

December 3, 1836, the Washington society, "owing to 
the advance in the price of products generally" (by 
which is meant the cost of living) 14 asked for "an ad- 
vance of about 10 per cent on our present tariff prices for 
the employing printers of the District," and appointed a 
committee to revise the scale and call on the employers. 
January 7, 1837, tne committee reported that the em- 
ployers had agreed to the new scale, and it was ordered 
printed. It is impossible to ignore the evidence of the 
slowness of the world's affairs in those days when we re- 
flect that this was the first change in price list adopted 
by the society since the original one of 181 5, and that 
was but a schedule of prices already paid and had been 
in existence for several years. Wage scales that last 
twenty-two years without alteration will not be numer- 
ous in this century. 

February 4, 1837, tne Typographical Society at Lex- 
ington, Ky., issued a circular, which, like the one from 
Columbia, S. C, does not state clearly when the society 
was formed. 

In 1838 the St. Louis (Mo.) Typographical Associa- 
tion sent out a protest against a perpetual "ratting" of 
printers who had conducted themselves honorably in 

14 As indicative of the cost of living, the prices quoted from the central 
market at Washington, D. C, September 18, 1837, are here reproduced: "Beef, 
from 6% to i2 l / 2 cents per pound; corned beef, 8 cents; veal, 6% to 10 cents; 
pork, 12 cents; mutton, 6% to 10 cents per pound; lamb, 50 to 75 cents per 
quarter; ham, 14 cents per pound; butter 20 to 25 cents; butter, print, 31 % to 
37 ]/ 2 cents; lard, 12^2 cents per pound; chickens, $2 to $3 per dozen; eggs, 15 
cents; corn (green), 12 l / 2 cents per dozen; potatoes, 50 cents per bushel; sweet 
potatoes, 37 T / 2 cents per peck; corn meal, $i.i2 l / 2 per bushel; rye meal, 80 
cents per bushel." 

96 



Early Organizations of Printers 

other cities. The occasion of this was that a printer who 
had worked in the Duff Green plant, Washington, D. C, 
in 1836 or 1837, went to St. Louis, Mo., and obtained 
a situation, when it was discovered he was on the rat 
list sent out from Washington. The St. Louis society 
testified that the man had "conducted himself honorably" 
in St. Louis and wanted to know how long the rat list 
was expected to last. The Washington society in reply 
granted its permission to the St. Louis association to ac- 
cept this man as a member, and annulled its rat list of 
1836. 

May 4, 1839, the Washington society adopted the 
"chapel system." From Louisville, Ky., came a letter 
stating that the Louisville Typographical Association 
was formed April 1, 1839. "There having been hereto- 
fore two societies in this city, which now exist no more, 
we have organized upon entirely different lines." Dur- 
ing the year several societies were heard from for the 
first time, some only recently organized, while others ap- 
pear to have been in existence for some time. Vicksburg, 
Miss., for instance, sent out a "rat list" and asked for an 
exchange of same; Columbus, Ohio, was first heard of 
July 6, 1839, the letter not being preserved in the min- 
utes. Detroit, Mich., sent out a strike notice stating that 
the association had been compelled to strike for wages 
due and unpaid. Rochester, N. Y., reported that an or- 
ganization had just been effected; as did Frankfort, Ky., 
and Tallahassee, Fla. 

The most important event of this year (1839), how- 
ever, in view of the continued apprenticeship troubles, 
was the action of the New Orleans Typographical Asso- 
ciation. September I, 1838, this organization sent out a 
circular letter notifying all societies that it was on strike 
against one office in the city, that of David Felt & Co. 
August 3, 1839, it sent out a "rat circular," doubtless 
growing out of the same difficulty. In its constitution 

97 



History of The Typographical Union 

as revised September 14, 1839, this association prohibits 
any member from working "on any English daily morn- 
ing paper, on which any apprentices may be employed." 
January 8, 1840, the Boston association sent letters asking 
for wage scales and stating it was making a list of wages 
paid in all cities. Jackson (Miss.) Typographical As- 
sociation was organized in 1840. The collapse of the 
National Society disheartened the local societies and gave 
the "benefit" faction, or the "alimoners," as they were 
called, the floor and the argument for a year or two. 

April 4, 1840, the Mobile (Ala.) association, and 
June 6 of the same year the New York association, each 
sent out "rat circulars" as a result of strikes in which 
both organizations seem to have gotten their death blow. 
Nowhere, outside of New Orleans, was the apprentice 
trouble settled or even mollified, and even there it was 
controlled only in the morning newspaper offices. The 
Washington society was permitting special exceptions to 
its apprentice regulations; and in Philadelphia, society 
members were working with boys and "two-thirders" un- 
til it was said there were just journeymen enough in an 
office to tell the apprentices what to do. The whole sub- 
ject was chaotic. In January, 1842, the Washington 
society appointed a committee to go over the entire mat- 
ter. The "alimoners" had a majority of the committee 
and were for the repeal of all laws attempting to regulate 
trade affairs of this kind. The minority report was for 
strict enforcement. Taken together, these reports form 
a most important document on the subject. Not only do we 
get here an inside view of the workings of the two fac- 
tions, but we get a view of the situation as seen by those 
most interested. The report is given below : 

The committee appointed upon the apprentice regulations at 
the last stated meeting submitted the two following reports, 
which were received. 

98 



Early Organizations of Printers 

The committee of the Columbia Typographical Society, to 
whom the following resolution was referred, viz. : "Resolved, 
That this society appoint a committee to inquire into, and re- 
port upon, the expediency of either modifying, repealing or 
more rigidly enforcing the apprentice regulations of the said 
society" — ask permission of the society respectfully to present 
their views in the following report : 

That your committee, in accordance with the above resolu- 
tion, have duly considered the matter referred to them, and 
given to it that attention which the importance of the subject 
demands. That your committee consider the above-named 
regulations were recommended by the general convention of 
printers, with the intention (in connection with other meas- 
ures), to unite the societies of the different cities for the ad- 
vancement of the interests of the craft ; and could only be ben- 
eficial by general adoption. That such has not been the case is 
evident to every one, for they have only been carried out by one 
society besides this. That, as said project of union has totally 
failed of success, this society is under no obligations to other 
societies to enforce said regulations. That this society, itself, 
having violated the regulations in the case of the boy (Bailey) 
taken into the office of Mr. Allen, and failed to enforce them 
in numerous other instances where they have been openly vio- 
lated, can not now, with any hope of success, resolve to enforce 
them. Can this society demand of employers an adherence to 
regulations that the society was the first to violate ? These reg- 
ulations, by mutual agreement between them, were equally 
binding upon this society and employers ; but, by your own act, 
in the opinion of your committee, you have absolved the em- 
ployers from all obligation to adhere to them. When violations 
of said regulations have occurred, and been reported to this so- 
ciety, you have, more than once, appointed committees to confer 
with the employers on the subject, but without any satisfactory 
result. Some have promised to comply with the wishes of the 
society; others have treated you with contemptuous silence, and 
all have continued to violate the apprentice regulations, as long 
as it was their interest to do so. That, in the opinion of your 
committee, the aforesaid regulations operate in favor of the 
employer, and against the interests of the journeymen : the long 
term of apprenticeship, and the legal power given to the master 
to make the apprentice serve the full term of five years, cer- 

99 



History of The Typographical Union 

tainly offers greater inducements to employers to take appren- 
tices, and bring them in competition with journeymen, than the 
old system, under which — the term of apprenticeship depending 
altogether on the will of the boy, the master possessing no legal 
power to detain him — there was less inducement to bring ap- 
prentices in competition with journeymen. In a word, the reg- 
ulations, as they now stand, are a dead letter, and as long as 
they remain in, and are acknowledged by, this society, as a part 
of its constitution, without, at the same time, enforcing them, 
they are a disgrace and reproach to us. That, in the opinion of 
your committee, it is inexpedient to modify or enforce said reg- 
ulations. That, in the opinion of your committee, if this soci- 
ety, in its wisdom, should see fit to repeal the said regulations, 
it will settle all differences now existing between this society 
and employers in relation to apprentices, prevent future colli- 
sions of the same nature; still the murmurs and dissatisfaction 
of a large and respectable minority of this society; and give 
peace and good feelings where we have long had agitation and 
angry contention. 

In conclusion, your committee would respectfully recom- 
mend the following resolution for adoption, and ask to be dis- 
charged from the further consideration of the subject : 

Resolved, That the apprentice regulations of the Columbia 
Typographical Society be, and they are hereby, repealed. 

C. W. C. DUNNINGTON, 

John T. C. Clark, 

Committee. 

A minority of the committee of the Columbia Typographical 
Society, to whom was referred the subject of a repeal or modifi- 
cation of the apprentice regulations of said society respectfully 
begs leave to report : 

That he has given the matter his most serious attention and 
weighed all the arguments that presented themselves to his 
mind, for and against these regulations, in the calm balance 
of reflection. For the repeal of the regulations, there appear to 
exist the following reasons : First, because the regulations were 
framed to meet a general law on the subject, to be in force in 
all cities throughout the Union, whereas said general law has 
only been complied with in one city besides this. Second, be- 
cause the regulations were not made in accordance with long- 
established usage, either in this or in any other age and country, 

ioo 



Early Organizations of Printers 

but were merely got up as an experiment, which experiment has 
failed to stand the test of five years' successful application. 
Third, because this society has itself specially authorized an in- 
fraction of the regulations in one instance and not promptly 
condemned their infraction in other instances. Fourth, because a 
very respectable minority in this society, in number and char- 
acter, have always regarded the regulations as irregular, and 
not within the purview of the society's original jurisdiction — a 
minority which has sufficiently increased of late to call for some 
concession, or else the most convincing arguments, from the 
majority. 

These reasons appear to be of such weight as to entitle them 
to great consideration. The closing part of the last season 
might seem to many particularly cogent as regards the mere 
expediency of repeal, from the fact that the regulations of a 
society of operatives can scarcely ever be beneficial or effective, 
unless approved by two-thirds of those who are to carry them 
into effect. The undersigned has been mindful of the strength 
of the reasons in favor of repeal, and also of the deduction 
which may be naturally drawn from the closing portion of 
the last ; but he has deemed it due to the investigation in 
which he is engaged, to turn to the other side, and see what 
reasons may be offered for the retention and maintenance of 
these regulations. They may be stated as follows : First, the 
regulations prevent a too rapid multiplication of journeymen, 
by withdrawing from parents and guardians the inducement of 
putting boys to the business as a temporary stay or relief, who, 
having served a couple of years, are turned out to compete with 
journeymen of more mature experience. Second, they improve 
the quality of such apprentices as do serve, by affording them 
ample time to learn their business, a complete knowledge of 
which always stimulates them, in every situation in life, to a 
regard for the honor of the craft. Third, masters will readily 
start the printing business with apprentices only, when they can 
transfer or abandon such apprentices at will. Fourth, boys who 
are initiated into the business from temporary expediency, be- 
sides excluding journeymen to a certain extent, while serv- 
ing their apprenticeship, frequently return, on the failure 
of other business, at a time when those who have made it the 
business of their lives can scarcely procure employment at it — 
thereby increasing the general distress among the craft. Fifth, 

IOI 



History of The Typographical Union 

this society, from its foundation up to a very short period be- 
fore the adoption of these regulations, showed its partiality for 
long apprenticeship by requiring four years of such service to 
be one of the constituent qualifications of membership. Sixth, 
the small number of apprentices now, in this city, compared 
with what there were when these regulations were established, 
affords the most irrefragable evidence of the efficacy and good 
result of the regulations. 

The undersigned, after such a hesitancy as is involved in the 
foregoing citation of the merits of the case, has concluded to, 
and does, recommend an adherence to the apprentice regula- 
tions. He believes they have been productive of much good to 
the master, the journeyman, and the apprentice : to the master, 
by increasing his net profit on the apprentice's labor; to the 
journeyman, by limiting the number of his competitors ; to the 
apprentice, by affording him a competent experience ; and to 
all, through an amenity and congeniality of sentiment engen- 
dered by the system. He thinks that their repeal would be but 
an entering wedge to split and divide our society on all the 
regulations which it has established for the general welfare. 
He also believes there is no middle ground. Modification 
would only multiply the attacks of those interested in repeal, as 
well as the enemies of the society. Special instances may occur 
where an exception to the regulations will be necessary — such 
as where the family to which an apprentice belongs is removing 
from one section of country to another; but in such special in- 
stances the undersigned apprehends a vote of two-thirds can 
readily be obtained to authorize such exception. 

In conclusion, the undersigned asks that the committee be 
discharged from the further consideration of the subject. 

F. Jefferson. 

Mr. Delano offered the following resolution : 
Resolved, That the apprentice regulations be enforced 
forthwith. 

For which Mr. Drew offered the following as a sub- 
stitute : 

Resolved, That a committee of vigilance be appointed, to con- 
sist of one member of this society in each office, in the city, to 
supervise the admission of apprentices into the respective offices 
in which the members of the committee may be engaged; and 

102 



Early Organizations of Printers 

that, on the admission of a new apprentice into an office, the 
committee be required to wait upon the employer, on the au- 
thority of the society, and inquire whether such apprentice has 
been taken in accordance with the regulations of this society, 
and to report the same to the society; and that said committee 
also be authorized to pursue a like course with regard to those 
apprentices who are now working in offices contrary to the 
rules of the society. 

Nothing, however, came of it at this time. By resolu- 
tion the society had appointed a committee November 
6, 1 84 1, to make a list of all the "journeymen now em- 
ployed in the several offices of this city, designating the 
number that are members of this society, the number 
that have been, but from any cause have ceased to be 
members, and the number that have never been attached 
to the society." 

April 2, 1842, a resolution to prohibit members from 
working with non-members after January 1, 1843, was 
introduced, this being the first attempt in Washington 
to discriminate against merely non-union men as distin- 
guished, of course, from "rats," or men working under 
the scale. The argument of the resolution is identical 
with that used against the non-union man today : 

Whereas experience has clearly demonstrated that it has 
been only by the formation and continuance of the Columbia 
Typographical Society that the craft have been enabled to at- 
tain their present prosperous condition, in a moral and pecu- 
niary point of view, in this city ; and 

Whereas a crisis has arrived in the affairs of the profession, 
which calls for a rally of all members of the craft in support 
of the constitution and regulations of the society ; and believ- 
ing that all who work at the business in this city are benefited 
by the existence of said society, and bound, both by honor and 
interest, to contribute to its support. Therefore, 

Resolved, That every person working at the business will 
be required to make application to join this society within one 
month from the time of his commencing work at any office in 
this city, at a regular stated meeting of the society. 

103 



History of The Typographical Union 

Resolved, That on the refusal or neglect of any to comply 
with the regulation contained in the foregoing resolution, or in 
case of the rejection of such applicant, the members of this so- 
ciety shall cease to work in any office where such person may be 
employed. 

Resolved, That the foregoing resolution go into effect as an 
amendment to the constitution, on the 1st day of January, 1843. 

As a similar resolution was introduced in 1847, this, 
if passed (the minutes do not show whether it was or 
not), does not appear to have been very effective, but is 
none the less indicative of the sentiment of the time. 

In New York city early in 1844 the Franklin Typo- 
graphical Association had been founded for the purpose 
of securing an advance in wages. The scale, which was 
28 cents per 1,000 ems and $1 1 a week, was agreed upon 
at a meeting held April 13, 1844, to take effect April 
15. At a meeting held on the latter date the following 
resolutions were passed : 

Whereas the Franklin Typographical Association have 
designated the 15th day of April, 1844, as the time for the re- 
vised scale of prices to go into operation ; and 

Whereas it is necessary for the association, to protect those 
who may be thrown, out of employment in consequence thereof: 
therefore, 

Resolved, That all persons who may be thrown out of em- 
ployment in consequence of demanding the advance designated 
in the scale, be requested to report themselves to the board of 
management at Stoneal's Hotel, Fulton street, on Monday, 
April 15, 1844, between the hours of 10 a. m. and 10 p. m. to 
receive such information, instructions and assistance as circum- 
stances may require. 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to make 
arrangements for the firing a salute of 1 00 guns on Monday, 
April 15, 1844, m honor of the large number of the generous 
and liberal employers who have already signified their willing- 
ness to pay the new scale. 

This firing of guns was premature, if intended as a 
celebration of victory. May 6, 1844, the association 

104 



Early Organizations of Printers 

opened reading rooms and a house of call at No. 109 
Nassau street for the use of all the journeymen printers, 
and where "members of the association out of employ- 
ment are requested to call and register their names and 
addresses." It was, in fact, a "headquarters of the 
strikers," such as we know today. Matters grew worse 
and worse for the association. July 22 the following 
"address" was issued : 

The corresponding secretary of the Franklin Typographical 
Association having been duly appointed by the board of man- 
agers to confer with certain printers concerning prices, respect- 
fully submits the following report : 

Saturday morning, July 20, I called on John F. Trow, the 
corporation printer, and stated to him that I had been ap- 
pointed by the association to inquire of him if there was any 
truth in the rumor that he was about to reduce prices in his 
book office. He answered me very haughtily, "Suppose there 
is?" I said that I did not come to explain why he should not 
reduce prices, but merely to ask what truth there was in the 
rumor. Again he replied, "Suppose there is?" I asked him 
if that was his only answer. He replied that he acknowl- 
edged no right in the association to ask him questions ; that 
the association had been the cause of difficulty in his office, 
and that he was determined to "set his face against" this or 
any other association that should assume the right of dicta- 
tion as to what men should receive for their labor. He should 
"set his face against the association." He held that he had 
the right to pay what he pleased for work, and that no one 
had a right to say a word in the matter; and he was "deter- 
mined to set his face against the association." 

After this ebullition of superfluous breath, the gentlemanly 
corporation printer set his back against me and I walked off. 

Printers of New York! have you no interest in this matter? 
A portion of your number, by great exertion, formed an associa- 
tion — upon a liberal and benevolent plan — have adopted a scale 
of prices to which these very men acceded, and which every 
honorable employer considers fair and just. 

This scale of prices will put more money in your pocket in 
a month than the association will take from you in a whole 
year. 

105 



History of The Typographical Union 

If you who are not members of our association would come 
up and join — if you would help yourselves fight your own bat- 
tles — we might give such answer as would effectually convince 
John F. Trow, and others of his belief, that free and independ- 
ent men, men who earn an honest livelihood by the sweat of 
their brow, have a right to dictate to fellow-men — aye though 
their names be not blazoned six several times in gorgeousness 
of gold leaf and paint upon the walls of a four-story building. 

But if the mass of journeymen printers will remain idle in 
this business — if they will shun all opportunity for benefiting 
themselves — then they must submit to be insolently told that 
they have no right to ask a fair return for their labor, that they 
must take what their masters choose to offer, and be silent ; they 
must be content to cringe before the soulless tyrant who by any 
means may happen to possess control over a case of type and a 
rickety press; they must be content to live or die, to feast or 
starve, as the greed and avarice of the employer may dictate. 

Fellow- journeymen ! have you not as fair a right to sunlight 
and shade, to air and existence as any other breathing mortal? 
If so, then protect that right, for it is in danger. The men who 
would deprive you of a portion of your hard-earned wages, 
were willing for their own interests to pay the scale at the time 
of its adoption. 

Business was brisk then, work was plenty, and men were in 
demand. Now work is scarce, and for that reason these fellows 
would cut down your wages ! as if the laborer was responsible 
for the decrease of business, and his wife and children must be 
punished and starved so that the employer's account of profits 
and gain may foot up as they did when business was good. Oh, 
charitable, enlightened, benevolent logic that would reduce the 
compensation for work because work is scarce. 

In -view of these circumstances, we call upon the journeymen 
printers of New York to come up, not to help us individually, 
nor for the purpose of parade or display, but come up for the 
benefit of yourselves, for your own protection, for the protec- 
tion of your wives and children — for the protection of their 
honor — for the protection of the honor and the dignity of la- 
bor, and the character of freemen ; all of which are endangered 
by the illiberal, selfish and unjust actions of a certain number 
of purse-proud mortals. -p -p q ttarson 

Corresponding Secretary. 
1 06 



Early Organizations of Printers 

The last meeting of this militant association, so far as 
can be learned, was held December 21, 1844. About 
this time, or possibly in 1843, an attempt was made to 
found a national secret society, to be composed of picked 
men from the local associations in all cities, and to be 
called "The Order of Faust" The move was started in 
New York city, and it is said that such of the leaders as 
were approached in Albany, Washington, Cincinnati, Bos- 
ton and Philadelphia were ready to join and to found 
co-ordinate branches. 

The years from 1844 to 1847 were remarkable for 
nothing but the same old temporizing struggle over ap- 
prentices, and the ever-swelling army of "two-thirders" 
which was augmented continuously from the apprentices-. 
In 1845, i n Washington, a group of printers forming a 
committee from the society were arrested upon a charge 
of "conspiracy," as the result of an attempt to enforce 
the society's apprenticeship regulations, which all of the 
employers (including those causing the arrest) had 
agreed to for years, but which nobody, not even the so- 
ciety, had paid much attention to. The extent to which 
apprentices were substituted for journeymen, as compared 
with the present time, can be best realized by reference 
to an incident in Detroit, Mich. In 1846 the apprentices 
struck on a Detroit newspaper, and publication was sus- 
pended for two days because there were not journeymen 
enough to do the work. November 22, 1847, the Albany 
(N. Y. ) association sent out a letter stating that con- 
tractors had taken the state printing at 17 cents per 1,000 
ems, and were hiring boys at $3 a week to do the work. 
The next year the Albany Union limited the number of 
apprentices. In 1847 the Baltimore association adopted 
a constitutional amendment limiting apprentices at the 
ratio of one apprentice to each three journeymen. In 
the convention of 1850 the Baltimore delegates, as well 

107 



History of The Typographical Union 

as those of Albany, urged limitation, and referred to 
that of their own unions, but without mentioning the 
ratio. - Mr. H. T. Ogden, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was 
a delegate to the convention of 1850, in an interview for 
this report, kindly supplied this important information. 
Mr. Ogden went to Cincinnati in 1847, an d his first em- 
ployment was in a job office where there were three 
journeymen and five boys, called apprentices, but were 
only so in name. Mr. Ogden thinks that was about the 
ratio throughout the Middle West at that time. Few 
offices had more than one or two journeymen. He re- 
members that in the best office in Lexington, Ky., in 
1836, there was one journeynian and five apprentices in 
the news composing room and one journeyman and one 
apprentice in the jobroom. In 1847 Mr. Ogden corre- 
sponded with the Baltimore union and got its apprentice- 
ship limitation rule, which was adopted by the Cincinnati 
Union in 1848. In 1849 there seems to have been a ri- 
valry between the radical and conservative elements, the 
former wishing further to restrict apprentices by increas- 
ing the ratio to I to 4. Mr. Ogden was the candidate of 
the "1 to 3" party, and was elected president of the union. 
In 1848 the Typographical Union of Boston was or- 
ganized. A preliminary meeting to discuss organization 
was held December 8, 1848, at the residence of Mr. Henry 
K. Oliver, who later became the first chief of the first 
bureau of the statistics of labor. Final organization was 
effected December 16, 1848, with approximately sixty 
members. The prices paid at that time were 25 cents 
per 1,000 ems to first-class journeymen in the best offices 
and 162-3 cents to "two-thirders," who outnumbered the 
journeymen about two to one. The union issued a cir- 
cular in December, 1848, in which it said: 

There are in Boston 156 journeymen working 12 hours each 
day and 7 days each week, who receive on an average of $9.25 

108 



Early Organizations of Printers 

per week. There are 325 journeymen working 10 hours each 
day and 6 days each week, who receive on an average of $6 per 
week. 

The scale of prices demanded by the union in 1849 
was 28 cents per 1,000 ems, with a weekly rate of $13 on 
morning papers; for evening and semi-weekly papers, 28 
cents per 1,000 and $10 weekly rate. Job offices and 
weekly papers paid the same piece rate, or $9 a week 
on weekly rate; time work was 20 cents an hour. 

The Pittsburgh (Pa.) Typographical Association was 
formed in 1849 an d issued a scale of prices. This union 
proposed at first only a three-year indentured apprentice- 
ship for all boys employed in offices; but in 1850 or 1851 
adopted a limitation of apprentices at "1 to 3." The 
Boston union of 1848 tried to solve its problems by re- 
fusing to admit to membership any who had not served 
a four-year apprenticeship and had recommendations as 
a good printer. It is difficult to see how this would 
solve the problem of the "two-thirder," who was con- 
tent to remain a two-thirder and out of the union, how- 
ever, as it is not at all clear that members refused to 
work with non-union men at first, and certainly not with 
non-union men who claimed to be only apprentices, as 
the "two-thirders" when driven to defense invariably 
did. In 1849 the Boston union had a long and bitter 
strike to enforce its new scale. 

December 29, 1849, a meeting attended by 27 com- 
positors from the daily newspaper offices was held in 
New York city to discuss organization and the prospects 
of securing a uniform scale of wages throughout the city. 
This was accomplished January 19, 1850, by the organi- 
zation of the New York Typographical Union (now 
"Big Six") and the adoption of a scale calling for 32 
cents per 1,000 ems, which the employers acceded to 
without friction. Hon. Horace Greeley, having accepted 

109 



History of The Typographical Union 

an invitation to serve, was elected its first president; 
"working cards" with his signature as president still 
exist and are greatly prized by their owners. 15 

A typographical union existed in San Francisco, CaL, 
and one in Trenton, N. J., in 1850; but whether organ- 
ized in that year or not, is not known. The -San Fran- 
cisco scale of wages was $5 a day. Likewise the print- 
ers of Savannah, Ga., and those of Syracuse, N. Y., 
report organization and trouble in September, 1850, 
but do not clearly indicate how long they had been 
organized. 

The present typographical union in Philadelphia was 
organized August 10, 1850, adopting a constitution and 
by-laws and price list. This constitution limits appren- 
tices, and prohibits its members from working with "two- 



15 The New York Tribune of January 21, 1850, contains the following notice 
of the organization and condensation of the constitution adopted: 

At a meeting of the New York Printers' Union held on Saturday evening, 
January 19, 1850, the following officers were elected: President, Horace Gree- 
ley; vice-president, Edgar H. Rogers; recording secretary, William H. Prindle; 
financial secretary, R. Cunningham; corresponding secretary, George Johnson; 
treasurer, Thomas N. Rooker. 

CONSTITUTION OF THE NEW YORK PRINTERS' UNION. 

The objects of the union shall be the maintenance of a fair rate of wages, 
the assistance and encouragement of good workmen, the support of members 
in sickness and distress, the relief of deserving printers who may visit our 
city in search of employment, the establishment of a library for the use and 
instruction of members, and to use every means in our power which may tend 
to the elevation of printers in the scale of social life. 

1. The officers of this union shall consist of a president, vice-president, a 
recording secretary, a financial secretary, a corresponding secretary, a treas- 
urer, a financial committee of three to serve one year, a visiting committee of 
seven to serve for three months, a relief committee of five to serve for six 
months, and a board of five trustees to be elected annually. 

2. The regular meetings of the union are to be held on the first and third 
Saturdays of each month, and special meetings may at any time be called, at 
the request of six members, signified in writing to the president. 

3. Eleven members shall constitute a quorum for the transacting of 
business. 

4. The initiation fee is $1, and application for admission may be made 
through any member, the applicant first depositing in the hands of the financial 
secretary the sum of $1. 

5. At the next meeting after his proposition the union shall take his re- 
quest into consideration and it shall thereupon be balloted for by ball ballots, 

IIO 



Early Organizations of Printers 

thirders." The union was immediately involved in a 
strike. September 18, 1850, there were 425 members 
enrolled and 30 journeymen who had refused to join, 
but were not working below the scale. September 21 the 
"vigilance committee" reported 55 "two-thirders" and 60 
unbound boys in the printing offices of the city, and gave 
name and detailed personal description of each. The 
strike lasted into December, when the committee re- 
ported to the union that it could not win the strike with 
the demands as they then stood, recommending the re- 
peal of the limitation on apprentices, that being the one 
demand most bitterly opposed by employers, and the one 
which alienated public sentiment. The sections of the 
by-laws limiting apprentices were repealed, as the union 



and if the applicant shall receive three-quarters of all the ballots, he shall be 
entitled to a certificate of membership. 

6. Any printer who has attained the age of 21 years, who is in sound 
health, and of good moral standing in society, may become a member by com- 
plying with the requirements of the constitution. 

7. Members may pay their dues monthly if they prefer it, and should the 
liabilities of the union in consequence of benefits to sick and superannuated 
members exceed the receipts thereof, then three-quarters of the members pres- 
ent at a regular meeting, or at a special (in which not less than twenty mem- 
bers shall form a quorum), shall have power to lay an assessment not to exceed 
the sum of $2 in any one year upon every member of the union in addition 
to all other constitutional dues. 

8. In addition to the initiation fee of $1, the sum of $6.50 per annum will 
be required from each member as dues, payable quarterly on the first Saturday 
of April, July, October and January. 

9. Members who are rendered unable to work by sickness shall receive 
the sum of $4 per week, and in case of death of a member's wife, $20. In 
case of the death of a member an assessment of 25 cents upon each member 
will be made for defraying the funeral expenses. The surplus, if any, to go 
into the general fund. 

10. No member shall be entitled to receive any benefits until he shall have 
been a member one year. 

11. Whenever a new member is proposed a committee of investigation of 
the members shall be appointed to inquire into the qualifications of the candi- 
date and report in writing at the next regular meeting. 

12. The widows and orphans of members who are qualified at the time of 
their decease shall, upon the recommendation of a committee appointed to in- 
vestigate the circumstances, be allowed such assistances as the union may from 
time to time direct. 

13. This union may at any future time adopt a scale of prices for the 
governance of the trade; and any printer who may be working for less than 
such scale shall not be considered a proper person to be a member of this union. 

Ill 






History of The Typographical Union 

was unable by strike to enforce them. September 28, 
1850, the New York union issued a call for a national 
convention, Boston and Philadelphia joining in the call. 

To summarize, we find documentary evidence that New 
York city had an organization, probably temporary, in 
1786; another formed in 1795 and existing until late in 
1797; a third existing from 1799 to 1804; another or- 
ganized in 1809, an d existing as a trade organization to 
1 81 8, and as a mutual benefit society still in existence. 
Again, in 183 1, a trade organization formed principally 
by newspaper compositors, and existing until about 1840, 
the exact date of its dissolution not being known. Again, 
in 1844, an organization which seems to have continued 
only from April to the last of December of that year, 
and, lastly, the present union, which was organized in 
January, 1850. 

In Philadelphia the printers organized in 1802, con- 
tinuing as a trade organization with benefit features un- 
til 1 83 1, when it was reorganized as a purely benefit 
society and as such still exists; another association, or- 
ganized in 1833, lasted until 1839 or 1840, and in 1850 
the present union was organized. 

In Boston the evidence of an organization in 1803 is 
not quite conclusive; one organized in 1809 lasted until 
1826 (that of 1822 being a non-trade- regulating society) ; 
another in 1838, the date of the dissolution of which was 
not ascertained, and the present union, formed in 1848. 

Baltimore, in 18 14, organized a society which existed 
until 1826, the present union having been organized in 

1831. 

Washington organized in 1 81 5 the society which still 
exists as Union No. 10 1, and is the oldest existing union 
of printers, if not the oldest union in any trade, in the 
United States. Albany, N. Y., had an organization from 
181 5 to 1827, another in 1847. New Orleans, one in 

112 



Early Organizations of Printers 

1830, which must have collapsed in a short time, as an- 
other was organized in 1835, existing until about 1845. 
The present union was formed in 1852. 

Cincinnati organized in 1832 a society which appears 
to have lasted until about 1840. The present union was 
organized in 1846, though not, of course, under its pres- 
ent charter, as all charters were dated by the National 
Union and then reissued and dated by the reorganized 
International, which was not done until 1869. Richmond, 
Va., and Charleston, S. C, appear in 1834. Louisville, 
Ky., had an organization in 1834; another in 1839, which 
seems to have survived until 1847. I n 1835 is found the 
first mention of or reports from organizations in Natchez, 
Miss., and Nashville, Tenn. In 1836 the first record is 
made of organizations in Harrisburg, Pa. ; Mobile, Ala., 
and Augusta, Ga. The Columbia (S. C.) society was 
also organized in 1836, the society existing until about 
1842. An organization was formed in Lexington, Ky., 
in 1837. St. Louis had an organization in 1838, which 
appears to have been in existence some time when first 
heard from through a circular letter issued by it protest- 
ing against a continuous rat list. In 1839 fi rs t mention 
is noted of organizations in Frankfort, Ky. ; Rochester, 
N. Y. ; Tallahassee, Fla. ; Columbus, Ohio; Detroit, Mich., 
and Vicksburg, Miss. 

Organizations were formed in Jackson, Miss., in 1840; 
Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1849; San Francisco, Cal., in 1849 or 
1850; Savannah, Ga. ; Syracuse, N. Y., and Trenton, N. 
J., in 1850. The organization in Oregon and Washing- 
ton Territories of what appears to have been a delegate 
union occurred in 1853. Lastly, two national organiza- 
tions were organized, that of 1836 and that of 1850, 
which reorganized in 1 852 as the present national body 
of printers. 



113 



Conventions 1850 to 1912 



Conventions 1850, 1 85 1 , 1852 

National Convention of Journeymen Printers of the 

United States, Held in New York, December 2-5, 

1850, Together with "An Address." 

THE first national convention of journeymen print- 
ers of the United States, aside from the conventions 
of 1836 and 1837, was held in New York city, in Decem- 
ber, 1850. The membership of the convention comprised 
delegates from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Maryland and Kentucky. The sessions of the convention 
were held at Stoneall's Hotel in Fulton street. 

Officers, 1850 — A temporary organization was ef- 
fected, and John W. Peregoy, of Maryland, was elected 
president, together with George E. Greene, Kentucky, 
and M. C. Brown, Pennsylvania, vice-presidents; F. J. 
Ottarson, New York, and John Hartman, New Jersey, 
secretaries. A committee of seven was appointed to pre- 
pare and present business for the transaction of the con- 
vention. 

National Executive Committee Created — The first 
formative act of the convention was the adoption of the 
following resolution : 

Resolved, That a standing national executive committee of 
three from each state be appointed to enforce the execution 
of all resolutions of this convention bearing upon the differ- 
ent sections here represented; to gather information on all 
matters of interest to the trade; to report the same quarterly 
to the different unions, and to the next convention when it 
assembles ; to make arrangements for the assembling of the 
next convention, and also to attend to whatever else the con- 
vention may direct, during the interim between the adjourn- 
ment of this and the assembling of the next convention. 

Formation of Local Unions — After the creation of the 
executive committee, the convention adopted the follow- 

117 



History of The Typographical Union 

ing resolution, which was ordered to be forwarded to the 
various local organizations then in existence throughout 
the country : 

Resolved, That this convention recommend to our brethren 
throughout the country the formation of unions on the fol- 
lowing basis : 

First. Regulation and adjustment of the different scales of 
prices so as not to conflict with each other. 

Second. Giving traveling certificates to their members, in 
good standing, to be legal for one year, which shall recom- 
mend the holders thereof to assistance and traveling expenses 
from the union in any city or town where they can not obtain 
work; provided said holders have done nothing in the mean- 
time, by a course of intemperance or otherwise, to disqualify 
them from the same, of which fact the national executive 
committee shall notify the unions or societies in other places. 

Third. Keeping a registry of the names of "rats" and 
other unworthy members of the trade, and description of their 
persons, to be sent to every union or society in the country 
and to be kept by each union for reference. 

Fourth. Receiving no stranger as a member of any union 
or society who shall not produce a legal certificate of member- 
ship from the society or union of the place to which he belongs. 

Fifth. Levying a monthly contribution upon each mem- 
ber sufficiently large to enable it to accumulate within two 
years a sum equivalent at least to $10 for each member, as a 
reserve fund, in view of their being compelled to quit work 
in vindication of their rights. 

Sixth. Establishing the right of any sister union or so- 
ciety to call upon them for pecuniary assistance, if necessary, 
to the amount of $l from each member; provided that all 
sums thus loaned shall be repaid in monthly installments, equiv- 
alent to at least five per cent of the original loan ; the first in- 
stallment to be paid within one month after the difficulty calling 
for the loan shall have passed away. 

Seventh. Granting certificates from one union to enable 
the members thereof to become attached to any other, with- 
out paying an entrance fee ; provided the holder intends re- 
siding permanently within the bounds of the union into which 
he seeks admission. 

118 



Convention at New York, 1850 

Apprentices — The next question considered by the 
delegates was the importance of limiting the number of 
apprentices. After an extended debate, participated in by 
nearly all of those present, the following expression of 
sentiment by the convention was adopted : 

Resolved, That the limiting of the number of apprentices 
be earnestly recommended to the different unions throughout 
the country for their adoption. 

The convention also expressed itself in favor of inden- 
turing apprentices for a period of not less than five years, 
and employing printers were urgently requested to adopt 
the system. 

Contract Printing — Another subject that occupied 
considerable time during the session of the convention 
was the matter of contract printing by the legislatures of 
the several states and by the congress of the nation. The 
convention was divided on this question, but finally ex- 
pressed itself as being opposed to the system so univer- 
sally adopted by the legislatures of the different states of 
giving out the printing for their several bodies, by con- 
tract, to the lowest bidder, believing that the action wa9 
repugnant to the spirit of republican institutions, inas- 
much as its effect was to degrade labor below the stand- 
ard of its merit by throwing it into the market for the 
competition of men not practical printers, who ha'd neither 
the character nor the interests of the trade at heart. 

The convention recommended to the trade at- large to 
respectfully protest, in formal manner, against the con- 
tract system in every branch of public work ; and the ex- 
ecutive committee was instructed to urge upon the various 
unions some general action upon this subject. 

Government Printing Office — The convention also de- 
clared itself as opposed to the establishing of a govern- 
ment printing office, believing that the same would have a 
tendency to political favoritism. 

119 



History of The Typographical Union 

As a means of handling the government printing, the 
following method was proposed and referred to the suc- 
ceeding convention : 

Resolved, That the national executive committee have 
power to correspond with the several unions, which are or 
may be established, on the subject of joint stock offices, and 
particularly to ascertain from such unions if funds can be 
subscribed by the members thereof in an amount sufficient to 
warrant the establishment of a national union for doing the 
printing of the United States government. 

National Executive Committee Appointed, 1850 — The 
national executive committee, authorized by the conven- 
tion, was appointed by the chairman, as follows : 

New York — T. J. Walsh, Albany; Edwin H. Rogers, 
Peter MacDonald, New York city. 

Pennsylvania — R. B. Smyth, John F. Keyser, W. B. 
Eckert, Philadelphia. 

New Jersey — Charles Bechtel, John Hartman, Will- 
iam Gillipsy, Trenton. 

Maryland — M. F. Conway, Frederick Young, John 
W. Peregoy, Baltimore. 

Kentucky — George E. Greene, J. L. Gibbons, Ray- 
mond Lynch, Louisville. 

The committee elected M. F. Conway, of Baltimore, as 
chairman? of the national executive committee. 

The convention was in session four days and adjourned 
to meet at Baltimore, September 12, 185 1. 

Address to Printers — The following address was is- 
sued for general circulation among the printers of the 
country : 

Address to the Journeymen Printers 
of the United States 

For some time past the project of calling together a na- 
tional convention of journeymen printers has met with con- 
siderable attention and favor from the trade in various por- 



120 




^r >IPPF 0W\' 




\ 




JOHN W. PEREGOY, Baltimore 

President 

First National Convention Journeymen Printers 

December 2-5, 1850 



Convention at New York, 1850 

tions of the country. Aware of this fact, and partaking also 
in the general desire, the unions of New York, Philadelphia 
and Boston, about a month since, issued a circular, requesting 
the different societies throughout the country to send dele- 
gates to a national convention, to be held in New York, on 
Monday, December 2, 1850. In consequence of the very short 
space of time intervening between the receipt of the circular 
and the meeting of the convention, but five states have sent 
delegates, viz. : New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary- 
land and Kentucky. These delegates met in convention at 
the time and place specified, and, through their committee, 
now address you. 

It is useless for us to disguise from ourselves the fact that, 
under the present arrangement of things, there exists a per- 
petual antagonism between labor and capital. The toilers are 
involuntarily pitted against the employers; one side striving 
to sell their labor for as much, and the other striving to buy 
it for as little, as they can. In this war of interests, labor, 
of itself, stands no chance. The power is all on the other 
side. Every addition to the number of laborers in the market 
decreases their power; while the power of capital grows in a 
ratio commensurate with the increase of the capital itself. On 
the one side, the greater the number of dollars, the greater the 
ability to succeed in the conflict; on the other, the greater the 
number of laborers, the less the ability to succeed. Add to 
this fact that wealth accumulates, on the one side, much faster 
as the laborers accumulate on the other, and the utter impo- 
tency of unorganized labor in a warfare against capital becomes 
manifest. 

To remedy the many disastrous grievances arising from this 
disparity of power, combination for mutual agreement in de- 
termining rates of wages and for concert of action in main- 
taining them has been resorted to in many trades, and prin- 
cipally in our own. Its success has abundantly demonstrated 
its utility. Indeed, while the present wage system continues 
in operation, as an immediate protection from pressing calami- 
ties, it is clearly the only effective means which labor can 
adopt. So far as it extends, it destroys competition in the 
labor market, unites the working people, and produces a sort 
of equilibrium in the power of the conflicting parties. 

This being the case, it appears evident that an extensive 

121 



History of The Typographical Union 

organization, embracing the whole country, would secure to 
our own, or to any other trade, a power which could be de- 
rived from no other source. The delegates here assembled 
have come together deeply impressed with this conviction. 
They regard such an organization not only as an agent of im- 
mediate relief, but also as essential to the ultimate destruc- 
tion of those unnatural relations at present subsisting between 
the interests of the employing and the employed classes. All 
their actions have accordingly been regulated with a view to 
the establishment of such an organization. They have rec- 
ommended the formation of societies in all the cities and towns 
throughout the country. They have rendered it obligatory 
upon all members of the profession, traveling to any point 
embraced in the representation here, for work, to have with 
them certificates of membership from the society located in the 
place from which they come. They have established a na- 
tional executive committee to urge the enforcement of their 
recommendations and requirements. They have also instructed 
that committee to use its utmost exertions to have a full repre- 
sentation of the whole country in the next national conven- 
tion, which they have ordered to be held in Baltimore, on the 
1 2th day of next September. 

The members of the convention are well aware that to se- 
cure the adoption of the measures they recommend they must 
recommend those alone which are best calculated to effect the 
immediate well-being of the individual members of the trade. 
The establishment of a general organization must be effected 
upon certain principles. In proportion as the advantages of 
the operation of those principles are felt and observed, the 
establishment of that organization will be rendered certain or 
doubtful. The principles, therefore, recommended by the 
convention, upon which it urges the formation of societies 
throughout the country, are such as can not fail to enlist in 
their favor the most potent considerations of self-interest. 
Among them are — 

First. An understanding in the regulation of scales of 
prices in different localities, so that those in one place may not 
be permitted to become so comparatively high as to induce 
work to be sent elsewhere. 

Second. The enforcement of the principle of limiting the 
number of apprentices, by which measure a too rapid increase 

122 



Convention at New York, 1850 

in the number of workmen, too little care in the selection of 
boys for the business, and the employment of herds of half 
men at half wages, to the detriment of good workmen, will 
be effectually prevented. 

Third. The issuing of traveling certificates, by which the 
distresses of brother craftsmen, incurred in journeying from 
one place to another, in search of work, may be relieved. In 
this we have one of those means of attracting and attaching 
to our societies men who, not troubled largely with abstract 
principles of strict duty, are nevertheless willing to become 
"repentant prodigals" for the sake of the "fatted calf." Be- 
sides, it is eminently calculated to produce a warmer attach- 
ment on the part of superior men, inasmuch as it will bind 
them in the ties of gratitude and in the luxurious fellowship 
of good deeds. 

Fourth. Measures to prevent disgraced members of the 
profession enjoying, anywhere in the United States, those 
privileges which belong exclusively to honorable printers. They 
consist in keeping a registry of "rats," to be sent by the ex- 
ecutive committee to every union in the country, for reference ; 
and admitting to membership no stranger who does not produce 
evidence of his having been a member in good standing of the 
society, if any existed, in the place from which he comes. 

Fifth. The gradual collection of a sum of money by 
each union sufficient to enable it to hold out successfully against 
the employers in the event of a contention for higher wages. 

Sixth. The recognition of the right of a union to borrow 
from any other, when necessary, a sum of money to the amount 
of one dollar for each member thereof, to be repaid in a 
manner prescribed. This is intended, in conjunction with 
other measures proposed, to strengthen each individual society 
in the struggles which it may be called on to make, from 
time to time, against unjust employers. Its efficacy needs no 
explanation. 

Seventh. Measures for the attainment of several other ob- 
jects of less importance, which are calculated to give efficacy to 
the whole. 

Such has been the main work of the convention ; and, while 
the members thereof are aware that it is but the commence- 
ment of an undertaking which, in its full completion, must 
necessarily be more or less protractive, they look with confi- 

123 



History of The Typographical Union 

dence to those who shall follow them, in subsequent conven- 
tions, to conduct it to a successful consummation. 

The project of establishing a joint stock office at Washing- 
ton city for the purpose of executing the printing of the United 
States government was introduced into the convention ; but its 
newness, as a matter of practical concern, to the great body 
of journeymen printers, with the necessity of having a thor- 
ough deliberation on so important a matter, and the propriety 
of delegates being elected with a special regard to its consid- 
eration, prompted its reference to the next convention. The 
practicability of the working people employing themselves, and 
realizing the profits of their own labor, there can be no doubt, 
might be illustrated and established if the journeymen print- 
ers of the United States would resolve to try the experiment. 
In fact, our Philadelphia brethren have already, to a great ex- 
tent, succeeded in an effort of the kind. A publishing estab- 
lishment has been instituted in that city by the union there ; and 
thus far has answered the most sanguine expectations of its 
projectors and friends. If a similar concern, on a large scale, 
could be instituted in Washington, a similar result might be 
reasonably apprehended. The subject is, at least, well worth 
a full and deliberate consideration, and may be regarded as 
one of the most important and interesting which will engage 
the attention of the next convention. 

Combination merely to fix and sustain a scale of prices is 
of minor importance compared with that combination which 
looks to an ultimate redemption of labor. Scales of prices, to 
keep up the value of labor, are only necessary under a system 
which, in its uninterrupted operation, gives to that value a 
continual downward tendency. But when labor determines to 
sell itself no longer to speculators, but to become its own em- 
ployer; to own and enjoy itself and the fruit thereof, the ne- 
cessity for scales of prices will have passed away, and labor 
will be forever rescued from the control of the capitalist. It 
will then be free, fruitful, honorable. The shackles of a dis- 
astrous conventionalism will have fallen from its limbs ; and it 
will appear in the character which nature designed it to sus- 
tain. This is certainly a consummation most devoutly to be 
wished ; and however difficult it may be to attain, if within 
the range of possibility, ought to constitute the great end to 
which all our other aims and efforts should be made subsidiary. 

124 



Convention at New York, 1850 

The journeymen printers of the United States are earnestly 
invoked, by their brethren here, to employ their most effective 
endeavors in the prosecution of this work. Its success now 
rests with them; and it is to be hoped they will feel the full 
weight of the responsibility. We beg them to take into favor- 
able consideration the measures we have recommended for their 
adoption. We beg them to assist the national executive com- 
mittee by every possible means in the fulfillment of its duties. 
We beg them to circulate the official proceedings of this con- 
vention (published in pamphlet form by the union of Phila- 
delphia) wherever such circulation will be calculated to ex- 
cite an interest in the movement. And we beg them, finally, 
to send a full representation to the next convention from every 
section of the country. They owe a duty which they are thus 
called upon to discharge, not only to us, who have commenced 
in this movement — not alone to themselves, who are so deeply 
interested in it — but also to the laborers of all trades and voca- 
tions, who are anxiously awaiting the development of some sure 
plan of amelioration which they can all adopt. Public opinion 
places us at the head of the mechanical professions. Let us not 
belie that opinion by falling behind it. Something is expected 
of us, and when the next convention assembles, let its numbers 
and it's actions justify and realize the public expectation. Let 
something be evolved during its deliberations which will 
redound to the benefit of our own trade, and, by the way of 
example, to the benefit of all others. 

M. F. Conway, 
Geo. E. Greene, 
And. J. Atkinson, 
J. S. Nafew, 
Chas. Bechtel, 
By order of the convention. Committee. 

John W. Peregoy, 

President. 
F. J. Ottarson, Geo. E. Greene, 

John Hartman, M. C. Brown, 

Secretaries. Vice-Presidents. 

New York, December 7, 1850. 

Comment on Address to Printers — In Mr. Stewart's 
history of the "Early Organizations of Printers" the fol- 

125 



History of The Typographical Union 

lowing comment is made on the foregoing address : "It is 
not the purpose of this article to comment on the docu- 
ments submitted, but as this address would be considered 
extremely radical if issued by the International Typo- 
graphical Union today, and as it is extremely improbable 
that anything bordering on some of its sentiments could be 
passed in that organization, it is but fair to call attention 
to the fact that the lines between radicalism and a pro- 
gressive conservatism were not so clearly defined or 
sharply drawn then as now. An attack upon the wage 
system of industry did not mean then what it means now. 
Such attacks had been and were being made by the hu- 
manitarians of that day ; and Greeley, Dana, Alcott, Tho- 
reau, and all they of the Brook Farm and countless other 
experiments, were decrying the wage system without ex- 
citing anybody, even themselves. Their plan of estab- 
lishing co-operative communities and groups, like the 
Brook'Farm or the proposed printing office to do the gov- 
ernment printing, 'abolished the wage system' for indi- 
viduals and groups of individuals. It did not matter that 
their idea was to extend these until all would eventually 
be in some group, since that was so palpably impossible 
or infinitely remote in time that it was a perfectly safe 
subject for discussion. That these reflections upon the 
wage system in those days did not mean what the same 
language would mean today is shown from the fact that 
the same convention unanimously passed a resolution op- 
posing a government printing office. There was nothing 
inconsistent about this then, for the theory that the wage 
system can only be ultimately abolished for all by the final 
absorption of industries by organized government had not 
been definitely formulated by any school of thinkers in 
this country at that time. The socialists of that day were 
St. Simonites, not Bellamyites, nor yet Carl Marxians. 
Nevertheless, it is well to note that the history of the typo- 

126 



Convention at Baltimore, 185 1 

graphical union is marked by the gradual elimination of 
general propositions from its councils; the progressively 
emphatic tightening of the lines on strictly trade matters. 
Its strength lies largely in its experience and the long line 
of precedents established, which enable it to know the best 
thing to do and to do that quickly and with firmness. It is 
organized not vaguely at the top of the International 
alone, nor solely by the more compact local union ; but in 
every union printing office there is a chapel, or office or- 
ganization, and its discipline and control, as well as its 
attempt to adjust grievances, settle troubles, or make 
agreements, begins at the chapel." 

Second National Convention of Journeymen Printers, 
Held in Baltimore, September 12-16, 185 1 

The second national convention of journeymen print- 
ers assembled in Baltimore, Friday, September 12, 185 1, 
in accordance with the call of the national executive com- 
mittee appointed the year previous. Delegates were in 
attendance from eight states, as follows : New York, 
Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, Vir- 
ginia, Ohio and New Jersey. 

Officers, 18 \§i — The convention was temporarily or- 
ganized by the selection of J. L. Gibbons, Louisville, as 
chairman, and M. F. Conway, Baltimore, and A. C. Pool, 
Harrisburg, as secretaries. After the adoption of the 
report of the committee on credentials, J. L. Gibbons, 
Louisville, was elected president; William C. Figner, 
Philadelphia, first vice-president"; George Wadham, 
Massachusetts, second vice-president; J. R. Lewellen 
Richmond, third vice-president; W. G. Williams, Cincin- 
nati, fourth vice-president; H. A. Guild, New York, and 
M. F. Conway, Baltimore, secretaries. 

Permanent Committees — Three permanent commit- 
tees were authorized — on unfinished business, on new 

127 






History of The Typographical Union 

business, and on legislative business, together with a com- 
mittee on rules and regulations for the government of the 
convention, and such special committees as were deemed 
necessary for the proper and prompt transaction of the 
business before the convention. 

Government Printing — A special committee was ap- 
pointed to consider matters relating to government print- 
ing, a subject left over from the previous convention. The 
committee submitted the following memorial, which, after 
much debate, was adopted by the convention : 

Memorial of the National Convention of Printers to the 
Congress of the United States 

We, the delegates representing the typographical associa- 
tions of a large number of the United States of America, 
among which are New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, 
Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey, and, as 
we believe, a majority of the remaining states of this confed- 
eracy, would most respectfully ask the attention of your hon- 
orable bodies, to consider — 

First. That in view of the past difficulties and legislation by 
congress, growing out of the election of the public printer in 
the two houses, by the selection of inexperienced or party men, 
and on that account only, as a reward for partisan services, 
for the performance of the public work; and, for the pur- 
pose of doing away, to a great degree, with the annoyances 
complained of by the people's representatives, during several 
of the last successive sessions, that, in your future election of 
the public printers, you will, in all cases where competent, 
practical printers, and those who have not served a regular 
apprenticeship at that business are applicants, give your deci- 
sion in favor of the former by the enactment of a permanent 
law by congress to that effect — thus settling this long-vexed 
question, so far as the future legislation upon the subject of 
the public printing is concerned. 

Second. That the subject to which we refer — that of the 
public printing — has been one which has engaged to no lim- 
ited extent the attention of all classes, in the various sections 
of the country, and more particularly the interests we repre- 

128 



Convention at Baltimore, 1 85 1 

sent; that the evil of which we complain is one that should 
be settled at once in favor of those who labor, by every reason 
of justice, so that labor in that department shall be placed 
in the position to which it is entitled, in order that it may be 
in accordance with the spirit of our free, liberal, and repub- 
lican institutions. 

Third. That it must be apparent to the honorable repre- 
sentatives of the people of this union that where the said work 
is apportioned to individuals not practically qualified to per- 
form it, that, in giving the work to the former, it is gross 
injustice to those who are practically qualified for the per- 
formance of that duty — is subversive of the rights of labor, and 
repugnant to the character of our republican institutions. 

Fourth. That we are opposed, for the most manifest rea- 
sons, to the giving to the lowest bidder the public printing 
of the national government, whereby a system of auctioneering 
has been carried on, of serious injury to the men who labor at 
printing, and of delay in the prosecution of the public business 
by congress ; and we beg to urge, most respectfully, upon your 
honorable bodies, the propriety, in the selection of the public 
printer, that congress, in giving its decisions in favor of that 
officer, shall so decide as, that a committee of three practical 
printers, to be appointed on behalf of that fraternity, in 
conjunction with a committee to be appointed in behalf of 
congress, shall fix the rates at which the said printing shall 
hereafter be done. 

Following the favorable action of the convention on the 
foregoing memorial, delegates gave further expression to 
their views on the subject of contract labor by recom- 
mending to all unions located in capital cities, where pub- 
lic or legislative printing is done, to use their utmost 
endeavors, by petitions to their respective legislative 
bodies, for the abolishment of the contract or auctioneer- 
ing system so far as applied to the public business. 

National Typographical Union Suggested — On the 
third day of the convention the committee on new busi- 
ness offered the following report : "That, after mature 
deliberation, we are fully convinced that the most practi- 

129 



History of The Typographical Union 

cable and speedy method of obtaining the various objects 
sought to be effected for the relief and benefit of the craft 
will be found in the organization of a national printers' 
union, which shall be legislative in its character. We, 
therefore, respectfully recommend the appointment of a 
committee, with instructions to report at as early a mo- 
ment as possible, for the purpose of drafting a constitution 
for the permanent organization and government of a 
national printers' union." 

Committee to Frame Constitution Appointed — This 
report was adopted, and accordingly a committee of eight 
was appointed to frame a constitution. The members of 
the committee were J. B. Smith, Philadelphia; James H. 
Walford, Richmond; Charles A. Randall, Massachusetts; 
R. J. Bruce, Baltimore; E. H. Rogers, New York; 
William G. Williams, Cincinnati ; Charles Bechtel, New 
Jersey; J. L. Gibbons, Louisville. This committee sub- 
mitted a report on the evening of the following day. 

The name given the organization in the reported con- 
stitution was "The Printers' National Union." An amend- 
ment was offered, and carried, to call the organization the 
"United States Printers' Union," but this action was sub- 
sequently reconsidered, and it was decided the name 
should be the "National Typographical Union." 

Subordinate Unions — As originally reported, the con- 
stitution of the National Union recognized "district" and 
"state" unions as subordinates; but when the question 
arose as to whether "state unions" should be represented 
in the national body in the same ratio as "district unions" 
there seemed to be a great diversity of opinion, and a 
lengthy discussion ensued, when a proposition was made 
to strike out "district" and "state unions" and substitute 
"local unions," and another to insert "subordinate unions," 
which latter amendment prevailed. 

Constitution to be Ratified — The constitution as a 

130 



Convention at Baltimore, 185 1 

whole was adopted, and seemed to be regarded by all as 
highly satisfactory. It was signed by the members of the 
convention, and was subsequently forwarded to the dif- 
ferent typographical unions for their ratification. As soon 
as the unions of five different states should signify their 
willingness to comply with the requirements of the con- 
stitution, the national executive committee was directed to 
issue a circular, announcing that the National Typograph- 
ical Union had been formed, and notify all unions that 
the first session of the National Union would be held in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, on the first Monday of May, 1852. 

Call Issued to Form National Union — The executive 
committee, in the course of a few weeks after the adjourn- 
ment, was notified by more than the requisite number of 
unions of their ratification and adhesion to the consti- 
tution of the National Typographical Union, and a call 
was accordingly issued in due time by the committee for 
the assembling of the union at Cincinnati, on the first 
Monday of May, 1852. 

Constitution Presented for Approval — The constitu- 
tion and schedule follow : 

National Typographical Union 

We, the representatives of the typographical associa- 
tions of the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, 
Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Massachusetts and New Jersey, 
in national convention assembled, for our government, 
do ordain and establish the following: 

CONSTITUTION 
Article I 

Section i. This body shall be known by the name of "The 
National Typographical Union," and shall be acknowledged, 
respected and obeyed as such by each subordinate union in 
the country. It shall possess original and exclusive jurisdic- 
tion in all matters pertaining to the fellowship of the craft in 

131 



History of The Typographical Union 

the United States. All subordinate unions shall assemble un- 
der its warrant, and derive their authority from it, enabling 
them to make all necessary local laws for their own govern- 
ment. It shall be the ultimate tribunal to which all matters 
of general importance to the welfare of the members of the 
different unions shall be referred, and its decisions thereon 
shall be final and conclusive. To it shall belong the power 
to regulate, fix and determine the customs and usages in re- 
gard to all matters appertaining to the craft. It shall possess 
inherent power to establish subordinate unions, who shall always 
act by virtue of a warrant granted by authority of this body. 

Article II 

Section i. The members of this National Union shall be 
composed of its elective officers and representatives from subor- 
dinate unions, acting under legal, unreclaimed warrants granted 
by this National Union. 

Article III 

Section i. The elective officers shall be a president, two 
vice-presidents (who shall be chosen from different states), a 
recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, and a treasurer — 
all of whom shall be elected annually, by ballot, and be in- 
stalled and enter upon the duties of their offices at the termi- 
nation of the session at which they are elected. They shall 
attend each meeting of the National Union and perform such 
other duties as may be enjoined by its laws and regulations. 
No officer, who is not also a representative, shall be permitted 
to vote, except the president, in case of equal division. 

Article IV 

Section i. The president shall preside at the meetings of 
the National Union, preserve order, and enforce the laws 
thereof. He shall have the casting vote whenever the Na- 
tional Union shall be equally divided ; but shall not vote at 
other times. During the recess of this National Union, he 
shall, in conjunction with the vice-presidents, have a general 
superintendence over the interests of the craft ; and make re- 
port, immediately upon the assembling of the National Union, 
of his acts and doings in relation thereto. He shall not hold 
any office in a subordinate union while acting as president of 
the National Union. 

Sec. 2. The vice-presidents shall assist the president in the 

132 



Convention at Baltimore, 185 1 

discharge of his duties, and shall take precedence of rank in 
proportion to the votes received in the election of each (i. e., 
the officer receiving the highest number of votes shall rank be- 
fore the one receiving the lower number). In the absence of 
the president, the first vice-president shall preside ; and in the 
absence of both the president and the first vice-president, the 
second vice-president shall preside. 

Sec. 3. The recording secretary shall make a just and true 
record of the proceedings of the National Union, in a book 
provided for that purpose ; keep accounts between the National 
Union and subordinates under its jurisdiction ; read all peti- 
tions, reports and papers to be laid before the National Union, 
and perform such other duties as may from time to time be 
required of him. 

Sec. 4. The corresponding secretary shall conduct the cor- 
respondence of the National Union, and transact such business 
as appertains to his office. Copies of all communications trans- 
mitted or received by him shall be laid before the National 
Union. 

Sec. 5. The treasurer shall keep the moneys of the National 
Union, and pay all orders drawn on him by the president and 
attested by the recording secretary, under the seal of the Na- 
tional Union. He shall lay before the union at each regular 
session a full and correct statement of his accounts, and before 
entering upon the duties of his office give such security as the 
National Union may require. 

Article V 

Section I. Representatives from subordinate unions must 
be actual members, in good standing. They must be elected 
by the body they represent for the term of one year, and fur- 
nished with a certificate of election. 

Sec. 2. Each subordinate union shall be entitled to three 
representatives in the National Union, and each representative 
shall be entitled to one vote. The expenses of the attendance 
of said representatives shall be defrayed by the unions they 
respectively represent. 

Article VI 

Section i. The National Union shall meet annually on 
the first Monday in May at such place as shall from time to 
time be determined upon. 

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History of The Typographical Union 

Article VII 

Section i. The revenue of the National Union shall be 
derived as follows: For a warrant for a subordinate union, 
five dollars, and five per cent upon the total receipts of subor- 
dinate unions. 

Article YIII 

Section i. In case of death, resignation, disqualification 
or refusal of the president-elect to serve, the duties of the 
office for the remainder of the term shall be performed by the 
vice-presidents in the order designated in this constitution. And 
in case of death, resignation, disqualification or refusal of the 
above officers to serve, then a president pro tern, shall be elected. 
In case of the death, resignation, disqualification or refusal 
to serve of any officer, the presiding officer for the time 
being shall appoint some qualified person to perform the duties 
until the next regular meeting of the National Union. 

Article IX 

Section I. A majority of the representatives of the several 
unions under the jurisdiction of this National Union shall be 
necessary to form a quorum for the transaction of business. 
All questions, unless otherwise provided for, shall be decided 
by a majority of the votes given. 

Article X 

Section i. General laws for the government of the craft 
throughout the jurisdiction of this National Union may be 
enacted and enforced by this body; and any union within the 
jurisdiction refusing to abide by its laws and decisions shall 
be expelled. The National Union shall also, upon the request 
of any subordinate union under its jurisdiction, establish cere- 
monies of initiation into the ranks of such subordinate. 

Sec. 2. The National Union shall from time to time enact 
such by-laws as it may deem necessary; provided, that such 
by-laws do not conflict with this constitution. 

Sec. 3. Any alteration or amendment of this constitution 
must be offered to the National Union at a regular session 
thereof, and, if seconded, it shall be entered on the minutes. 
At the next stated meeting the amendments may be considered, 
and if agreed to by two-thirds of the votes given, shall become 
part of the constitution. All alterations to the laws of the Na- 
tional Union shall be made in like manner ; and no law of a 

134 



Convention at Baltimore, 185 1 

general application shall be adopted unless submitted and en- 
tered upon the minutes at the regular session previous to its 
being adopted. 

J. L. Gibbons, Louisville, Ky. ; H. A. Guild, E. H. Rogers, 
New York; Thos. J. Walsh, Myron H. Rooker, Albany, 
N. Y. ; Wm. Figner, Wm. B. Eckert, J. B. Smith, Geo. W. 
Jones, John H. Fasy, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Alex. W. Rook, 
Pittsburgh, Pa. ; W. J. Irvin, A. G. Pool, Harrisburg, Pa. ; 
Geo. Wadham, Chas. A. Randall, H. H. Boardman, Bos- 
ton, Mass. ; James H. Walford, J. Richard Lewellen, Rich- 
mond, Va. ; M. F. Conway, Robert J. Bruce, George Ran- 
dell, Washington Ashton, August Donnelly, Baltimore, Md. ; 
W. G. Williams, Henry T. Ogden, Hiram H. Young, Cin- 
cinnati; Charles Bechtel, J. W. Cassedy, Trenton, N. J. 

Schedule 

First. This constitution, being adopted, shall be signed by 
the members of this convention, published by its authority, and 
forwarded by the national executive committee to the different 
typographical unions and associations for their ratification. 

Sfxond. So soon as the unions of five different states shall 
signify to the executive committee their willingness to comply 
with the principles and requisitions of the constitution, and 
accompany the same with the regular fee of five dollars, the 
said executive committee shall issue their circular, announcing 
that the National Typographical Union has been formed, and 
request all subordinates, who have ratified the constitution, to 
elect representatives in pursuance of its provisions, who shall 
assemble on the first Monday in May, 1852, in the city of 
Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Third. If five unions, as specified above, do not ratify the 
convention as early as the 15th day of May next, then the 
national executive committee shall call a national convention, 
to assemble at such time thereafter as they in their judgment 
may deem proper, to be held in the city where the first session 
of the National Typographical Union would have been held 
had it been formed as above. Also 

Resolved, That a national executive committee of one from 
each typographical society here represented be appointed to en- 
force the execution of all resolutions adopted by this conven- 
tion, collect information on all matters in relation to the trade, 
and report the same to the next convention. 

135 



History of The Typographical Union 

Resolved, That the secretary from New York be authorized 
and required, in conjunction with the national executive com- 
mittee, to take charge of the proceedings of this convention, 
together with the "Address" of the executive committee, and 
have them printed, subject to orders for the same from all local 
typographical associations, or societies, at a price to be fixed 
by the said secretary. 

Resolved, That the various local societies be earnestly re- 
quested to order, for circulation in their respective localities 
and districts, such number of copies of the above-mentioned 
proceedings as may be necessary to supply all newspapers and 
printers in their own district, or elsewhere, as they may deem 
proper. 

Resolved, That the officers and members qf the various so- 
cieties throughout the country are hereby requested to have 
the proceedings of this convention, or an outline thereof, pub- 
lished in all newspapers within the circle of their influence. 

National Executive Committee, 1851 — The national 
executive committee, authorized by the schedule ap- 
pended to the constitution, was appointed by the president, 
as follows : H. T. Ogden, Cincinnati ; W. B. Eckert, Phil- 
adelphia; H. J. Irvin, Harrisburg; A. W. Rook, Pitts- 
burgh ; C. A. Randall, Boston ; M. F. Conway, Baltimore ; 
Charles Bechtel, Trenton; Thomas J. Walsh, Albany; J. 
Richard Lewellen, Richmond; E. H. Rogers, New York; 
D. P. White, Utica; J. L. Gibbons, Louisville. 

Third National Convention of Journeymen Printers and 
First Annual Session of the National Typograph- 
ical Union, Held in Cincinnati, May 3-6, 1852 

Officers, 1832 — On Monday, May 3, 1852, the third 
national convention of journeymen printers met in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, and after the usual formality of inspect- 
ing credentials of delegates a permanent organization was 
effected by the election of M. C. Brown, of Philadelphia, 
as president of the convention, together with S. W. 
Wilder, Boston, first vice-president; E. A. Lewis, St. 

136 




J. L. GIBBONS, Louisville 

President 

Second National Convention Journeymen Printers 

September 12-16, 1851 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1852 

Louis, second vice-president; G. B. Seig, Cincinnati, re- 
cording secretary; W. A. Baker, New York, correspond- 
ing secretary; J. S. Nafew, Albany, treasurer. 

The usual committees were authorized and it was 
decided that all officers of the previous convention be 
allowed the privilege of participating in the proceedings 
of the body without the right of voting. 

Organization of the National Typographical Union — 
The question whether the assembly should be considered 
as an organized national typographical union or as a 
printers' convention was finally decided by the passage of 
a resolution to the effect that the convention would accept 
and adopt the constitution tendered by the national con- 
vention at its last session, and after adopting said consti- 
tution the members of the convention would thereupon 
constitute the "National Typographical Union." 

The constitution under which it was proposed to organ- 
ize the National Typographical Union, having been re- 
ferred to the committee on permanent organization, 
brought forth the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the stipulations of the late national conven- 
tion having been complied with, the National Typographical 
Union is hereby declared organized, and the officers of the 
present convention be and they are hereby declared officers of 
the said National Union for the time being. 

Thus it appears that on Wednesday, May 5, 1852, in 
the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, the National Typographical 
Union had its birth, after the efforts of three successive 
conventions of journeymen printers having that purpose 
in view. 

Sunday Work — The first action of the National Typo- 
graphical Union, as such, was the passage of a resolution 
condemning Sunday work,* the delegates apparently be- 
ing of one mind on the subject — only one negative vote 
having been cast against the resolution. 

137 



History of The Typographical Union 

Form of Charter — The next action of the union was 
the adoption of a form of charter for subordinate unions : 

National Typographical Union 
To all whom it may concern: 

Know Ye, That we, the National Typographical Union 
of the United States of America, have granted, and do grant, 
to the practical printers whose names' are hereto annexed, and 
their associates, this Charter, fully constituting them a Typo- 
graphical Society, under the name and title of 

Typographical Union, located in with full 

power to perform all the duties appertaining to the same, while 
they shall conform to the rules and regulations of the Na- 
tional Typographical Union; otherwise this Charter may be 
declared null and void. 

In witness whereof, we have caused this to be signed by our 
president and recording secretary, and the seal of the National 

Typographical Union to be affixed in the , this 

day of , one thousand eight hundred and 

, President. 

, Recording Secretary. 

By-laws — After adopting the form of charter as 
above, a committee was appointed to prepare a code of 
by-laws for the government of the union. 

Assigning Charter Numbers — Satisfactory evidence 
being received from fourteen subordinate unions that they 
had severally ratified the published constitution and sig- 
nified their willingness to accept and abide by the laws 
and regulations of the National Typographical Union, the 
question arose as to which union should be honored by 
the first charter, and it was unanimously agreed to draw 
lots for numbers, with the following result: Indianapolis, 
No. i ; Philadelphia, No. 2 ; Cincinnati, No. 3 ; Albany, 
No. 4; Columbus, No. 5; New York, No. 6; Pittsburgh, 
No. 7; St. Louis, No. 8; Buffalo, No. 9; Louisville, No. 
10; Memphis, No. n ; Baltimore, No. 12; Boston, No. 13; 
Harrisburg, No. 14. 

138 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1852 

Public Printing — That the matter of public printing 
was still an open question before the convention is evi- 
denced by the report of a special committee on a national 
printing office, which committee proposed the presentation 
of another memorial to congress on that subject. After a 
debate, extending over a considerable portion of the 
fourth day's session, the subject was laid on the table by 
a vote of 14 to II. 

Selecting Convention City — A unique method was 
pursued by the delegates in the selection of a convention 
city for the following year. Several subordinate unions 
in the state of Pennsylvania aspired for the honor of en- 
tertaining the next convention. An evidence of the spirit 
which prevailed at the time is shown by the fact that it 
was determined first to select the state in which to hold 
the convention, and all of the states represented were then 
placed in nomination, with the result that Pennsylvania 
was chosen. This narrowed the selection down to Phila- 
delphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, Pittsburgh finally 
being successful. 

First Officers National Typographical Union, 1852 — 
On the third day of the convention, J. S. Nafew, of 
Albany, N. Y., was elected president for the ensuing year, 
together with G. E. Greene, Louisville, first vice-presi- 
dent; T. G. Forster, St. Louis, second vice-president; 
R. R. R. Dumars, Pittsburgh, recording secretary; J. M. 
McCreary, Cincinnati, corresponding secretary ; G. H. 
Randell, Baltimore, treasurer. 

National Executive Committee, 1852 — On motion, it 
was ordered that the delegates present at the convention 
constitute the national executive committee. 

After adjournment, a telegram was received from New 
Orleans Union saying it had just reorganized, and send- 
ing assurances of hearty concurrence in all measures for 
the welfare of the craft. 

139 



National Typographical Union 



Conventions of the 

National Typographical Union 

from 1853 to 1869 

(inclusive) 

THIS chapter will include the conventions held at 
Pittsburgh, in 1853; Buffalo, 1854; Memphis, 1855; 
Philadelphia, 1856; New Orleans, 1857; Chicago, 1858; 
Boston, 1859; Nashville, i860; New York, 1862; Cleve- 
land, 1863; Louisville, 1864; Philadelphia, 1865; Chi- 
cago, 1866; Memphis, 1867; Washington, 1868; and 
Albany, 1869, covering the administrations of Presidents 
J. S. Nafew, Gerard Stith, Louis Graham, Charles F. 
Town, M. C. Brown, William Cuddy, R. C. Smith, J. M. 
Farquhar, Eugene Vallette, A. M. Carver, Robert E. 
Craig, John H. Oberly and Robert McKechnie. 

This period covers the history of the National Typo- 
graphical Union, the convention at Albany in 1869 hav- 
ing adopted .an amended constitution and by-laws, which 
changed the name from "National" to "International 
Typographical Union," the jurisdiction of the organiza- 
tion having been extended to include the several provinces 
of Canada. 

Convention at Pittsburgh 

[ I ^53] — The second annual session of the National 
Typographical Union was held in the city of Pittsburgh, 
beginning Monday, May 2, and closing Thursday, May 
5, 1853. The convention was called to order by Thomas 
Gales Forster, of St. Louis, second vice-president, Presi- 
dent John S. Nafew and the first vice-president, G. E. 
Greene, being absent. In addition to the fourteen unions 
which originally formed the National Typographical 
Union, charters had been issued during the year to 

143 



History of The Typographical Union 

Rochester No. 15; Chicago No. 16; New Orleans No. 17, 
and Detroit No. 18. Delegates were present from all 
subordinate unions except Indianapolis, Ind., and Co- 
lumbus, Ohio. 

New York Co-operative Union ■ — The first important 
business before the convention was a petition signed by 
386 book and job printers of New York city asking for a 
charter from the National Typographical Union, in order 
to legalize the existence of the New York Printers' Co- 
operative Union in that city, it being urged that New 
York Union No. 6, as existing at that time, was not a 
fair exponent of the views of the printers of that city, as 
it did not number in its membership one-tenth of the 
workmen, and that nine-tenths of this one-tenth were em- 
ployed on newspapers and could not pay that attention to 
the wants of the majority — the book and job hands — that 
their circumstances required. 

It was complained that No. 6, by incorporating in its 
constitution a benevolent feature, largely enhanced the 
initiation fee and amount of dues, thus keeping the great 
majority of the petitioners from joining its ranks. The 
petitioners also set forth their belief that it would be for 
the best interests of the trade that two unions should ex- 
ist in the city of New York, claiming that a large majority 
of the workmen in that city had no protection. A delegate 
from the Co-operative Union was unanimously admitted 
to a seat in the convention pending the consideration of 
the petition. After an exhaustive debate, which occu- 
pied much of the time of the convention, the National 
Union disposed of the question by adopting the following 
resolutions : 

Resolved, That owing to the intimate connection between 
all branches of the printing business it is the opinion of the 
National Typographical Union that two subordinate unions 
can not exist advantageously in the same city. 

144 




JOHN S. NAFEW, Albany 

President National Typographical Union 

May 5, 1852 - May 5, 1853 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1853 

Resolved, That the prayer of the New York Co-operative 
Union can not be granted, and that it is recommended to New 
York Typographical Union to adopt such measures as it may 
deem best to effect a more perfect organization and concilia- 
tion of the craft in that city. 

Official Organ — A proposition was introduced to ar- 
range for the establishment of an official organ, devoted 
to the interests of the craft, under the auspices of the Na- 
tional Typographical Union, but no definite action was 
taken, the matter being held over for consideration at the 
next session. 

Protest from Baltimore — A vigorous protest was pre- 
sented by the delegate from Baltimore against the action 
of the National Union at its Cincinnati convention in as- 
signing to Baltimore the number "12" for its charter. It 
was claimed that as Baltimore Union was organized in 
1 83 1, and had remained in active existence ever since, 
it was entitled to "No. I," which had been assigned to 
Indianapolis. The convention refused to change the 
numbers as originally assigned and the delegate from 
Baltimore withdrew, but afterward resumed his seat and 
took part in the proceedings. 

The protest filed by the delegate from Baltimore on 
behalf of his union was as follows : 

Baltimore Typographical Society, which I have the honor 
to represent, desires, through its representative to the present 
National Union, to respectfully and formally protest against 
the assignment of No. 12 for their charter. Its members con- 
sider, in their collective capacity, that their society is entitled, 
not alone from their present organization, but from the fact 
that they claim to be the oldest co-operative association repre- 
sented in the National Typographical Union (it having been 
formed in November, 183 1, and remained in active existence 
ever since), their just right to charter No. I, which was 
assigned to Indianapolis, Ind., that society having forfeited 
its claim to that position by its refusal or failure to have a 
representative on this floor. 

145 



History of The Typographical Union 

They deem it unnecessary to enter into detail as to the jus- 
tice of their claim, as they •conceive that such must be per- 
fectly apparent to the minds of the members of the National 
Typographical Union, without entering into an elaborate state- 
ment of the reasons which govern them in making this protest. 

In conclusion, they trust that the assignment of charter No. 
I, asked for by the body, be granted. 

Unique Treasurer's Report — The report of the treas- 
urer submitted to the convention at Pittsburgh is indeed 
an interesting document, when compared with the receipts 
and expenditures of the organization at the present day. 
The total receipts for the year amounted to $70, and the 
total expenditures, as per order of the previous conven- 
tion, were $25, which would have left a balance in the 
treasury of $45 but for the fact that among the receipts 
was a counterfeit five-dollar bill on the Merchants' Bank, 
of Wheeling, Va., which left a balance of genuine money, 
according to the report, of $40 only. 

Membership for Trade Protection — The early typo- 
graphical societies, having been founded and sustained 
chiefly for "beneficiary" purposes, it was found that this 
system was still retained by many subordinate unions to 
the exclusion of many printers who desired membership 
for trade protection only. To remedy this matter the 
convention adopted the following resolution : 

Resolved, That this National Typographical Union require 
of such of its subordinates as yet retain the "beneficiary sys- 
tem" to alter their rules so as to admit to their fellowship 
such members of the craft who wish to be admitted for trade 
protection merely. 

Death of John W. Peregoy — During the progress of 
the convention, President Stith called the attention of the 
delegates to the fact that John W. Peregoy, president of 
the first printers' national convention, held at New York 
in December, 1850, had recently deceased. Delegate Ran- 
dell, of Baltimore, addressed the convention. 

146 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1853 

Mr. President, the melancholy duty devolves upon me of 
announcing to this body the death of my late associate and 
colleague in the Baltimore Typographical Society, and late 
president of the first national printers' convention. Sir, the 
relations existing between the deceased and myself, apart from 
the position he occupied in this body, renders the task still 
more painful to me. We entered as co-laborers in the good 
cause, members of our subordinate union, upon the same night, 
January 27, 1838, and an uninterrupted friendship character- 
ized our intercourse until the day of his death. Three times 
did our body confer the post of presiding officer upon him, as 
an evidence of the estimation in which he was held by us in 
that city; and while holding that position he was summoned 
from among us by death. In all the relations of life he was 
exemplary in a high degree, and possessed the undivided con- 
fidence and esteem of all with whom he had intercourse. No 
man was more universally beloved among his associates, whether 
in the private social circle or in his public capacity as president 
of our body. I trust, therefore, I may be pardoned if I have 
obtruded upon the privilege assigned me in thus referring to 
these minute acts in his career. 

The convention then adopted the following resolutions 
offered by Mr. Randell : 

Whereas it has pleased an all-wise Providence to remove 
from the midst of his usefulness upon earth one who was 
identified with the craft in all that concerned its welfare, John 
Willis Peregoy, the first president of the first national con- 
vention of printers, assembled in New York ; and 

Whereas such was the estimation in which he was held 
by his co-laborers in the "art preservative of all arts," by his 
suavity of manner, not less than the noble stand which he ever 
occupied for the good of the fraternity, of which he was a 
member, in every section of our country ; and 

Whereas it is due, not less to his private worth than to 
his public capacity in this body, that some expression of our 
condolence should be made ; therefore, 

Resolved, That we have learned, with the most profound 
sorrow, of the loss which this body has sustained by the death 
of John Willis Peregoy v who departed this life at Baltimore 
on the 25th of January, 1853. 

H7 



Hfstory of The Typographical Union 

Resolved, That the representatives to this union wear the 
usual badge of mourning for thirty days. 

Resolved, That the foregoing expression of our regard for 
the memory of the deceased be signed by the officers and com- 
municated to his family, and also to the Baltimore Typo- 
graphical Union; and that the same be entered upon our 
minutes. 

Sunday Labor — The following resolutions dealing 
with the question of Sunday labor were adopted : 

Resolved, That the recent stand taken by Louisville Typo- 
graphical Union in endeavoring to perpetuate and continue in 
force an arrangement abolishing Sunday labor, voluntarily 
entered into between the employers and that body, was a 
moral and eminently just position, and is entitled to the ap- 
probation of all classes of our community. 

Resolved, That if the designs of the Louisville union were 
thwarted by the treachery of any of its members, or the viola- 
tion of the obligation of proprietors of newspapers, such per- 
sons deserve the condemnation of all who desire to see so 
slavish and immoral a system abolished. 

Deaths of Illustrious Statesmen — The following reso- 
lutions, which elicited some discussion as to the propriety 
of their adoption by the union, were finally passed on a 
division by a vote of 16 ayes, 7 noes : 

Resolved, That this National Typographical Union, in com- 
mon with their fellow citizens throughout the country, and the 
lovers of freedom wherever to be found, deeply lament the 
loss of our three illustrious statesmen — Clay, Calhoun and 
Webster. 

Resolved, That this National Typographical Union also 
mourn the death of the vice-president of the United States, 
Col. William R. King. 

Free Use of Telegraph Lines — On the morning of the 
second day of the convention the secretary read a com- 
munication from Cleveland, tendering the free use of the 
"House" and the "Lake Erie" telegraph lines, and also 
one from the "National Lines" in Pittsburgh, to the 
union, which were accepted with thanks. 

148 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1853 

Charters and Traveling Cards — In the report of Re- 
cording Secretary Dumars the following interesting para- 
graph is found: "Among the last resolutions adopted by 
the National Union at its convention in Cincinnati, last 
year, was one authorizing myself, in connection with my 
colleague, Mr. Kinkead, to have engraved a suitable 
charter, to be furnished to such unions as had complied, 
and to all others which might comply, with the requisi- 
tions of the constitution and by-laws in reference to ap- 
plications for charters. The same committee was also. au- 
thorized to have engraved or printed a 'union card,' to 
be furnished to subordinate unions and by them to any of 
their members who might wish to travel or change their 
locations. But the late period at which the proceedings of 
the session of the National Union at Cincinnati were pub- 
lished prevented me from calling the attention of the sub- 
ordinate unions, in time, to a resolution passed at that 
session authorizing me to draw upon them quarterly for 
the amount of their percentage. That resolution was 
adopted for the purpose of enabling the committee on 
charters and cards to raise funds to pay the expenses ©f 
getting up said charters and cards ; but, receiving no 
money, they did not feel authorized to run into debt, with 
no prospect of getting out of it in a reasonable space of 
time. I feel assured, had the proceedings of the session of 
the National Union at Cincinnati been promptly pub- 
lished, I would have had the satisfaction, long before 
this, of having forwarded, to the various unions entitled, 
their charters; and to have also induced a large number 
of new unions to organize, whose charter fees, united with 
their percentage, would have greatly augmented the re- 
ceipts of the National Union. Another source of revenue 
was also cut off by the failure of the secretaries of the late 
session of the National Union to discharge their duty. 
Had the committee been enabled to have secured the 

149 



History of The Typographical Union 

prompt engraving or printing of the union card, and sup- 
plied the subordinate unions with such number of copies 
as might have been desired, a considerable amount of 
money would have been raised from this source alone/' 

Password, Grip, Secret Signs, etc. — The report of a 
special committee appointed to consider the advisability 
of using a national password, reported the following, re- 
questing its adoption as an amendment to the by-laws : 

Article VII. It shall be the duty of the president of the 
National Typographical Union, at intervals of three months, 
commencing with the month of June, to communicate to the 
presidents and vice-presidents of the different unions having 
charters from this union, a national password, to be given to 
all members of their union in good standing at the time of 
taking out their cards ; and in the case of the death or inability 
of the president, then the duty to devolve on the first vice- 
president, and in the event of the inability of the first vice- 
president, this duty to devolve on the second vice-president. 

The following resolution from Chicago Union was 
referred to a special committee on secret organization : 

Resolved, That the representatives from this union to the 
National Typographical Union, to be held in Pittsburgh on the 
first Monday in May next, be instructed to cast their vote for, 
and use their influence to secure, the adoption by that union 
of a practical system of secret signs, grips, passwords, etc., for 
the use and benefit of all members, good and true, of subordi- 
nate unions under the jurisdiction of the National Union. 

Both the proposed amendment to the by-laws and the 
above resolution were defeated. 

General Laws — At this convention was laid the foun- 
dation of the present general laws of the union. Fol- 
lowing is the first general law adopted by the National 
Typographical Union : 

No union shall admit as a member any person who comes 
from a place where a union existed at the time of his leaving 
unless he can produce a duly attested certificate of member- 
ship from said union; and any person admitted by such certifi- 

150 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1853 

cate shall be exempt from the payment of the usual initiation 
fee ; but shall be required to pay the regular monthly dues from 
the date of his admission : Provided, however, That an appli- 
cant for membership, without a certificate, shall be allowed 
the privilege of giving a statement, in writing, of reasons 
why he should be admitted, which statement, if satisfactory 
to the union, shall entitle the application of such person to 
consideration, 

First Traveling Card — The convention adopted the 
following form of certificate of membership : 

This is to certify that the bearer hereof, whose signature 
appears on the margin of this certificate, is a member in good 

standing of Typographical Union No , 

State of , and is entitled to the confidence, friend- 
ship and good offices of all unions under the jurisdiction of 
the National Typographical Union. 

Given under our hands and the seal of the union, at , 

this .... day of , 18. .. 

, President. 

Secretary. 

Opposed to Strikes — The following resolution was 
agreed to with but three dissenting votes : 

Resolved, That the National Union regards as injudicious a 
frequent resort to strikes on the part of journeymen on any mis- 
understanding occurring between them and their employers, 
believing that in most cases all such differences can be settled 
satisfactorily by other and more amicable means ; and that a 
strike should be resorted to only when all such means fail. 

Scale of Prices — During the progress of the conven- 
tion the president proposed the following question to the 
delegates : "Is the bill of prices properly a part of the by- 
laws of the subordinate unions ?" The answer of the con- 
vention was that the question was one that should be left 
entirely to the discretion of subordinate unions. 

Measiirement of Type — Through a special committee 
appointed for that purpose, the union adopted a minimum 
"standard" for the measurement of type, as follows: 

151 



History of The Typographical Union 

Agate, 15 ems to the alphabet; nonpareil, 14; minion and 
brevier, 13 ; bourgeois to pica, inclusive, 12. 

Seal — The first design of a seal for the National Typo- 
graphical Union was authorized and the style and char- 
acter of design were entrusted to the delegates from Buf- 
falo and Rochester, N. Y. The credit, however, of the 
design is due to H. H. Whitcomb, secretary-treasurer 
from 1854 till 1857. The first seal was executed in the 
summer of 1853. 

Officers, 185J — Gerard Stith, of New Orleans, was 
elected president for the ensuing year, together with 
Andrew McCoubrey, Boston, first vice-president; F. A. 
Albaugh, New York, second vice-president; H. H. 
Whitcomb, Buffalo, recording secretary; James P. Wood- 
bury, Chicago, corresponding secretary; M. C. Brown, 
Philadelphia, treasurer. 

No reference is made to the national executive com- 
mittee in the proceedings of this convention. 

Buffalo, N. Y., was chosen as the meeting place for the 
convention of 1854. 

Convention at Buffalo 

[1854] — The third annual session of the National 
Typographical Union was called to order in Buffalo, N. 
Y., on Monday, May 1, 1854. In point of delegates pres- 
ent and subordinate unions represented, this convention 
made a poor showing, such important cities as Indian- 
apolis, Albany, Columbus, St. Louis, Baltimore and Har- 
risburg not being represented. 

President Stith was unable to attend the convention and 
Lewis Graham, of New Orleans, was elected president 
pro tern, and presided over the sessions of the convention, 
which lasted three days. 

New York Co-operative Union — The time of the con- 
vention was largely occupied by a discussion of another 

152 




GERARD STITH, New Orleans 

President National Typographical Union 

May 5, 1853 - May 2, 1854 



Convention at Buffalo, 1854 

petition for a charter from the Co-operative Union of 
New York city. It was finally determined that the Na- 
tional Typographical Union record itself in favor of a 
principle never to recognize more than one union in each 
city. The warring unions in New York were urged to 
bury their differences and combine under one charter. 

Offices of Secretary and Treasurer Combined — The 
offices of recording secretary and treasurer were com- 
bined, in order to facilitate the transaction of the National 
Typographical Union's business, and it was also deter- 
mined to elect officers at the beginning of each annual 
convention, instead of at the close, experience having 
proved that many officers, not being returned as delegates 
by the subordinate unions to which they belonged, did 
not feel able to stand the expense of attending the con- 
vention on their own responsibility. 

Female Labor in Composing Rooms — Delegate Bond, 
of Detroit, presented the following memorial from De- 
troit Union in relation to the employment of females in 
printing offices, which was referred to the committee on 
subordinate unions : 

At the April meeting of the Detroit Typographical Union 
No. 18, it was decided by nearly a unanimous vote, after some 
discussion, to refer the subject of the introduction and con- 
tinued employment of females within its jurisdiction to the 
National Union, they wishing for its full and explicit view or 
decision. Their representatives were instructed, by its elective 
body, to urge the expediency and adoption of some decisive 
measure to guide and sustain any subordinate union in what- 
ever just and proper course a majority of its members may 
think fit to pursue against this injurious invasion by which 
employers wished to set aside fair usage and compensation. 
We trust, therefore, that this body, as now assembled, will give 
some expression, or adopt some conclusive rule, on which all 
subordinates throughout the United States can act, should they 
think it advisable, at any time, without further reference to the 
National Union. 

153 



History of The Typographical Union 

In view of the above, which we trust will meet the sincere 
concurrence of the National body, as pertaining to the gen- 
eral welfare of our organization in the United States, of which 
we are a part, we would urge the adoption of the best means 
of discountenancing and preventing if possible an evil which, 
if allowed, will eventually impair the prosperity and efficiency 
of subordinate unions, thereby affecting the National Union, 
as the innovators can never, under our present system, become 
co-operators in the organization by which we endeavor to es- 
tablish fair usages throughout the Union. We ask a decided 
action at the present session in this matter. 

The committee to which the memorial was referred was 
divided in opinion regarding the proper recommendation 
to be made to the convention. A majority of the commit- 
tee entertained the belief that the employment of females 
as compositors would never become general, or so exten- 
sive as to affect the trade materially, and were of the 
opinion that subordinate unions should dispose of the 
matter in a way to best suit their several localities. The 
minority report recognized the right of females to any 
employment to which they might be fitted, and with this 
expression of opinion it was recommended that all legis- 
lation on the subject be left in the hands of subordinate 
unions, with power to act in such manner as their wisdom 
might direct. 

Neither the majority nor the minority reports found 
favor with a majority of the delegates. After a pro- 
longed discussion, and the consideration of numerous 
amendments, it was finally ordered "that this union will 
not encourage, by its acts, the employment of females as 
compositors." 

Membership, Traveling Cards, Seal, Charter — The 
secretary summarized the transactions of his office during 
the year, and in addition to his financial statement re- 
ported a total membership of 1,512. It also appeared in 
the report that 439 members had been expelled. 

154 



Convention at Buffalo, 1854 

At the last session of the National Union, the secretary- 
elect was instructed to act in concert with the Buffalo and 
Rochester delegations in getting up and issuing a certificate 
of membership, a seal for the National Union and a charter 
for subordinate unions. During the year which has elapsed, I 
have issued the certificate and adopted a seal. The charter is 
nearly ready and will be sent on to the subordinate unions at 
as early a day as possible. In relation to the certificate, a mo- 
tion was adopted to print 1,000 cards. Upon reflection, this 
seemed too small a number, and I decided to get 2,400 printed, 
by which I might be able to supply all unions with a sufficient 
number to last for more than one year. I have now on hand 
but 600. In the month of July last, I had printed and sent 
to all subordinate unions, a 1 circular informing them that the 
certificates were ready for circulation, at the cost of $5 per 
hundred. — Secretary's report. 

Official Organ — A proposition to establish an official 
organ, left over from the previous convention, was dis- 
cussed at some length but no definite action was had. 
Several minor amendments and a few additions were 
made to the general laws. 

General Laws — It appears that at this particular pe- 
riod in the history of the National Union it was not 
clearly understood that the general laws were binding on 
subordinate unions. Gradually, however, all doubt as to 
these laws being effective was cleared away and they have 
since been accepted by subordinate unions as binding. 

Charters Issued — Charters were issued to Elmira No. 
19 and Nashville No. 20. 

Executive Committee, 1854 — The president appointed 
the following national executive committee : Eugene 
Vallette, Philadelphia ; Augustus Donnelly, Cincinnati ; 
Thomas J. Walsh, New York; Con. Dusenbery, Pitts- 
burgh; W. F. Rogers, Buffalo; Louis L. Burke, Louis- 
ville ; William T. Yancey, Memphis ; Andrew McCoubrey, 
Boston; O. A. Stafford, Chicago; Henry Starkey, Detroit; 
William H. Beach, Rochester; O. R. Burdick, Elmira. 

155 



History of The Typographical Union 

Officers, 1854 — Lewis Graham, New Orleans, who 
had presided over the sessions of the convention as presi- 
dent pro tern., was elected president for the ensuing term, 
together with Con. Dusenbery, Pittsburgh, first vice-presi- 
dent; Charles F. Town, New York, second vice-president; 
H. H. Whitcomb, Buffalo, secretary-treasurer; William 
T. Yancey, Memphis, corresponding secretary. 

Memphis, Tenn., was chosen as the meeting place for 
the convention of 1855. 

Convention at Memphis 

[ I ^55] — The fourth annual session of the National 
Typographical Union was called to order by Second 
Vice-President Charles F. Town on Monday, May 7, 
1855, in Memphis, Tenn. 

In the number of delegates present and unions repre- 
sented this convention was even smaller than the preced- 
ing one. The depressed condition of the trade throughout 
the country was offered as a reason for the small attend- 
ance. It was noticeable, however, that those unions that 
had not been represented in the Buffalo convention the 
year previous did not send representatives to Memphis, 
and the real reason, perhaps, for their non-representation, 
was the demoralized condition of the various locals them- 
selves. Delegates were present from Philadelphia, Cin- 
cinnati, New York, Buffalo, Louisville, Memphis, Boston, 
Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit and Nashville. Among 
the unions not represented were Indianapolis, Albany, 
Columbus, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Baltimore, Harrisburg 
and Elmira. San Francisco No. 21 and Dubuque No. 22 
had been granted charters during the year but were not 
represented at the convention. 

Lewis Graham, president, and the first vice-president 
were not in attendance at the convention and the first ses- 
sion was called to order by Charles F. Town, of New 

156 



Convention at Memphis, 1855 

York, second vice-president, who presided during the 
week and who was elected president for the ensuing term. 

President's Report — President Graham, although un- 
able to attend the Memphis convention, forwarded his 
annual report by mail. The president said that the bene- 
ficial influences of the National Typographical Union had 
already been felt .and appreciated, and though but in its 
infancy, its progress had met with great obstacles, yet it 
was destined to concentrate within its orbit the whole 
trade of the union, elevate to a proper standard and har- 
monize the discordant elements of which it was composed. 

Duties of Executive Committee — The president also 
said that he was unable to report upon the condition of 
trade throughout the country for lack of proper informa- 
tion. On this subject the president said: "I regret this 
very much, because I conceive it to be the particular duty 
of the president to report at the commencement of each 
session, not only upon the general state of trade, but upon 
all transactions that may have occurred in different lo- 
calities whereby the interest of the trade is affected. As 
this duty can not be performed without some assistance, I 
would suggest that the present plan of the executive com- 
mittee be so remodeled as to make it the duty of the presi- 
dent to appoint one member from each union represented 
to form a committee, which shall report to him, semi- 
annually and annually, the state of trade in their respec- 
tive localities, together with all other matters that may 
occur affecting the same; these reports to be embodied in 
that of the president and become part and parcel of the 
proceedings. In the event of the removal of a member of 
that committee from the locality for which he was ap- 
pointed, the president of that union should be empowered 
to fill the vacancy. You will thus perceive that, at the 
commencement of each term, such information will be 
laid before you as can not fail to exhibit a true state of 

157 



History of The Typographical Union 

the trade in the different localities of the country for the 
twelve months preceding, and enable you more effectually 
to take such measures as circumstances may require. 

Permanent Convention City — "I would also call your 
attention to a subject which, if permitted to exist, is des- 
tined, sooner or later, in my opinion, to detract much of 
the interest that is now felt for the National Union, and 
retard, in great measure, by the consequent slim attend- 
ance of representatives, the accomplishment of the objects 
we have in view. I refer to the present system of remov- 
ing the National Union, every year, from point to point, 
irrespective of the benefits to accrue therefrom, or the 
inconvenience and expense the great body of the subor- 
dinate unions will be subjected to when desirous of being 
fully represented. Under the convention system, this plan 
was probably essential to enlist the feelings of the differ- 
ent sections of the country, and no doubt contributed much 
toward accomplishing one of the objects contemplated by 
those who so nobly begun this work — the permanent or- 
ganization of a national body. This object having been 
attained, the same reasons no longer exist to continue this 
system, as we now number unions from every city of im- 
portance in the country, besides having given each section 
of the country the benefit derived from a location of the 
National Typographical Union in their midst. I would 
therefore suggest for your serious consideration that 
proper measures be taken to secure the permanent loca- 
tion of the National Union at some point central and 
equally accessible to the great body of the subordinate 
unions. Your own judgment will dictate to you the im- 
portance of such a movement, for only upon an equal 
representation and a full knowledge of the wants of dif- 
ferent sections of the country can you determine correctly 
upon such measures as will redound to the general good." 

The recommendation of President Graham to establish 

158 



Convention at Memphis, 1855 

a permanent headquarters was fully discussed and a reso- 
lution that "the National Typographical Union shall con- 
vene permanently on the first Tuesday of May, biennially, 
in the city of Washington, D. C," was laid on the table. 
The further recommendation of President Graham that 
the president appoint one member from each union rep- 
resented at the conventions to constitute the national 
executive committee was concurred in. 

Public Printing — The national printing office question 
was again before the convention, but this time assumed 
a different shape. A proposition was made to establish a 
national printing office upon a joint-stock plan, each sub- 
ordinate union purchasing its proportion of stock, with 
the understanding that the plant would begin operations 
as soon as $10,000 was raised. The plant was to be man- 
aged by a board of trustees appointed by the National 
Typographical Union, and the net proceeds, if any, were 
to be divided pro rata among the contributing unions. 
Following the custom that seemed to prevail in the early 
days of the organization, whenever a question of impor- 
tance divided the convention, it was postponed to the next 
session. That was the fate of this proposition. 

Ritual — A special committee was appointed to ex- 
amine a ritual which had been adopted by Cincinnati 
Typographical Union. After duly considering the sub- 
ject the committee reported the following resolution : 

Resolved, That with a view of creating a stronger bond of 
brotherhood among the craft and giving more interest to the 
meetings of subordinate unions, this National Union, in com- 
pliance with section 1, article x, of the constitution, hereby 
approves the ritual prepared by Cincinnati Typographical 
Union No. 3, embodying opening, initiatory, installation and 
closing ceremonies, etc., and would recognize its adoption by 
any subordinate union that may deem it conducive to their 
prosperity and harmony or be impressed that it will enhance 
the interest of their meetings. 

159 



History of The Typographical Union 

The consideration of the resolution was made a special 
order of business for the following day, when the report 
of the committee was adopted, with the following pro- 
viso : "That the National Union disapprove of the adop- 
tion of any oath or ritual for initiation of members other 
than such as may be legal and in accordance with the 
usages of public bodies." 

Proprietor Members — An appeal case from Memphis, 
Tenn., involving the question of proprietor membership 
was disposed of by the adoption of a resolution to the 
effect that it was a matter for the exclusive consideration 
of subordinate unions, to be acted upon as they deemed 
expedient and conducive to their welfare. 

Executive Committee, 1855 — The president appointed 
the following national executive committee : Henry G. 
Fisher, Philadelphia; Augustus Donnelly, Cincinnati; 
Charles W. Colburn, New York; James E. Fox, Buffalo; 
James S. Gilbert, Louisville; J. W. Smith, Memphis; 
Thomas R. Shepard, Boston ; E. S. Davis, Chicago ; Lewis 
Graham, New Orleans, and Travis Winham, Nashville. 

Officers, 1855 — Charles F. Town, New York, was 
elected president for the ensuing term, together with 
Francis C. Still, Boston, first vice-president; Augustus 
Donnelly, Cincinnati, second vice-president; H. H. Whit- 
comb, Buffalo, secretary-treasurer, and S. Harris, New 
Orleans, corresponding secretary. 

After being in session three days, the convention ad- 
journed to meet in Philadelphia, May, 1856. 

Convention at Philadelphia 

[1856] — The fifth annual convention of the National 
Typographical Union began its sessions at Philadelphia, 
May 5, 1856. Like the two preceding conventions, this 
meeting was marked by a slim attendance of delegates 
and the small number of unions represented. 

160 




LEWIS GRAHAM, New Orleans 

President National Typographical Union 

May 2, 1854 -May 7, 1855 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1856 

Perhaps the most important work of this convention 
was the collating and harmonizing of the constitution and 
by-laws of the union. A special committee was appointed 
for this purpose, which presented a report to the conven- 
tion on the third day that met with general favor, only a 
few minor amendments to the document as presented 
being passed. 

Pressmen — The question of admitting pressmen to 
membership in the union was brought to the attention of 
the convention through a communication from Memphis, 
Tenn., from a pressman in that city. This communication 
is thought to be worthy of reproduction : 

Memphis, Tenn., April 20, 1856. 
To the National Typographical Union. 

Gentlemen : I desire to place your honorable body in pos- 
session of some facts in regard to an action of the Memphis 
Union, which I believe to be wholly unjust, inasmuch as by its 
action power pressmen have been cut off from all participa- 
tion in this union, and are not, as in other cities, recognized or 
protected by it. I conceive this course, upon the part of this 
union, to be unwise and unjust for several considerations, which 
I will endeavor, in my humble way, to explain. 

If I am not mistaken in my understanding of the original 
aims and intentions of those who first conceived the forma- 
tion, and assisted to establish upon a firm foundation, the Na- 
tional Typographical Union, it was brought into existence with 
the view of raising a bulwark for the defense and mutual pro- 
tection of each and every part of the printing business ; and as 
the aforesaid action leaves one department exposed to the 
abuses which must inevitably arise whenever any portion of 
this business is left at the mercy of unprincipled employers and 
dishonorable printers, I can not help believing that this union, 
in its proceedings in regard to pressmen, has acted contrary 
to the established laws and usages of the National Union. 

As the matter now stands a pressman who has been pub- 
lished throughout the country by any subordinate union may 
come to Memphis and work alongside of honorable men, and 
no notice must be taken of it. If this is not a palpable in- 

161 



History of The Typographical Union 

fringement upon the original proposition of your honorable 
body, 1. am free to confess I deem it woefully deficient. If 
the National Union will sanction or permit some of her subor- 
dinates to compel pressmen to join their union, or the printers 
refuse to work with those who refuse, and at the same time 
permit others to exclude them from any participation whatever, 
I am much mistaken in the good sense of those who compose this 
union ; for, by such a course as this the pressman who abandons 
a good situation in some other city, for the purpose of protect- 
ing compositors from some abuse of an employer, may be de- 
prived of another by the same dishonorable fellow who took 
his place but a few months previous, and for which he was 
branded by the union as a deep-dyed and uncompromising rat. 
I will here state for the information of the National Union 
that this has, to some extent, already been the case. 

I feel a deep conviction that if the National Union sanc- 
tions the course about to be taken by some of her subordinates, 
the day is not far distant when she will see her strength fast 
declining, for only by a strict adherence to the old motto — 
"United we stand, divided we fall" — can we expect to suc- 
ceed. It requires the united qo-operation of every, branch of 
our profession to uphold and maintain our rights — knowing 
them, we must maintain them. Through a wise and judicious 
management the institution of printers' unions will ultimately 
redound to the advancement of our profession, but, like all 
other magnificent superstructures, if abused by the great head 
in its failure to govern all of the parts wisely, by throwing its 
protecting arm around all alike, it must finally droop and die. 
And, as the great head of this institution, you should guard 
well against any and all attempts at abuse ; and reposing con- 
fidence in you to do this, I humbly ask for a calm and delib- 
erate investigation of this matter, and a speedy removal of the 
cause of complaint. 

All of which is most respectfully submitted. 

A. T. Norton,, Power Pressman, 

Eagle and Enquirer Office. 

This communication caused considerable debate in the 
convention, and it was contended by several delegates that 
no practical printer could be reasonably excluded from 
the union, if fair, whether working as a power pressman 

162 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1856 

or otherwise, except that a person merely understanding 
that portion of the business would scarcely be considered 
a printer and his exclusion would be very proper. It was 
finally decided by the convention, however, that the mat- 
ter was one that should be discretionary with subordinate 
unions. 

Government Printing Office — A special committee on 
government printing office, to which had been referred 
several propositions, including a resolution of Cincinnati 
Typographical Union in favor of the establishment by 
congress of a government printing plant, reported for 
adoption resolutions to the effect that the National Typo- 
graphical Union considered the establishment by congress 
of a government printing office the most practical method 
of abolishing the contract system and the notorious abuses 
and effects incident thereto. It was further held that the 
establishment of a government printing office, while con- 
ducive to -the public interests, would also tend to the 
elevation of all classes of labor by creating an honorable 
relation between the printer and the government that 
would serve as an example and criterion to individual 
employers. 

The recommendations contained in the resolutions were 
concurred in by the convention and it was urged upon 
subordinate unions that they get up petitions to congress 
in favor of a government printing office and have the 
same signed extensively by all classes of citizens and pre- 
sented by the representatives of their respective districts. 

At the same session of the convention at which the reso- 
lutions above referred to were adopted, after the transac- 
tion of other business, a motion was passed again to take 
up the report of the special committee on government 
printing office, when it was ordered that the majority re- 
port of the committee appointed at the previous conven- 
tion to consider the matter be adopted. After a brief 

163 



History of The Typographical Union 

discussion, the motion prevailed. The majority report 
referred to was as follows : 

Resolved ', That this union recommend to the various subor- 
dinate unions the propriety of establishing a fund by sub- 
scription on the part of the individual members of each union 
for the purpose of establishing a national printing office, upon 
a joint stock principle, each union paying in proportion to the 
amount of stock subscribed for; said establishment to go into 
operation so soon as $10,000 shall be raised, which shall be 
placed in the hands of trustees of this National Union, to be 
selected for that purpose, the net proceeds thereof to be period- 
ically divided, pro rata, among the several unions so subscribing, 
so soon as this National Union shall deem the undertaking 
firmly established. 

Charters — Returns — Of the twenty-three unions 
chartered up to the time of holding this convention, eleven 
failed to make any returns for the year. Indianapolis, 
Albany, Columbus, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Baltimore, 
Detroit, Elmira, San Francisco, Dubuque and Milwaukee 
failed to send delegates to the convention. Baton Rouge 
was granted a charter and St. Louis Union appears from 
the record to have been rechartered, the organization 
not having paid its per capita tax for two years preceding. 

National Executive Committee, 1836 — The president 
appointed the following national executive committee for 
the ensuing term: William B. Eckert, Philadelphia; R. 
B. Hardy, Cincinnati; T. J. Walsh, New York; New- 
comb, Buffalo; J. H. Blackstone, Louisville; J. E. Yancey, 
Memphis; William Graham, Boston; William J. Irvin, 
Harrisburg; H. M. Biden, Rochester; B. C. Sanford, 
Chicago; Thomas F. Hedges, New Orleans; William 
S. Bond, Detroit; L. Collins, Nashville; James Risk, San 
Francisco. 

Officers, 1856 — M. C. Brown, of Philadelphia, was 
elected president, together with B. C. Sanford, Chicago, 
first vice-president; Thomas F. Hedges, New Orleans, 

164 



Convention at New Orleans, 1857 

second vice-president; J. H. Blackstone, Louisville, cor- 
responding secretary, and H. H. Whitcomb, Memphis, 
secretary-treasurer. 

Convention at New Orleans 

[1857] — The convention at New Orleans was unique in 
two respects. In point of duration the sessions extended 
over a period of six days, but in number of unions repre- 
sented and delegates present it fell below any preceding 
convention of the National Union. In the absence of the 
president and first vice-president, Thomas F. Hedges, of 
New Orleans, second vice-president, called the meeting 
to order. 

The report of the committee on credentials showed the 
fact that nine unions were represented by twelve dele- 
gates. During the week, however, delegates arrived and 
were given seats in the convention representing Peters- 
burg, Mobile and Galveston, which jurisdictions were 
granted charters by the convention. 

Non-Member Delegates — The first proposition of im- 
portance which came before the convention involved the 
right of a delegate to represent a subordinate union of 
which he was not a member. It was finally determined 
that any member in good standing, appearing with proper 
credentials from a subordinate union, was entitled to a 
seat in the convention, without giving consideration to the 
fact that he was not a member of that particular local 
union. 

Union Printers Home Suggested — A communication 
was received from National Committeeman Bond, of 
Detroit, who, being unable to attend the convention, 
presented a statement dealing with many subjects of inter- 
est to the craft at that time. According to this statement, 
Detroit Union had given serious consideration to the 
establishment of a union printers home, or asylum, for 

16s 



History of The Typographical Union 

those members who had grown old in the art. It was 
pointed out that England had an institution of this kind 
in active operation and attention was called to the possi- 
bilities of such an institution in this country. It was pro- 
posed to petition congress for a land grant sufficient for a 
site, with the alternative of appealing to the members of 
subordinate unions for a sufficient sum to purchase one or 
more sections of land in a convenient and pleasant local- 
ity, it being planned to allot small plots of ground to old 
printers having families, incapable themselves of further 
gaining a livelihood at the business ; also to build an asy- 
lum for those not having families. Thus it may be seen 
that at the New Orleans convention, in 1857, the first 
proposition to establish a home for superannuated printers 
was suggested by the representative of Detroit Union. 
While the convention gave serious consideration to the 
subject, nothing tangible resulted. 

Baltimore Union Rechartered — It appears from the 
minutes of the New Orleans convention that the absence 
of representation from Baltimore Union for the preceding 
three years was not altogether due to resentment felt by 
that body against the action of the Cincinnati convention 
in allotting charter No. 12 to Baltimore. A delegate from 
Baltimore appeared before the convention asking that the 
union in that city be rechartered. In addressing the con- 
vention on this subject, the delegate said that a majority 
of the members of Baltimore Union had felt aggrieved at 
some of the actions and decisions of the National Union, 
and also for seeming neglect on the part of the officials of 
the National body in not furnishing the properly signed 
and attested charter form at the time the application was 
made and the warrant granted. For these reasons Balti- 
more Union had determined to sever its connection with 
the parent body. In carrying out this resolution all com- 
munications received from the secretary of the National 

166 



Convention at New Orleans, 1857 

Union had been laid on the table. With this explanation, 
after a brief debate, the request of Baltimore Union was 
complied with by the convention and a new charter was 
ordered issued with the old number. That the complaint 
by Baltimore Union of negligence on the part of the sec- 
retary of the National body was, perhaps, not without 
sufficient reason, is evidenced by a communication from 
Providence Typographical Union to the effect that the 
sum of $5 had been forwarded to the address of the sec- 
retary of the National Union in order that the Providence 
society might effect its affiliation. The communication 
said that no response had been received from the secretary 
of the National Union regarding the application for a 
charter, although much trouble had been taken to find the 
whereabouts of that official. A communication from Bos- 
ton Typographical Union also complained that that body 
had been unable to obtain acknowledgment from the 
National secretary of moneys forwarded, and answers 
to various communications from Boston had not been 
received. The members of Boston Union seriously con- 
sidered withdrawing from the National Union on this 
account. 

The committee to which the communications from Bal- 
timore and Providence was referred failed to fix the blame 
for the confusion complained of, attributing the unfor- 
tunate condition to the fact that the moneys forwarded 
had not been registered and that no record could be ob- 
tained of the communications sent, the secretary denying 
that he had received any of them. 

Biennial Conventions — A proposition changing the 
custom of annual conventions so that the meetings of the 
National body should be held biennially was defeated, as 
was a proposition to hold all conventions of the National 
body in the same city. 

Unique Invitation — A communication from the New 

167 



History of The Typographical Union 

Orleans fire department, unique in its character, was laid 
before the convention by the president, as follows : 

Fireman's Charitable Association, 

New Orleans, May 9, 1857. 
To the President and Delegates of the National Typographical 
Union. 

Gentlemen : Allow me to invite you to be present and 
witness a public trial of the steam fire engine Young America, 
to take place tomorrow (Sunday) morning, 10th instant, at 9 
o'clock, at the levee, foot of -Canal street. 

Trusting you will accept, I have the honor to remain, 
Yours, etc., 

David Bradbury, 
First Assistant Engineer, N. 0. Fire Department. 
Allow me to join Mr. Bradbury in the above invitation. 

James Beggs, 
Treasurer N. 0. Fire Department. 

The invitation was accepted and the secretary directed 
to acknowledge its receipt and return the thanks of the 
National body for the courtesy extended. 

Co-operative Union Disbanded — A communication 
was received from the secretary of New York Typograph- 
ical Union No. 6 to the efifect that the Co-operative Union 
of that city had disbanded and that its membership had 
merged into No. 6. 

Separate Branches — The first attempt in the history 
of the organization to separate the different branches of 
the craft was defeated by a unanimous vote, the proposi- 
tion coming up in the report of the committee on unfin- 
ished business, which proposed three divisions of the 
union — newspaper, book and job, and press work. The 
final expression of the convention on this subject was con- 
tained in a brief resolution to the effect that the National 
Union recognized in the typographical profession two 
classes only, viz. : compositors and pressmen. 

Joint Stock Printing Plant — The proposition to estab- 

168 




ifef 



rnttr ^BP^ 




M. C. BROWN, Philadelphia 

President Third National Convention Journeymen Printers 

May 3, 1852 

President National Typographical Union 

.May 5, 1856 - May 4, 1857 



Convention at Chicago, i 

lish a fund by subscription for the purpose of establish- 
ing, on a joint stock basis, a national printing plant, hav- 
ing in view the execution of the printing of the national 
government, was disposed of by the adoption of a resolu- 
tion that it would be inexpedient for the National Union 
to act in the matter. 

Official Organ — A proposition to have created, un- 
der the auspices of the National Union, a monthly journal 
representing the printing interests was negatived by the 
convention because of the opinion that the establishment 
of such a journal should be left to private enterprise — 
that it would be impolitic for the National Union to en- 
gage in any business enterprise, but that it would be 
proper to countenance and support such a journal when 
established by individuals. 

National Executive Committee, 185J — The president 
appointed the national executive committee, as follows : 
L. Graham, New Orleans; Samuel Sloan, New York; 
Gerard Stith, Petersburg; John S. Toof, Memphis; Eu- 
gene H. Munday, Philadelphia ; M. C. Misener, Chicago ; 
James Aikens, jr., Mobile; Charles B. Cox, Louisville; 
A. \V. Hyatt, Baton Rouge; J. Miner, Galveston; Henry 
Barnes, Cincinnati ; George A. Brawner, Baltimore. 

Officers, 18 j? — William Cuddy, of St. Louis, was 
elected president for the ensuing term, together with M. 
C. Misener, Chicago, first vice-president; Eugene H. 
Munday, Philadelphia, second vice-president; H. H. 
Whitcomb, New Orleans, secretary-treasurer; A. W. 
Hyatt, Baton Rouge, corresponding secretary. 

Chicago was chosen as the convention city for 1858. 

Convention at Chicago 

[1858] — The seventh annual convention of the Na- 
tional Typographical Union, which opened its sessions in 
Chicago, May 3, 1858, in point of unions represented and 

169 



History of The Typographical Union 

number of delegates present, was a decided improvement 
over the several preceding conventions. The convention 
was called to order by President William Cuddy, who 
congratulated the delegates upon the strong spirit of unity 
manifested during the year and the many applications for 
charters by newly-organized unions in all parts of the 
country. He called particular attention to his fears that 
the suspension of extensive business operations and the 
many blighting effects of the panic through which the 
country had passed would tend to lessen the attendance at 
the sessions, when, as a matter of fact, the convention was 
the largest in the history of the organization. 

President's Address — In conclusion, President Cuddy 
said : 

We meet, gentlemen, after a season of financial disaster such 
as the world may not see again for half a century — a crisis, 
springing up in the commercial center of this flourishing con- 
tinent, from causes which few can explain, and spreading its 
devastating influences to the most remote cities of the civilized 
world. Though its results have been fatal to the prospects of 
many, yet it has tended to impress other nations with a full^sense 
of the important position America occupies in the commercial 
affairs of the universe. 

How consoling it is that the early spring blooms in with 
promises of a summer of bountiful prosperity. How cheerfully 
we greet the tidings that the "panic cloud," which darkened the 
minds and cramped the means of many in our profession, has 
vanished, and the half-filled composing room and idle press are 
again bustling forward with all their wonted activity. 

It must be a source of gratification to every printer in the 
land that our National Union has reached its seventh annual 
convention under such favorable auspices; that the predictions 
of its early opponents — who formed false apprehensions of its 
real object — were groundless, and that the obstinacy which 
characterized their first opposition has been replaced by a hearty 
acquiescence in most of our progressive efforts. Let us hope 
that the same harmonious concert of action which has charac- 
terized every previous session may prevail with us at this time, 
giving additional weight to the results of our deliberations. 
170 



Convention at Chicago, 1858 

That, unlike some turbulent political conventions, where fac- 
tion meets faction with threats of dissolution or secession — or 
mind grapples with mind for the accomplishment of sinister 
purposes — every convocation of our National Union has added 
a new link to the bond of unity that knits us together as a typo- 
graphical brotherhood. Let us endeavor to prove that the 
platform of principles, on which a national union of printers 
was founded, is wide enough to embrace the interests of both 
operative and capitalist — that those interests are identical, and 
best promoted (as experience has taught) by conciliatory meas- 
ures. Indeed, the aim of our national and all subordinate 
unions may be condensed into a few words : The social, intel- 
lectual and moral elevation of our profession, the maintenance 
of a fair and honorable standard of remuneration — in a word, 
to make the man a better printer, the printer a better man. 
To welcome every improvement or invention that renders our 
art more valuable or instructive — to realize and render truthful 
the poet's glowing idea, who regards the press as 

That mightiest of the mighty means 
On which the arm of progress leans. 

The world has hailed it as such, and how important it is 
that all identified with that press should possess the requisite 
qualifications — either as thinkers, whose opinions guide the 
masses, or as printers, the mouthpiece through which knowl- 
edge is heralded to the world. 

A great statesman of the eighteenth century very wisely 
observed, when speaking of national prosperity: "There are 
three things which make a nation great and prosperous — a fer- 
tile soil, busy workshops, and easy conveyance for man and 
commodities from place to place." Had that wise man lived in 
our day, and in this republic, how imperfect would be his idea 
of national greatness if he omitted to add, "knowledge and 
freedom of the press." Without them, no republic is safe ; with 
them, no absolute monarchy can exist. 

Secretary -Treasurer Removed — It had been found 
necessary during the year for the president to remove 
from office the secretary-treasurer, on charges of neglect 
of duty. Lewis Graham, of New Orleans, was appointed 
to fill the unexpired term. His report to the convention 
showed that the business of the office, when he took up the 



History of The Typographical Union 

work of secretary-treasurer, was in a deplorable condition. 
It was discovered that Petersburg, Va. ; Providence, R. I. ; 
Columbia, S. C. ; St. Paul, Minn. ; Montgomery, Ala. , 
Peoria, 111.; Baltimore, Md. ; Mobile, Ala., and Daven- 
port, Iowa, had complied with the requirements and had 
applied for charters, but in each case no charter had 
been issued nor had the secretary-treasurer in any way 
accounted for the moneys received on account of these 
applications. By action of the convention, on recom- 
mendation of its finance committee, charters were ordered 
to be issued to the above-named unions and an investiga- 
tion was ordered into the affairs of the late secretary- 
treasurer. A charter was also issued to Evansville, Ind. 

Pressmen Organized — The first recorded effort to or- 
ganize the pressmen was through a resolution adopted on 
the second day of the convention, recommending to sub- 
ordinate unions throughout the country to encourage the 
pressmen to unite with them in membership, the latter be- 
ing regarded at that time as "printers" by the National 
Union. 

Country Unions — A proposition to organize country 
unions by districts was negatived. 

Subordinate Unions Advised to be Cautious — The fol- 
lowing resolutions, admonishing subordinate unions to 
exercise caution before taking any position from which 
they might be compelled to recede, were offered by Dele- 
gate Lynch, of Louisville : 

Resolved, That we recommend all unions calmly to consider 
the justice of their demands and the probability of their being 
acceded to before they take any position, to recede from which 
would at least humble their pride, if it were not attended with 
more serious consequences. 

Resolved, That it is unjust for unions to make changes and 
accompany them with demands for immediate compliance on 
the part of employers. 

After considering the resolutions as in committee of 
172 



Convention at Chicago, 1858 

the whole, the following substitute was adopted by the 
convention : 

Resolved, That we recommend to all subordinate unions 
fairly and calmly to consider the justice of their demands before 
they order a strike and let not too hasty legislation control their 
deliberations. 

Rats — That the subject of "rats" and "ratting" has 
ever been a lively one is evidenced throughout the union's 
history by numerous resolutions presented at many con- 
ventions. Unique in this respect was a resolution passed 
at the seventh annual session to the effect that, in view of 
the proneness of human nature to exercise irresponsible 
power in too rigorous a manner, the National Union ad- 
vised each union subordinate to its authority to exhaust 
all persuasive and mild measures previous to the ultimate 
resort of "ratting" any member of the craft. It was also 
urged upon subordinate unions to adopt a system of fines, 
proportioned to the acts of derelict members, which might 
lead to a reclamation of the offenders. It was set forth 
that it can not be to the interest of subordinate unions, nor 
to the trade at large, to act vengefully in cases where 
timely acts of mercy may have the doubly good effect of 
strengthening the organization and restoring an erring 
man to his proper position. 

Public Printing — Although the convention at New 
Orleans had apparently settled the proposition suggesting 
the establishment of a national printing bureau, the Chi- 
cago convention took the question in hand and passed a 
resolution instructing the executive committee to prepare 
and present to congress a memorial asking that body to 
pass a bill for the establishment of a national printing bu- 
reau, and the executive committee was further authorized 
to append to said memorial the names of all members in 
good standing in the several subordinate unions at the 
time of presentation. 

173 



History of The Typographical Union 

Protecting the Industry — Copyright Law — As an 
evidence that the printers have ever been alert in protect- 
ing that industry, and have always been the first craft to 
point out the dangers to the welfare of those engaged 
either as employers or as employes in the trade, the min- 
utes of the seventh annual convention show by the adop- 
tion of a resolution demanding the passage by congress 
of an international copyright law ; also it was pointed out 
at that time that, in order to secure to future generations 
an elevated and pure literature, some check should be 
devised to arrest the great influx of foreign works of an 
unworthy character. 

Versatility of the Printer — As further evidence that 
the early day printer could turn from the consideration 
of questions of broad national importance to the little 
things that affected the craft, it was stated on the floor of 
the convention that it had become customary for steam- 
boats on the Mississippi river to carry their own printing 
offices and it was thought desirable to make some provi- 
sion for them, as the laws of no local union could apply 
to them. It was finally determined that the subordinate 
unions of Louisville, St. Louis, Memphis and New Or- 
leans agree upon a uniform scale of prices for work done 
by printers on the steamboats running on the Ohio, Mis- 
souri and Mississippi rivers, and that the united action 
of these unions should be sanctioned by the National 
Union as full power and authority regulating all matters 
pertaining thereto. 

Traveling Cards — More stringent regulations to se- 
cure the establishment of a uniform system in the matter 
of granting withdrawal certificates, and the recognition 
of the same, were passed at this session. The custom that 
prevails at the present time was established firmly upon 
the amended law, adopted by the seventh annual conven- 
tion, which provided that no union should admit as a 

174 



Convention at Chicago, 1858 

member any person who came from a place where a union 
existed at the time of his leaving unless he could produce 
a duly attested certificate of membership from said union, 
and that any person admitted by such certificate should 
be exempt from the usual initiation fee. 

Slazvson's History — The convention, by formal resolu- 
tion, deemed it advisable to have printed an abbreviated 
history of the organization, and directed that Mr. Sam 
Slawson, of Chicago, a well-known member of the union, 
be solicited to prepare and furnish the publishing com- 
mittee with such a history. Mr. Slawson's brief mono- 
graph appears as an appendix to the proceedings of the 
seventh annual convention. 

National Executive Committee, 1858 — The president 
appointed the national executive committee, as follows : 
William Cuddy, St. Louis, chairman; W. B. Eckert, 
Philadelphia; W. A. Baker, Cincinnati; Lysander B. 
Young, New York; Peter Baxter, Buffalo; Raymond 
Lynch, Louisville; J. R. McKee, Memphis; James Stites, 
Baltimore; H. W. Harrington, Boston; A. M. Talley, 
Chicago; W. R. Skelton, New Orleans; W. Graham, De- 
troit; J. L. Kirby, Nashville; E. M. Newcomb, Dubuque; 
J. M. Farquhar, Petersburg; W. T. Cocke, Mobile; J. M. 
Culver, St. Paul ; J. S. Thompson, Providence ; C. Barney, 
Davenport; W. B. Whiffin, Peoria. 

Officers, 1858 — Robert C. Smith, of Philadelphia, was 
elected president for the ensuing year, together with Will- 
iam R. Skelton, New Orleans, first vice-president; M. 
Dempsey, Detroit, second vice-president; George W. 
Smith, New York, secretary-treasurer; E. K. Warren, 
Nashville, corresponding secretary. 

Boston was chosen as the city to entertain the eighth 
annual convention, in May, 1859. 

Toast: The National Typographical Union — During 
the progress of the convention the delegates were guests 

175 



History of The Typographical Union 

at a banquet tendered by Chicago Typographical Union, 
at which President Robert C. Smith responded to the 
toast, "The National Typographical Union — the citadel 
of our strength and the source of our great prosperity." 
By order of the convention, President Smith's response to 
the toast was ordered to be printed as an appendix to the 
proceedings. 

President Smith said, in part : 

Mr. President : Many who have no association with us are 
prepared to say that the National Typographical Union has too 
much power — it is somewhat tyrannical. Let me say to all such, 
if they will take the trouble to examine our proceedings, from 
our organization to the present time, they will find that we are 
the great conservative element between our subordinates and all 
employing them. It is our only wish that the art preservative 
shall proceed in the even tenor of its way, and that the rights 
of capital as well as labor shall be properly respected. It is 
our wish to so legislate that strikes shall never occur. It is our 
hope to so soften the asperities of weak human nature that the 
employer as well as the employe shall so harmonize in feeling 
that their interests shall always be identical. But enough of 
this, Mr. President. 

The better society becomes acquainted with us the more our 
efforts will be appreciated. 

When I look around me, Mr. President, and see the great 
strides which the art preservative has taken since Dr. Faust took 
his first impressions upon a few wooden blocks, and compare it 
with "Hoe's eight-cylinder," which gives us twenty thousand 
impressions in an hour, I open my eyes in amazement and say, 
"What next?" Why, sir, if you had said to our Puritan fathers, 
only a few years ago, that we in Chicago tonight could have 
talked to them in Connecticut, and received an answer, they 
would have burnt you at the stake for witchcraft. And when I 
answer the question, "What next?" I can only answer, sir, I am 
prepared for almost anything within man's comprehension. And 
now let me, in turn, ask you what has produced these wonderful, 
these astounding results? And you will have to answer me, 
it is the "art preservative of all arts." It is, in fact, the 
"press" — the mighty lever which has pressed forward the march 

176 



Convention at Chicago, 1858 

of mind and intelligence to such perfection that we are almost 
prepared to believe the world will, in turn, be bound with rail- 
roads and telegraph wires. But it is not worth while to spec- 
ulate. We have so much of reality to astonish us that we can 
only look on and wonder at the rapid strides which the march 
of improvement is constantly making; but all, Mr. President, 
through the intelligence derived from the almost magical effect 
of our newspaper press. It is the principal medium through 
which .all general results are matured, and their wonder brought 
to light. Well might the poet exclaim : 

Glorious Art! thy children hail thee! 

Tyrants only are thy foes; 
Freedom's Day Star! naught shall pale thee; 

Dark was Earth till Printing rose! 

What would have been the effect if there had been no union 
of the original settlers of this great republic can be more 
readily imagined than described. And I might refer to the 
many great deeds that have been accomplished only by union 
and harmony of action, but I will not trespass upon your time. 
You all know the old adage, "A house divided against itself 
can not stand," and allow us to adopt the maxim of the hero of 
New Orleans, "In union there is strength." 

And now, Mr. President, one word to the ladies about union. 
Let me urge upon them the propriety of advocating union by all 
honorable means. It is the bond which man gives to society for 
the faithful performance of his duty as a good citizen. By 
drawing us into the bonds of the union, you give a guarantee 
that you will make of us better citizens, and, nine cases out of 
ten, much better men. It is your smiles, ladies, that encourage 
us to push forward and endeavor to do such deeds as will meet 
your approval. Do not let the icy chill of apathy fall upon our 
efforts to make ourselves good union men, but look approvingly 
upon all that commends itself to your good judgment and our 
work will have been accomplished. It is to you that society is 
indebted for the refinement, as well as the accomplishments of 
the age. The influence that you exercise over rough, uncouth 
man, is almost as great in your sphere as the press is in diffusing 
knowledge. Would that the ladies properly appreciated their 
sphere of action and encouraged us in all the good works 
we undertake ; but, above all, ladies, let me ask you to look 
approvingly upon the efforts of our "National Typographical 

177 



History of The Typographical Union 

Union" and it will be the citadel of our strength and the source 
of prosperity indeed. 

Convention at Boston 

[1859] — When the eighth annual session of the Na- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order in Boston, 
on Monday, May 2, 1859, the president, Robert C. Smith, 
of Philadelphia, addressed the delegates at length, con- 
gratulating the organization on the fact that during the 
year the officers of the union had succeeded in straight- 
ening out the tangled affairs of the secretary-treasurer's 
office. It was reported that the charters formerly ordered 
to be granted to Providence, Baltimore, Petersburg, Co- 
lumbia (S. C. ), St. Paul, Montgomery, Mobile, Peoria, 
Davenport and Evansville had been issued. In addition, 
a charter was granted to Lecompton, Kan., and also, the 
charter of Indianapolis No. 1 was issued during the year. 
It appeared that the charter to which Indianapolis was 
originally entitled had never been received. Jackson, 
Miss., Savannah, Ga., and Grand Rapids, Mich., also 
applied for and received charters. 

Critical Period — That the National Union was still 
passing through a critical stage in its history, however, is 
apparent from the fact that no returns were received at 
this convention from Albany, Columbus, Harrisburg, 
Rochester, Elmira, San Francisco, Dubuque, Milwaukee, 
Madison, Petersburg, Galveston, St. Paul, and Lecompton. 

First President to be Re-elected — For the first time in 
the history of the organization, the president was re- 
elected for a second term, this action being taken over 
the vigorous protest of the incumbent, Robert C. Smith, 
of Philadelphia. 

Pittsburgh Re chartered — Pittsburgh Typographical 
Union No. 7, having forfeited its charter, again made ap- 
plication for membership and, upon the recommendation 

178 



Convention at Boston, 1859 

of President Smith, it was voted that the old charter be 
reissued to No. 7. 

Baton Rouge Charter Surrendered — It is shown by 
the record that Baton Rouge Typographical Union sur- 
rendered its charter on October 10, 1858. It was reported 
that through the alleged treachery of a considerable num- 
ber of the union's members the organization had been re- 
duced to but a fraction more than sufficient to constitute 
a quorum for the transaction of business, and owing to the 
conditions then obtaining in Baton Rouge a majority of 
those remaining in good standing were compelled to leave 
the city in search of employment. The union accordingly 
passed a resolution dissolving the organization and or- 
dered that the funds in the treasury be forwarded to the 
secretary-treasurer of the National Union. The members 
accused of treachery afterward entered vigorous denial of 
the accusation. 

Official Organ — Again the question of establishing an 
official organ for the National Union was brought before 
the convention and referred to a special committee. It 
was reported that there was a paper in New York city, 
"The Printer," devoted exclusively to the interests of the 
craft. It was finally determined to make arrangements 
with this publication to print such articles or items of 
news as might be considered of general interest to the 
membership. 

Pioneer Organization to Consider Tuberculosis — That 
the typographical union has been a pioneer in the trade 
union movement and has also taken an advanced position 
on many subjects that are now occupying the attention of 
the public is again evidenced by the fact that the conven- 
tion of 1859 gave serious consideration to the exposure of 
its members to diseases of the respiratory organs. A com- 
munication was received from G. H. Snelling, dated 
Boston, May 5, 1859, which is reproduced herewith. 

179 



History of The Typographical Union 

Allow me to call your attention to the paragraph which I 
have marked in the accompanying memorial, in which allusion 
is made to the exposure of letter-press printers to diseases of the 
respiratory organs, from the limited space of the apartments 
in which their work is carried on. 

It would hardly be necessary to refer to any particular class 
of citizens for an illustration of the need of such a relief ; but 
there is one class, perhaps the most numerous, in proportion to 
population, in Boston, of any city on the globe, a class, on 
which, more than any other, the great interests and necessities 
of a civilized society constantly depends; a class, too, that has 
furnished to society so many of its most honored guides and 
benefactors; that class is the letter-press printers. The nature 
of their avocation requires, as an indispensable condition, that 
they should work in numbers, and in apartments of limited 
area. This necessary exposure to the evil effects of confined air, 
makes such a place of healthful resort for relief and recreation 
as the Common now offers an incalculable advantage to them. 
To show to what degree this class is exposed, from the nature 
of their calling, to diseases of the respiratory organs, it may be 
stated that, in his testimony before a late sanitary commission 
in England, Dr. Guy, an eminent physician, asserted that out 
of 104 letter-press printers who worked in apartments in which 
there- was less than an average of 500 cubic feet of air to each 
man, twelve and a half per cent were affected with spitting 
of blood. 

I do not, of course, mean to ask your consideration to the 
local question, upon which this allusion is brought to bear, 
otherwise than by the general remark that the exposure alluded 
to makes such places of healthful resort as the Boston Common 
now is, and as New York and Philadelphia are about to secure 
for themselves, of imperative necessity to the class whom you 
represent. But it seems to me, that no subject of greater prac- 
tical importance could come before the deliberation of your 
body than the expediency of providing more space and ventila- 
tion than is now generally allowed in printing establishments, 
both on the ground of health and comfort of operatives, and the 
efficiency of their productive agency. 

In the course of the few hours which I spent in the office in 
which this memorial was printed, while waiting for and examin- 
ing proofs, I was made to realize by personal experience, and 

180 



Convention at Boston, 1859 

the testimony of several of the gentlemen at work in the estab- 
lishment with whom I conversed, the deleterious effect of this 
confined air on the system; and I have, therefore, felt com- 
pelled to make this direct appeal to your body, in addrtion to 
that which is made through the public, in this memorial. 

I have alluded in the memorial to the result of Dr. Guys 
inquiry among 104 printers, who had but 500 cubic feet of air 
to breathe to each man, which was, that twelve and a half per 
cent were affected with the most decisive consumptive symptoms. 
I could have added that this same investigator found another 
group of 101 men who had more than 600 feet of air to breathe, 
and their liability to consumption was reduced to a little less 
than four per cent. 

Contracts Favored — That the present day policy of 
the typographical union regarding contracts between the 
employers and the employed is based upon sound business 
principles and established upon precedent is disclosed by 
the discussion of a resolution brought before the Boston 
convention, in 1859, to the effect that the National Typo- 
graphical Union fully appreciated the conduct of those 
proprietors and managers of printing establishments 
throughout the United States who had assisted in estab- 
lishing and maintaining fair rates of compensation to 
journeymen printers. A delegate to the convention took 
occasion to read from an editorial in the Atlas and Daily 
Bee, referring particularly to contracts. He said that in 
Philadelphia there never had been a scale of prices 
adopted without first having invited a conference with 
the employers. Another delegate took occasion to voice 
approval of the contract system and belief in living up to 
the terms of such instruments. 

Public Printing — Political Conditions — A commit- 
tee appointed to consider the unfinished business left over 
from the previous convention explained that the only 
proposition laid before it was the executive committee's 
report in regard to the establishing of a national printing 
bureau at Washington, which they had examined, to- 

181 



History of The Typographical Union 

gether with a large number of letters which passed be- 
tween the different members. That the convention had 
again determined to let the subject of the government 
printing office alone was evidenced by a debate following 
the report of the committee. 

That political conditions during that period of our na- 
tional history were not altogether unlike some conditions 
complained of at the present time may be seen by a re- 
view of the discussion of the committee's report. A dele- 
gate from New York remarked that as the first memorial 
sent to congress by the convention which met at Balti- 
more in 1 85 1 had never been heard from, he could not 
see the object of continuing the discussion of the subject 
and thought the matter had better be tabled at once, con- 
tending that nothing practical could be effected without 
proper men and sufficient means to back up a memorial. 
Another delegate said he thought it useless for any one 
to tap at the doors of congress for anything unless ready 
to do the bidding of the ruling party in whatever it might 
require. The project, he said, was originated at a time 
when men were partially honest, but that day had passed, 
and politicians then were intriguing all the time, not to 
build up any branch of industry, but to put money into 
their own pockets. The delegate moved that all papers 
relating to the matter be laid upon the table, and the 
motion prevailed. 

Providence Union's Charter Stolen — A communication 
was received from Providence Typographical Union, 
through its delegate to the convention, to the effect that 
the union's charter had been stolen from their meeting 
hall, by some person or persons unknown, and requesting 
that the National Union issue another charter to Provi- 
dence bearing the same number as the former one. The 
delegate from Providence said that the union had offered 
a reward for the conviction of the thief but had not suc- 

182 



Convention at Boston, 1859 

ceeded in detecting him. He also said that the union in 
Providence was stronger than ever before and that the 
thief, if he expected to break up the union by stealing the 
charter, had probably learned by that time that he had 
fallen wide of the mark. It was ordered that Providence 
Union be furnished with a new charter, bearing the old 
number, upon payment of the usual charter fee. 

Head of Franklin on Traveling Card — Delegate 
Charles W. Colburn, New York, offered a resolution to 
the effect that the recording secretary and treasurer be 
instructed to procure a new traveling card instead of the 
one then in use and that the head of Franklin be omitted 
from the card. The committee on new business, to which 
the resolution was referred, submitted a report, saying 
that it could see no reason why the traveling card should 
be changed, and recommended that the resolution be re- 
jected. An inquiry having been raised as to why the head 
of Franklin should be omitted, the author of the resolu- 
tion said that while he venerated Franklin as a philoso- 
pher, statesman and patriot, it seemed to him that as a 
printer he did not favor and act in accordance with the 
principles which the typographical union was organized 
to support. This statement caused an animated discussion 
and the ayes and noes were finally called for on the adop- 
tion of the report and the rejection of the resolution. The 
resolution was lost by a vote of 24 ayes, 2 noes. 

Proprietor Members — Delegate Lord, of Providence, 
offered the following resolution : 

Whereas in view of the fact that a more intimate associa- 
tion of proprietors and journeymen will tend to a better appre- 
ciation of each other's merits, ideas and opinions, and will also 
promote harmony between them ; therefore 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of the National Typograph- 
ical Union that the admission of proprietors into unions is 
strictly in accordance with the purposes for which they are 
formed. 

183 



History of The Typographical Union 

Delegate Colburn, of New York, offered an amend- 
ment inserting the words "who are practical printers" 
after the word "proprietors." An animated discussion 
ensued, participated in by many of the delegates. At the 
conclusion of the debate, the following substitute was 
adopted by a vote of 15 ayes, 10 noes : 

The National Union recommends to subordinate unions the 
admission of such proprietors as may be practical printers and 
may be desirous of becoming members. 

Secretary-Treasurer Resigns — It was reported to the 
convention by President Smith that shortly after the ad- 
journment of the Chicago convention Secretary-Treasurer 
George W. Smith, New York, had resigned the office, be- 
cause of leaving the country, and that Thomas J. Walsh, 
of New York, had been appointed by the president to fill 
the vacancy. Secretary Walsh, in a brief report to the 
convention, said that he had assumed the office of secre- 
tary-treasurer under circumstances which rendered an im- 
mediate attention to duties of vital importance to the 
interests of the union, that he had at once applied him- 
self to the removal of the causes of complaint of various 
subordinate unions, and that, in conjunction with the 
president, he had issued charters to those unions that had 
filed complaints of neglect at the previous convention and 
also had furnished all subordinate unions with printed 
proceedings of the Chicago session. 

National Executive Committee, 18 '59 — The president 
appointed the national executive committee, as follows : 

J. W. Brewer, Indianapolis; W. B. Eckert, Philadelphia; George W. Col- 
by, Cincinnati; Henry M. Failing, New York; Alexander P. Callow, Pitts- 
burgh; John L. Bittinger, St. Louis; A. W. Hilton, Buffalo; Raymond Lynch, 
Louisville; Lyman B. Gill, Memphis; James Kelly, Baltimore; Charles H. 
Woodwell, Boston; Cyrus B. Langley, Chicago; George M. Brisbin, New 
Orleans; Robert Grieve, Detroit; R. H. Barry, Nashville; E. M. Newcomb, 
Dubuque; W. T. Cocke, Mobile; W. B. Whiffin, Peoria; J. M. Culver, St. 
Paul; Milo Barrett, Montgomery; C. Bonney, Davenport; Jabez Lord, Provi- 
dence; J. C. Morgan, Columbia, S. C. ; L. B. Smith, EvansviUe; J. L. Power, 
Jackson, Miss.; W. G. Flinn, Savannah; L. J. Bates, Grand Rapids. 

184 




ROBERT C. SMITH, Philadelphia 

President National Typographical Union 

May 3, 1858 - May 7, i860 



Convention at Nashville, i860 

Officers, 1859 — Robert C. Smith, of Philadelphia, was 
re-elected president, together with Milo Barrett, Mont- 
gomery, Ala., first vice-president; George W. Colby, 
Cincinnati, second vice-president; Thomas J. Walsh, 
New York, secretary-treasurer; George M. Brisbin, New 
Orleans, corresponding secretary. 

After being in session five days the convention ad- 
journed to meet in Nashville, Tenn., in May, i860. 

Convention at Nashville 

[1860-1861] — When the ninth annual convention as- 
sembled in the State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., 
on Monday, May 7, i860, the delegates present were 
privileged to listen to an address by President Robert C. 
Smith, of Philadelphia, together with a written report by 
the same officer, covering in detail the transactions of his 
office during the preceding twelve months. Mr. Smith's 
report was the first attempt by a president of the National 
Union to cover in a thorough and practical manner the 
business of the organization transacted during his term 
of office. It may be well to call attention to the fact that 
the country at that time was convulsed over the questions 
that finally culminated in the civil war. That those ques- 
tions in no way affected the integrity of the National 
Union is evidenced by the fact that delegates were in 
attendance from all sections of the country, and that at 
no point throughout the sessions of the convention is it 
recorded that any proposition having to do with political 
conditions was presented for consideration. 

President's Address — In his address to the convention, 
President Smith said, in part : 

While our great and glorious country is being convulsed by 
the reckless and heedless — like a ship upon the ocean, tossed to 
and fro by the rough waves of dissension, and the furious bil- 
lows of distraction — our noble craft, by the influence of the 

185 



History of The Typographical Union 

divine and all-powerful Goodness, again majestically glides 
into port upon the calm and placid waters of harmony and good 
will. You are again brought together — from the north, from 
the south, from the east, and from the west — not to agitate or 
distract, but to compare and examine the wants of the different 
sections, and to propose and carry out only such' measures as 
will the more fully cement our union — the National Typo- 
graphical Union — into one solid compact. Let prudence be 
your guide, and your actions be stamped with wisdom. 

The past year has been one of continual agitation and dis- 
trust, thereby disturbing the channels of trade and the elements 
of prosperity; and, of course, the "Art Preservative," like all 
others, has felt their depressing effects ; but it affords me great 
pleasure in being able to say that at the present time, the busi- 
ness is in a healthy condition. 

You are well aware that there has been a great revulsion in 
the different departments of labor within the past two years, 
and it has tended to the elevation and bettering the condition of 
the working classes. One year ago I told you the eyes of every 
mechanic in the land were turned toward Boston, and their 
hopes were centered in your success. You have been the pioneers 
in this great moral and social reform which is being wrought 
in our land; and you are the instruments, in the hands of a 
wise and beneficent Creator, to bring about this great blessing. 
The intelligence which has been entrusted to you is intended 
for a good purpose. Do not bury the talents which have been 
given you, but let your light so shine that those who need it 
may profit thereby. You are now fulfilling a great mission ; 
therefore, all your acts should be marked with that caution and 
foresight which always guide aright. 

After reviewing the proceedings of the first convention 
of printers, held in 1850, and of the succeeding conven- 
tions till the ninth annual session of the National Union, 
President Smith concluded : 

When I look over the past, and see the trials and difficulties 
which our organization has had to pass through, I stand struck 
with awe at the great and mighty power which has said, "In 
the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread" — thereby stamping 
labor with dignity and honor — and confess myself astonished 
at the rapid strides of progress which have marked its career un- 

186 



Convention at Nashville, i860 

til it stands today upon as firm a basis as this magnificent struc- 
ture, which it has pleased our Nashville friends to honor us 
by allowing our session to be held in its splendid halls; and 
its bonds of unity are cemented as strongly as the blocks of 
granite which compose its stately grandeur. Having been 
founded upon a solid groundwork, and anchored to the firm 
foundation of justice, it has not been affected by the rough 
waves of time and circumstances, but its course has been stead- 
ily forward, until it has reached a magnitude of which we 
may all well be proud. It has been the aim of the National 
Typographical Union, whilst laboring to elevate ourselves 
in the scale of society, to convince the capitalist that we have 
also been endeavoring to promote his interest, thereby as- 
similating, as far as in our power, the employer and the em- 
ployed, and making their interests blend in perfect harmony. 
How we have succeeded in our efforts has been made manifest 
by the large number of employers throughout the country asso- 
ciating themselves with us. 

Union's Lack of Authority — Charters — During this 
period in the history of the National Typographical 
Union it is apparent that the chief troubles of the 
organization were accountable to the lack of authority 
granted the parent body to enable it properly to transact 
the business for which it was created. The absence of a 
headquarters office, the fact that the officers of the organi- 
zation resided at distant places and the laxity of local 
officers in giving attention to their official duties seem to 
have been the cause of much misunderstanding and fric- 
tion. In spite of this condition of affairs, during the year 
1859 charters were issued to St. Joseph, Mo.; Augusta, 
Ga. ; Minneapolis, Minn. ; Charleston, S. C. ; Los Angeles, 
Cal. ; Leavenworth, Kan. ; Sacramento, Cal. ; New Haven, 
Conn., and Atlanta, Ga. 

Baton Rouge Charter Reissued — Through the activ- 
ity of President Smith and his associates in office, charters 
were reissued to Milwaukee, Wis., Columbus, Ohio, and 
Albany, N. Y., and the unsatisfactory condition at Baton 

187 



History of The Typographical Union 

Rouge received a thorough investigation, it developing 
that the National Union at its previous session had 
taken action in the matter without full knowledge of all 
the facts in the case, and upon the recommendation of 
the committee on subordinate unions it was ordered that 
the officers of the National Union be directed to recharter 
Baton Rouge Union and to restore all books, papers, doc- 
uments, money or any other property in their hands 
belonging to that union. 

Columbia Typographical Society Refuses Charter — 
An effort was made by President Smith to induce Colum- 
bia Typographical Society, at Washington, D. C, to apply 
for a charter from the National Union. In this he was un- 
successful, and, in reply to the communication forwarded 
to Columbia Society, under date of April 14, i860, the 
following communication was received from the president : 

Yours of the 10th instant was received, and I would state 
that at the last meeting of the Columbia Typographical So- 
ciety the whole matter in relation to uniting with the National 
Typographical Union was indefinitely postponed. 

I will avail myself of the present opportunity to state briefly 
one or two of the objections that exist against our uniting with 
the National Typographical Union and, in doing so, I may 
safely add that I believe I but reflect the sentiments of a very 
large majority of the resident members of the Columbia Typo- 
graphical Society. We pride ourselves upon the antiquity of our 
organization, dating back, as we do, nearly half a century ; and 
at the present time claim to be one of the oldest, if not the old- 
est, typographical society in existence in this country. Were we 
to unite with the national body, we would, necessarily, have to 
abandon our present title and organic laws, and remodel our 
whole structure to conform to the constitution of the National 
Union, and take our position' in that body as Union No. — . 
To this yielding up of our present independence, the founders 
and many of the older members of the society seriously object, 
as they are averse, in toto, to obliterate the ancient landmarks of 
its early existence and institution. 

Besides, we have a large free-member list who have ful- 

188 



Convention at Nashville, i860 

filled their contract with the society as contributors for eleven 
years, and thus, by our uniting with the National Union, wc 
would violate our part of the compact which we are bound 
constitutionally and in honor to fulfill, as they would of neces- 
sity again have to become contributing members — an act of 
injustice which could not and would not be tolerated. 

It has been urged that a specific act might be passed in our 
favor, so that we might still preserve our present name and or- 
ganization. This we do not ask; and, even were it acceded to, 
it would be an act of injustice toward other unions, for would 
they not of right be entitled to the same privileges? and would 
they not demand them? And what would be the consequence? 
I need not answer. 

We shall continue to respect the National Union, only re- 
gretting that we can not, in justice to the older members of our 
society, become one of the great family, but sincerely hope that 
a reciprocity of good feeling will ever prevail for the common 
good of our fraternity. 

Authority to Organise Dual Union in Washington — ■ 
In view of the action of Columbia Typographical Society 
in refusing to apply for a charter under the National 
Union, it was ordered by the convention that the president 
be fully empowered to grant a charter for the organiza- 
tion of a subordinate union in that city independent of the 
old society. The committee on new business, which had 
the matter under consideration, submitted the following 
statement, which was affirmed by the convention : 

In the letter received from the president of the Columbia 
Society your committee fail to discover any argument justify- 
ing that society in remaining outside of our national organiza- 
tion. The points urged are, briefly, that Columbia Society is 
the oldest in the country, having certain organic laws which 
would be obliterated by a connection with this national society ; 
that they pride themselves upon their age; and object to being 
set down as Union No. — ; that they have certain members who 
are exempt from dues, and who would or might be compelled 
again to become contributing members. Your committee can 
not see that Columbia Union, by becoming subordinate to our 
national organization, necessarily loses her position as the oldest 

189 



History of The Typographical Union 

society of the character in this country, or that they need neces- 
sarily abrogate their organic laws. Certainly, if their interests 
are identical with those of the craft generally, and the object 
sought to be obtained by their organization is the moral and 
social elevation of the craft within their jurisdiction, their or- 
ganic laws and ancient landmarks can not be so dissimilar but 
that the necessary modifications can be made without impairing 
their strength or lessening their validity. And as the National 
Typographical Union does not fix the amount nor the mode of 
raising revenue in subordinate unions, the Columbia Society, if 
granted a charter by the National Typographical Union, would 
have full jurisdiction over, and could fully protect such mem- 
bers as have, from the action of their union, become life mem- 
bers of that society. Therefore, while your committee think it 
advisable that all proper action should be taken to conciliate 
independent organizations and that it would be proper to notify 
all independent societies of any application for a charter of a 
subordinate union to be located in the same place, and to wait 
a reasonable time for said independent society to place them- 
selves under the jurisdiction of this National Typographical 
Union, we can see no reason why a charter should not be 
granted upon proper application. 

Jurisdiction Over Canadian Unions Proposed — In his 
annual report President Smith called to the attention of 
the delegates the difficulties that frequently occurred in 
regard to the admission of members by card from Ca- 
nadian unions, and spoke of the bad feeling engendered in 
some instances through lack of perfect understanding and 
concerted action. Illustrating the conditions that existed 
at that time, the president reproduced a letter from New 
Orleans Typographical Union making inquiry as to the 
correct procedure to be followed by subordinate unions. 
The letter was as follows : 

New Orleans, December z i8SQ. 
Mr. R. C. Smith. 

Dear Sir : At a meeting of the New Orleans Typograph- 
ical Union, yesterday, a card, issued by an association in Hamil- 
ton, and likewise one from Toronto, were tendered to this union 



190 



Convention at Nashville, i860 

by the bearers, to admit them to membership. It was stated that 
the cards could not be accepted otherwise than as evidence of 
good standing, etc., and that the holders would have to go 
through the usual form of application, payment of initiation 
fee, etc. In opposition it was stated that cards issued in Canada 
were accepted in New York and other northern cities, and that 
by resolution of the Toronto Typographical Society all cards 
issued by the unions in the United States were accepted, and en- 
titled the holders to become members on deposit. The cards 
were then referred to a committee. Being one of said commit- 
tee, I am requested to write you for information on the subject 
of the interchange of cards ; if you are cognizant of the fact of 
interchanges being made, and if they are consistent with the 
constitution? or can unions under the jurisdiction of the 
National Union make their own laws in regard to the matter 
of interchange, or if the National Union ever did anything in 
the premises ? 

Our next meeting takes place in January, when the com- 
mittee will have to report. Please answer accordingly. 

I am, sir, with due respect, yours, 

W. H. Lewis. 

Bulletin Job Office. 

President Smith replied as follows : 

Philadelphia, December 14, 1859. 
W. H. Lewis, Esq. 

Dear Sir : Yours of the 5th has just been received, and in 
answer to the numerous queries propounded in regard to the 
accepting of cards issued by the Canada societies in northern 
cities, I will say that I have no knowledge whatever of their 
being received in any other manner than as a recommendation, 
or, in other words, conclusive proof of the fitness of those 
presenting them to become members of the union upon the 
payment of the regular initiation fee. 

When the constitution of the National Union was first 
adopted it was so framed as to include only those unions within 
the limits of the United States ; and at the third annual session 
of the National Typographical Union the following resolution 
was adopted : 

"Resolved, That the National Typographical Union suggest 
to the different subordinate unions the propriety of adopting 

191 



History of The Typographical Union 

some plan by which an interchange of cards may be had with 
unions located in Canada." 

Under that provision and the proviso to rule 3 of the dis- 
cipline, adopted at a subsequent session, the subordinate unions 
could have made what arrangements they pleased in relation 
to cards issued by the Canada unions; but, to the best of my 
knowledge, the National Union never received any notice that 
either the subordinate unions or the Canada societies availed 
themselves of the advantages of those provisions ; and at the 
fifth annual session of the National Union the constitution was 
so amended as to include the Canada societies within the juris- 
diction of the National Typographical Union, if they desired 
so to associate themselves. But they did not apply for a charter 
from the National Union and at the subsequent session it was 
stricken out. My opinion is that you would violate the first 
great fundamental law of the National Typographical Union 
were you to receive the cards in any other manner than as a 
recommendation of honorable standing of the parties present- 
ing them, charging your regular initiation fee, etc. If the 
Toronto, or any other society in Canada, receive the National 
Union cards, no notice of such action has ever been presented 
to the officers of the National Union. 

Hoping that my answers may prove satisfactory, and that 
all will be arranged on strict union principles, I remain, 

Yours, truly and fraternally, . 

R. C. Smith, 
President National Typographical Union. 

Aside from the passage of a brief resolution at a previ- 
ous convention, no definite action had been taken by the 
National Union toward amalgamation with Canadian 
unions. In response to a recommendation of the president 
that some definite understanding be had in the matter, the 
convention adopted the following resolution, offered by 
Jacob H. Gallinger, a delegate from Cincinnati : 

Resolved, That the secretary and treasurer of the National 
Typographical Union be instructed to open a correspondence 
with the unions in the provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and 
New Brunswick, with a view of bringing them under the juris- 
diction of this National Union, and extending to them a part or 

192 



Convention at Nashville, i860 

all of the privileges now extended to subordinate unions in the 
United States; the result of said correspondence to be laid 
before the next meeting of this body. 

In making its report to the convention on the Gallinger 
resolution, the committee on new business, to which the 
resolution had been referred, said : 

Several considerations influence this conclusion. It will, if 
we succeed in bringing these unions under our jurisdiction, 
strengthen both our numbers and our finances ; it will do away 
with the difficulties that now exist in regard to the exchange of 
cards between unions in those countries and the United States, 
and it will be the means of strengthening the bonds of fellow- 
ship and good feeling that should exist between ourselves and 
our sister countries. 

San Francisco Charter Preserved — That President 
Smith was largely instrumental in influencing San Fran- 
cisco Union to retain its charter will be seen from the 
following excerpt from his report : 

Since I have been in my present position, I have written sev- 
eral communications to San Francisco; and, on the 15th of 
September last, wrote them that if it were not that their cards 
come this way once in a while we would not know a union ex- 
isted in California. I told them it would be a great gratification 
to the meeting at Nashville to have a representative present; 
but, if that pleasure should be denied, they could at least send 
a report with their percentage due the National Union; if they 
would do that, and elect, in their union, some person at Nash- 
ville to represent them, they would be hailed as the returned 
prodigal, and help to cement the links which are fast girdling 
this continent into one indissoluble chain of unions, working 
immense benefit to the printers throughout the entire country. 
I told them that their cards were still received and that they 
ought to make a strong effort to be represented by proxv, if 
they were not prepared to send a delegate. 

Acting on the advice contained in the communication 
received by San Francisco from the president, that union 
made immediate arrangements to place itself in good 
standing and was represented at the Nashville convention 

193 



History of The Typographical Union 

by two delegates. Other delinquent unions were strongly 
urged again to place themselves under the banner of the 
National Union, and no small credit is due President 
Smith for the fact that many of our subordinate unions 
today still retain their original charters through the vig- 
orous policy pursued by that official. 

Charters Revoked — Upon recommendation of the 
committee on subordinate unions, the charters of Harris- 
burg, Rochester, Elmira, Madison and Lecompton were 
revoked, the latter union not having paid its charter fee 
and the others having failed for two successive annual 
conventions to send representatives or reports to the 
National Union. Davenport Union also surrendered its 
charter, owing to numerous local difficulties, the most 
important of which were financial embarrassment, the 
suspension of some plants, the curtailment of others 
and a considerable reduction in the number of printers 
employed. 

Per Capita Tax — On recommendation of its finance 
committee, the revenue laws of the National Union were 
amended to require a per capita tax of 25 cents a year on 
each member in good standing, payable on the 1st day of 
April. 

Brooklyn's Charter — A vexed question arose in the 
convention over an application for a charter from Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., which was finally determined by adopting a 
recommendation of the committee on subordinate unions 
that a charter be granted to Brooklyn whenever proper 
application was made, with the understanding that mem- 
bers working in New York should be considered as in 
the jurisdiction of New York, notwithstanding a residence 
in Brooklyn, and vice versa. 

At the close of the sixth day's session the union ad- 
journed to meet in the city of New York in May, 1861. 

National Executive Committee, 1860-1861 — The 

194 



Convention at New York, 1862 

president appointed the national executive committee, as 
follows : 

William Madigan, Boston; W. H. Meridith, Indianapolis; N. S. Hales, 
Philadelphia; John Collins, Cincinnati; H. M. Failing, New York; T. W. 
Wright, Pittsburgh; Sam Slawson, St. Louis; Peter Baxter, Buffalo; James 
R. Watts, Louisville; S. P. Bassett, Memphis; William Floyd, Baltimore; J. 
K. Conklin, Chicago; E. A. Patterson, New Orleans; William Graham, De- 
troit; W. T. T. Ott, Nashville; James Risk, Eureka (San Francisco); E. M. 
Newcomb, Dubuque; J. W. Barry, Petersburg; S. A. Yager, Mobile; W. B. 
Whiffin, Peoria; J. M. Dugan, St. Paul; A. G. Smallfield, Montgomery; Jabez 
Lord, Providence; I. C. Morgan, Columbia, S. C. ; J. L. Power, Jackson, Miss.; 
W. G. Flinn, Savannah; L. J. Bates, Grand Rapids; James Tracy, St. Joseph; 
John T. King, Augusta; D. L. Payne, Minneapolis; R. E. Patterson, Charles 
ton; C. R. Conway, Los Angeles; J. J. Clarkson, Leavenworth; David Norris, 
Sacramento; E. L. Winham, New Haven; John Henry, Atlanta. 

Officers, 1860-1861 — John M. Farquhar, of Chicago, 
was elected president, together with William Madigan, 
Boston, first vice-president; S. P. Bassett, Memphis, 
second vice-president; Thomas J. Walsh, New York, 
secretary-treasurer; I. C. Morgan, Columbia, S. C, 
corresponding secretary. 

Convention at New York 

[1862] — Although the convention at Nashville, in 
i860, selected the city of New York as the meeting place 
for the tenth annual convention, to be held in May, 1861, 
the outbreak of the civil war in that year prevented the 
annual gathering, and it was not until a year later, Mon- 
day, May 5, 1862, that the delegates to the tenth annual 
convention assembled in regular session. Thirty-three 
delegates were present from seventeen subordinate unions, 
all lying north of the Ohio river and west of the Mis- 
sissippi. 

Postponing Tenth Session — Civil War Period — In 
order that this history may record the exact reason for 
postponing the tenth session, the following excerpt from 
the report of President Farquhar is quoted : 

I can not well, in words, communicate to you the pleasure I 
feel at again meeting the representatives of our subordinate 

195 



History of The Typographical Union 

unions in national council : and the more is that pleasure 
heightened when, in viewing by retrospect the present troubled 
condition of our once happy and peaceful republic, the crippled 
finances and lessening in numercial strength your various local 
organizations have suffered during the war, and the discourag- 
ing and disorganizing- influences which have, by one or more 
local unions, been used in attempting to prevent this assembling 
of the National body, I am today permitted again to welcome 
in convention well-filled delegations from widespread districts. 

When I entered upon the honorable duties of president at 
the Nashville session, I found our national organization pros- 
perous, well regulated, and in all features of its strength well 
sustaining the high position it had gained years before as the 
leading body in the ranks of skilled mechanic labor. During the 
succeeding year, your national officers used all laudable ambi- 
tion in increasing the union's usefulness, perfecting minor 
details in its management, and drawing within the circle of its 
authority new and reliable local societies. The good success 
attending our efforts in this respect will be readily seen in the 
report your able secretary will furnish, and I am pleased to 
announce the fact that all these new acquisitions to our strength 
still remain firm in their support of national craft interests. 

Toward the expected close of my term of service, and fol- 
lowing the publication of the customary circular calling 
together the National Union, I was astonished and pained to 
learn that three of the national officers, and a committee of the 
New York Typographical Union, entertaining, to my mind, 
causeless fears that the then coming May session, if held during 
the existence of hostilities between the two great sections of our 
country, would distract the craft, destroy the union's nation- 
ality, or be too thinly attended to be "respectable," came to the 
conclusion that a postponement was imperatively necessary and 
the national secretary telegraphed to me, asking my acquiescence 
with such a proposition. I immediately answered that I would 
not accede to their request under any circumstances ; that to do 
so would be unconstitutional on my part, and that I would re- 
spect my oath of office, come what may. Notwithstanding this 
positive refusal, within two days following my answer, the 
wires of the Associated Press carried to all parts of the country 
an official announcement from Secretary Walsh stating that the 

196 



Convention at New York, 1862 

session had been postponed by the "National Board of Officers." 
On the day following I used the same means of publicity to re- 
affirm the annual call, coupled with the earnestly expressed 
hope that all delegates desiring the upholding of our national 
constitution should meet in New York on the day named in the 
call. But, notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts on my 
part to secure a quorum, through both postal and telegraphic 
appliances, I was reluctantly forced to agree to a postpone- 
ment, and published the fact in time to save the great majority 
of unions from unnecessary expense and doubt. 

It will be seen that a serious difference of opinion ex- 
isted between the president and the other officers of the 
National Union as to the constitutionality of the action 
taken. 

Postponement of Convention of 1861 Justified — Dur- 
ing the consideration of the report of the special commit- 
tee on the president's annual report, Secretary-Treasurer 
Walsh justified the action of Vice-Presidents Madigan 
and Bassett, and himself, by quoting the law, which said : 
"During the recess of this National Union, he (the presi- 
dent) shall, in conjunction with the vice-presidents, have 
a general superintendence over the interests of the craft." 

Secretary Walsh maintained that owing to the intense 
excitement prevailing at that time in New York city, and 
throughout the country, from the unfortunate issues pend- 
ing and the threatening friction apparent, rendered it 
prudent, if not essential to the welfare of the National 
Typographical Union, that its convention should be post- 
poned. He held that it seemed strange that any member 
of the national body failed to see the impropriety of call- 
ing together delegates from all parts of the country at 
such a time, when it was known that many unions which 
desired to be represented could not be. He stated that his 
position as secretary-treasurer gave him opportunities to 
know the sentiment of the members of subordinate unions 

197 



- History of The Typographical Union 

and he claimed that the postponement was sanctioned by 
four-fifths of the printers of the United States. He also 
maintained that the best proof of this could be found in 
the evidence of the president himself, who was compelled 
to admit that, although he made every effort to have the 
convention take place, he did not receive sufficient en- 
couragement from subordinate unions to warrant him in 
adhering to his purpose. 

Postponement Criticized — That delegates to the con- 
vention were far from satisfied with the action of their 
officers in postponing the convention of 1861 is manifested 
by their adoption of the following resolutions : 

Resolved, That the postponement of the National session of 
1 86 1 was an unconstitutional act, and although this body does 
not entertain a doubt of the good intention of the officers who 
caused the postponement, still we can not pass it by without 
this expression of our disapprobation, to the end that similar 
occurrences in the future may be avoided. 

Resolved, That the president be and is hereby instructed to 
prepare for circulation among the subordinate unions in the 
southern states (as soon as facilities for communication with 
them are afforded) a circular letter, setting forth that the 
National body still regards them as being members thereof, and 
assuring them of our continued good will and fellowship, and 
urging upon them to maintain their former relations with the 
National Typographical Union. 

Per Capita Tax for 186 1 Remitted — In order to 
straighten out discrepancies in the financial affairs of the 
National Union, caused by the postponement of its tenth 
annual convention, it was ordered that the per capita tax 
for the year 1861 be remitted. 

No General Legislation — Very few propositions were 
presented for the consideration of delegates at this con- 
vention and no legislation of a general character was 
passed worthy of record. 

198 



Convention at New York, 1862 

Charters Issued, Reissued and Surrendered — In spite 
of the unsettled conditions prevailing, charters were is- 
sued during the period of 1 860-61 to Denver, Colo. ; Bur- 
lington, Iowa; Omaha, Neb.; Troy, N. Y. ; Cleveland, 
Ohio; Raleigh, N. C. ; Syracuse, N. Y., and Stockton, Cal. 
Charters were reissued to Harrisburg, Pa., and Roches- 
ter, N. Y. Charters were also given to Galveston, Tex., 
and Madison, Wis., to which they were previously enti- 
tled. The charter issued to Troy, N. Y., on July 26, i860, 
was surrendered on February 8, 1861. 

Canadian Unions — At the Nashville session of i860 
the secretary-treasurer was instructed to open correspond- 
ence with the unions in the provinces of Canada, with a 
view of bringing them under the jurisdiction of the Na- 
tional Union. The secretary-treasurer, in his report, con- 
veyed the information that during the year letters had 
been forwarded to all unions in the Canadian provinces 
where it was possible to learn of their existence, but his 
efforts had elicited no responses. It was thought that the 
organization in Toronto at that time was the only union 
in Canada possessing any degree of practical vitality. It 
was learned also that some few of the subordinate unions 
had adopted a rule to receive traveling cards from such 
unions outside the jurisdiction of the National Union as 
had a similar reciprocal rule. 

National Executive Committee, 1862 — The minutes of 
the proceedings of the convention contain no reference to 
the appointment of a national executive committee. 

Officers, 1862 — John M. Farquhar was re-elected 
president for the ensuing term, together with William A. 
Montgomery, Boston, first vice-president; James H. 
Walker, Detroit, second vice-president; Thomas J. Walsh, 
New York, secretary-treasurer; Theodore Nagle, St. 
Louis, corresponding secretary. 

199 



History of The Typographical Union 

Cleveland, Ohio, was selected as the convention city for 
1863. 

Convention at Cleveland 

[1863] — That the National Union was held together 
by a rather slender cord at this time is evidenced by the 
fact that when the eleventh convention assembled in 
the city of Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday, May 4, 1863, 
only one of the officers, the secretary-treasurer, was in 
attendance. President Farquhar, both vice-presidents, and 
the corresponding secretary were absent. The first session 
of the convention was called to order by the secretary- 
treasurer. Thirty-three delegates, representing twenty- 
three unions, were present, none of the southern unions 
being represented. The convention immediately proceeded 
to the election of officers for the ensuing term. Eugene 
Vallette, Philadelphia, was elected president, Secretary- 
Treasurer Walsh was re-elected and the other vacancies 
were filled. 

Resignation of President Farquhar — In submitting 
his report to the convention, the secretary-treasurer 
transmitted certain correspondence, including a letter of 
resignation of President Farquhar, addressed to the vice- 
president, under date of Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 
1862. The letter is reproduced herewith in full: 

Finding it impossible, under present circumstances, to at- 
tend to the duties of president of the National Typographical 
Union, or even attend the coming session at Cleveland, I resign 
to you, as my constitutional successor, the position of president, 
and at as early a time as I can procure leave of absence from 
my regiment I will transfer to your keeping all books and 
papers belonging to the executive office. Properly, I should 
have taken this step some months ago, but until lately I cher- 
ished the hope that I would gain a position in the army which 
would assign me to a stated locality, and leave sufficient time 
at my disposal to conduct the official correspondence. Defeated 
in that object, and seeing nothing but hard and dangerous work 

200 




JOHN M. FARQUHAR, Chicago 

President National Typographical Union 

May 7, i860 -May 4, 1863 



Convention at Cleveland, 1863 

ahead in the battlefield for months to come, I therefore resign 
the high position to which I was elected three years ago in this 
city, and I do so with the consolation that the National gavel 
passes into worthy hands. 

Permit me to suggest that in Secretary Walsh and Mr. Gor- 
man, chairman of the executive committee, you will find able 
counselors in all craft matters, and particularly from the for- 
mer you can learn, should I not be permitted again to communi- 
cate with you before the coming session, the exact condition of 
the national organization during the year, and mayhap he will 
suggest to you valuable points to be embodied in your report. 

Be pleased, my dear sir, to have the fact of this resignation 
published as early as possible among the subordinate unions, 
but you can not adequately convey, however much it might be 
my desire, the heart pangs I feel at thus parting from old, true 
friends and pleasant associations. For years I have cherished 
the sterling principles underlying our proud and noble National 
structure of associated skilled labor as sacredly as I have my 
religious faith, and to part thus abruptly from tried and true 
craft associates causes a heart wound which an early return to 
the charmed circle alone can heal. 

May you have the pleasure of meeting full delegations at 
the May session in Cleveland, and may God prosper all true 
craftsmen throughout the length and breadth of our land are 
the parting wishes of your obedient servant, etc. 

Interesting Letter from New Orleans — Another inter- 
esting document contained in the minutes of this session 
was a letter received from the secretary of New Orleans 
Typographical Union. Although there is nothing in the 
minutes showing why this letter was written, the presump- 
tion is that Secretary-Treasurer Walsh had found some 
means of communicating with New Orleans and it is pre- 
sumed that this letter was a reply to the communication 
ordered to be forwarded to unions of the south by the 
terms of the resolution passed at the New York session. 
The letter follows : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 
6th ult., and to state, in reply, that after having submitted it 

201 



History of The Typographical Union 

to the president, officers, and several members of our union, I 
was instructed to inform you that, owing to the present unhappy 
state of our national affairs, it is utterly impracticable, nay, 
impossible, to comply with the resolution referred to in your 
letter. 

With a sincere desire and a fervent hope that better days 
may yet be vouchsafed to this unhappy land, I have the honor 
to be, etc. 

Laws — No changes of consequence in the union's laws 
were attempted by the delegates to this convention. Aside 
from the routine work necessary, only one or two incidents 
appear in the minutes worthy of record. The services of 
"The Printer" as an organ for the publication of official 
reports, etc., was dispensed with, and it was ordered that 
each subordinate union should prepare, semi-annually, a 
list of its officers and members in good standing, together 
with those suspended or expelled, and the applicants re- 
jected, and forward same to the secretary-treasurer and 
furnish each subordinate union with a copy. 

Paper Trust — An incident unique in the early history 
of the organization was the passage of a resolution of pro- 
test against the action of the paper combination, so-called, 
of the country for raising the price of paper. That trust 
methods, so much complained of at the present time, were 
not unknown in this early period is shown by the resolu- 
tion quoted herewith : 

Resolved, That we, in common with others who have suffered 
the exorbitant and unjust rates to which the paper combina- 
tion of the country has raised the price of that article, recognize 
for this unparalleled advance no proper cause and no just 
foundation, and that its results can not be other than ruinous. 

Resolved, That we, as a National body, earnestly petition 
congress to remove from the importation of paper and the 
chemicals used in its manufacture the duty now charged and 
regulated by the laws of the United States. 

Unique Communication — A communication, unique 
in the history of the union, a parallel to which will per- 

202 



Convention at Cleveland, 1863 

haps never again appear in the minutes of the organiza- 
tion, is herewith reproduced : 

Western Union Telegraph Office, 

w r A „ Cleveland, May 2, 1863. 

Mr. J. A. Spencer. / ° 

Permit me to offer to the National Typographical conven- 
tion, through you, the use of this company's lines for the 
transaction of the business of the convention and the family 
correspondence of the delegates during the session of the con- 
vention in this city. Respectfully yours, 

G. W. Van Duzer. 

Organization Work — While no reports are available 
regarding activity in union affairs covering a large area 
of the country, it is evident that in those sections remote 
from the actual fighting zone organization work was car- 
ried on with vigor. Charters were issued in 1862 to Day- 
ton, Ohio; Portland, Ore.; Quincy, 111.; Springfield, 111.; 
Cambridge, Mass., and the charter of Davenport, Iowa, 
reissued. At the opening of the Cleveland convention, 
sixty-one charters in all had been issued by the National 
Typographical Union. 

Proprietor Membership in Portland (Ore.) Union — A 
communication from Albert M. Snyder, of Portland 
(Ore.) Union, reciting a difficulty between himself and 
that union, was presented to the convention in the shape 
of an appeal. The substance of the communication was 
as follows : 

Mr. Snyder, who was editor and proprietor of the Port- 
land Evening Commercial, was, at the organization of 
Portland Union, elected its president, but subsequently a 
question arose as to whether a proprietor could legally be 
a member of the union. A committee was appointed by 
Mr. Snyder, as president, to examine the constitution and 
report whether any such prohibitive clause existed therein. 
Of this committee, Mr. Bail, a printer from San Fran- 
cisco, was chairman. After the committee had prepared 

203 



History of The Typographical Union 

its report, Mr. Bail called a meeting of the union, which 
meeting was pronounced by Mr. Snyder as illegal, not 
having been called by the president of the union. At this 
meeting the report of the committee, which had decided 
that proprietors could not be members, was adopted. Mr. 
Snyder concluded his communication with the following 
paragraph : 

"Bail and another printer by the name of Crowell, an- 
other San Francisco printer, combined their heads to- 
gether, organized an association, ignored the old one and 
all former acts ; elected new officers, president and all ; 
appointed a committee to settle up the business of the old 
concern; took the old constitution, called it their own, and 
an organization under your charter. These they had in 
their possession and still hold. To all this I remonstrated, 
but to no use. They said I was in the minority and must 
yield." 

Mr. Snyder still claimed to be president of Portland 
Union, and asked the convention to decide who was right 
in the matter. The committee on appeals, to which the 
communication was referred, reported to the convention 
that it was of the opinion that the parties holding the 
charter granted by the National Union had acted in ac- 
cordance with the laws and were entitled to be recognized- 
as the subordinate union existing in Portland, and the 
convention endorsed this opinion of its committee. 

National Executive Committee, i86j — The president 
appointed the national executive committee for the ensu- 
ing year, as follows : 

M. H. Halpin, Indianapolis; William B. Eckert, Philadelphia; John Collins, 
Cincinnati; G. W. Quackenbush, Albany; Samuel Bradford, Columbus; Charles 
Bertrand, New York; G. M. Irwin, Pittsburgh; Nathaniel Griffin, St. Louis; 
A. Z. Reeves, Buffalo; A. S. Kierolf, Louisville; Frederick Young, Baltimore; 
James Cox, Boston; G. W. Osier, Harrisburg; William T. Kennedy, Rochester; 
Isaac D. George, Chicago; F. D. Ross, Detroit; John McComb, San Francisco; 
DeWitt C. Northrup, Milwaukee; William W. Bird, Madison; Charles H. 
Wright, Peoria; T. D. Eagal, Davenport; Edward A. Wilcox, Providence; 
G. W. Howland, Grand Rapids; A. W. Hamilton, Leavenworth; George N. 

204 



Convention at Louisville, 1864 

Parker, Sacramento; Henry B. Stiles, New Haven; H. W. Clendenin, Burling- 
ton; T. A. Stow, Cleveland; J. J. Walsh, Syracuse; William Harper, Stockton, 
Cal. ; E. Lindsley, Dayton; R. D. Campbell, Springfield, 111.; John L. Jones, 
Cambridge. 

Officers, i86j — Officers for the ensuing term were 
elected as follows : Eugene Vallette, Philadelphia, presi- 
dent; G. McK. Luken, St. Louis, first vice-president; J. A. 
Spencer, Cleveland, second vice-president; Thomas J. 
Walsh, New York, secretary-treasurer; William F. 
Moore, Detroit, corresponding secretary. 

For the purpose, evidently, of placing the next conven- 
tion as near to the jurisdictions of the southern unions as 
possible, the delegates, after a spirited contest, by a close 
vote selected Louisville, Ky., as the meeting place for 
1864. 

Convention at Louisville 

[1864] — -A very creditable gathering of delegates as- 
sembled at the twelfth convention, which opened in Louis- 
ville, Ky., Monday, May 2, 1864. In the absence of 
President Vallette, of Philadelphia, Vice-President Luken 
called the meeting to order. 

Charters Issued and Reissued — A letter from the re- 
tiring president was received, briefly recounting the busi- 
ness transacted through his office during the year. It 
contained the information that charters had been issued 
to Utica, N. Y. ; Toledo, Ohio; Lafayette, Ind. ; Virginia 
City, Nev. ; Oswego, N. Y. ; Lockport, N. Y. ; Keokuk, 
Iowa ; Binghamton, N. Y. ; Lancaster, Pa. ; Trenton, N. 
J.; Hartford, Conn.; Lawrence, Kan.; Cairo, 111., and 
Portland, Me. In addition to the above, charters were 
reissued to Memphis, Tenn., Troy, N. Y., and St. 
Joseph, Mo. 

Official Organ — Reversing the action of the Cleveland 
convention in discontinuing "The Printer" as the official 
organ of the National Typographical Union, a resolution 



205 



History of The Typographical Union 

was passed again recognizing that publication as the or- 
gan of the national body, and urging upon subordinate 
unions that every effort be made to give the paper liberal 
support. Mr. Greason, editor of "The Printer/' was 
granted the privilege of the floor and spoke of the early 
inception of the paper and of its career as the organ of the 
printers of the United States. He gave some statistics 
showing the scanty fare upon which it had subsisted and 
suggested that from the intelligent class it represented it 
had been expected that its support would have been sec- 
ond to no respectable journal in the country. He stated 
that the subject matter of its columns did not, perhaps, 
come up to the expectations of a certain class of printers, 
but in very many instances these same printers, who 
heaped denunciations upon the devoted head of its pub- 
lisher, were persons who seldom, if ever, contributed 
toward its support. 

Interchange of Cards With Foreign Unions — The 
question of interchange of cards, or certificates of mem- 
bership, between unions of the United States and those of 
Canada again occupied the time of the convention and it 
was ordered that the National Union recommend that all 
subordinate unions receive into membership persons pre- 
senting cards from typographical unions or societies in 
foreign countries whenever said unions would officially 
notify the secretary-treasurer of the National Union that 
they would receive cards from unions subordinate to the 
National Union in like manner. 

Unique Letter from Portland (Ore.) Union — The 
corresponding secretary, William F. Moore, submitted an 
interesting report covering the business transacted 
through his office during the year. A paragraph con- 
cerning the welfare of Portland (Ore.) Union contains 
an excerpt from a letter from the secretary of that union. 
It is quoted herewith : "There is an apology due your 

206 



Convention at Louisville, 1864 

honorable body from this union, and perhaps something 
more than an apology, for our neglect in not sending a 
report previous to your last annual meeting. Since the 
organization of this union, we have been in a very un- 
settled condition, owing to the gold discovered in 
the eastern portion of this state and Washington Terri- 
tory. Members have been continually leaving and we 
have had much difficulty in getting together a quorum, 
not from any lack of true union sentiment but owing 
entirely to the natural migratory propensities of journey- 
men printers generally and those on the coast partic- 
ularly. We most sincerely beg of you to consider these 
facts and very humbly request absolution for this first 
neglect of duty. Publishers within this city have, with- 
out exception, complied with the regulations and scale of 
prices adopted by us, and printers throughout the state 
are governed by the action of this union." 

Proofreaders — Delegate Clark, of St. Louis, offered 
the following preamble and resolutions concerning proof- 
readers and proposing to regulate their wages : 

Whereas proofreading, an essential branch of the typo- 
graphical art, having, in the growth in the publishing business, 
become of sufficient importance to justify the employment in 
many offices of one or more proofreaders, who are, or ought to 
be, practical printers, and 

Whereas the neglect or omission of the National and 
subordinate typographical unions to recognize said class of 
printers and regulate their wages is resulting in evils which call 
for speedy correction, therefore 

Be it resolved, That proofreaders, being printers, are justly 
entitled to the rights and privileges extended to their brethren 
employed in other branches of the craft. 

Resolved, That all the subordinate unions within the juris- 
diction of this body are recommended to include in their scales 
of prices the rate of compensation of proofreaders. 

The committee to which the above resolutions were 
referred reported that it found considerable difference 

207 



History of The Typographical Union 

of opinion and usage existing in various jurisdictions 
regarding the employment of proofreaders and recom- 
mended that any legislation on the subject that was nec- 
essary should be left to subordinate unions, believing that 
in doing so better results would be accomplished than by 
any action the National Typographical Union might take. 
This opinion was concurred in by the convention. 

Associated Press Monopoly — Delegate Kierolf, Louis- 
ville, offered the following resolution, which was adopted : 

Resolved, That the monopoly of the telegraphic dispatches, 
extended by resolution of the Associated Press of New York to 
certain newspapers of the country, is hurtful to the interests of 
the craft and acts as a direct infringement of the liberty of 
the press. We, therefore, appeal to the Associated Press to 
reconsider its action. 

Uniform Constitution for Subordinate Unions — A 
special committee appointed for the purpose of drafting 
a uniform constitution for the use of all subordinate 
unions transmitted a document which met with the ap- 
proval of the convention, and it was ordered that final 
consideration of same should be deferred until the next 
session of the National Union, for the purpose of allowing 
subordinate unions to instruct their delegates in relation 
thereto, it being understood that the membership, in 
voting upon the proposed uniform constitution, adopt or 
reject the principle involved. 

Printing Proceedings of 1862 and 186 j — Several 
communications were received by the convention, and 
numerous complaints were made by the delegates, show- 
ing that much dissatisfaction existed because of the fact 
that the proceedings of the conventions of the National 
Union at New York in 1862 and in Cleveland in 1863 
had not been published. The fact was brought out during 
a discussion of the matter that the secretary-treasurer had 
not published the proceedings because of a lack of funds. 

208 




EUGENE VALLETTE, Philadelphia 

President National Typographical Union 

May 4, 1863 -May 2, 1864 



Convention at Louisville, 1864 

It was ordered that the minutes of the two preceding con- 
ventions be abridged and published in connection with the 
full proceedings of the 1864 session, and that, in the 
event of a lack of funds in the treasury to print the de- 
layed proceedings, the president was authorized to levy 
an assessment upon subordinate unions sufficient to cover 
the expense. 

Chartering Stereotypers' Unions — A resolution pre- 
sented on behalf of St. Louis Union called the attention 
of the National body to a desire on the part of stereotype 
workers to either join subordinate unions or to establish 
co-operative unions in order to regulate their scales of 
prices. The matter was disposed of by the adoption of 
a resolution that the National Union deem it inexpedient 
to charter co-operative unions, but recommending that 
subordinate unions admit stereotypers into their organiza- 
tions in the usual manner on proper application. 

Conditional Membership — The first attempt on the 
part of the National Union at practical organization work 
in country districts was the action of the Louisville con- 
vention in adopting a "conditional membership" card. 
While the real purpose for the promotion of the proposi- 
tion is not disclosed by the minutes of the convention, it 
is apparent from the nature of the committee's report on 
the subject that the use of the country printer as a strike- 
breaker had impressed the union's membership with the 
importance of adopting some measure to arrest the prac- 
tice. An elaborate system was outlined, embodying the 
creation of districts by states and sections of the country, 
and providing for the services of district canvassers. 

Working Cards — The custom of issuing working 
cards and permits was inaugurated at the Louisville con- 
vention. 

Delinquent Southern Unions — The financial report 
for the year showed that the unions of New Orleans, La. ; 

209 



History of The Typographical Union 

Elmira, N. Y. ; Petersburg, Va. ; Mobile, Ala. ; Galveston, 
Tex. ; St. Paul, Minn. ; Montgomery, Ala. ; Columbia, S. 
C. ; Evansville, Ind. ; Lecompton, Kan. ; Jackson, Miss. ; 
Savannah, Augusta and Atlanta, Ga. ; Minneapolis, 
Minn.; Davenport, Iowa; Charleston, S. C, and Raleigh, 
N. C.j had failed to report for two years or longer. In 
considering the delinquency of the above-named unions, 
it was ordered that all of the southern unions not hav- 
ing access to the National Union be exempted from 
the penalty of forfeiture of charter. The other unions 
enumerated were dropped. 

National Executive Committee, 1864 — The president 
announced the national executive committee for the ensu- 
ing year, as follows : 

E. W. Halford, Indianapolis; William B. Eckert, Philadelphia; E. F. Big- 
ler, Cincinnati; G. W. Quackenbush, Albany; J. C. Coleman, Columbus, Ohio 
Charles B. Smith, New York; T. W. Wright, Pittsburg; George Clark, St 
Louis; Peter Baxter, Buffalo; John J. Roberts, Louisville; Charles Wilson 
Memphis; W. L. Barton, Baltimore; John Gorman, Boston; G. W. Ostler, 
Harrisburg; Thomas Gliddon, Rochester; R. V. Shurly, Chicago; James H 
Walker, Detroit; J. J. McDaniel, Nashville; David Norris, Eureka (San Fran 
cisco) ; J. J. Lambert, Dubuque; Joseph Endale, Milwaukee; L. O. Smith 
Madison; E. M. Broughton, Peoria; Jabez Lord, Providence; L. D. Hatch 
Grand Rapids; Thomas H. Hail, St. Joseph; L. W. Emery, Leavenworth; J 
P. Olmstead, Sacramento; S. H. Harris, New Haven; O. G. Howland, Den 
ver; W. E. Woodward, Burlington; Ben VanDeusen, Troy; J. A. Spencer 
Cleveland; D. H. Berdine, Syracuse; W. W. Barnes, Stockton; E. Lindsley 
Dayton; Tom J. Heirs, Quincy; W. S. Davis, Springfield; John L. Jones 
Cambridge; Joseph Ball, Utica; F. J. Oblinger, Toledo; D. A. James, Lafay 
ette; James W. Scott, Virginia, Nev. ; George W. Blair, Oswego; L. M. Mor 
ton, Lockport; Thomas H. Westcott, Keokuk; John L. Burtis, Binghamton 
William B. Strong, Lancaster; James Devine, Trenton; George L. Coburn 
Hartford; C. A. Ferris, Lawrence, Kan.; H. M. Kutchin, Cairo; Daniel Ham 
blen, Portland, Me. 

Officers, 1864 — A. M. Carver, Cincinnati, was elected 
president for the ensuing term, together with W. L. Fair- 
child, Philadelphia, first vice-president; Charles B. 
Smith, New York, second vice-president; William F. 
Moore, Detroit, secretary-treasurer; Malcolm G. Mason, 
St. Louis, corresponding secretary. 

After passing various resolutions of thanks, the time of 
meeting was changed from the first Monday in May to the 

2TO 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1865 

first Monday in June and the convention adjourned to 
meet in Philadelphia the following year. 

Convention at Philadelphia 

[1865] — When the thirteenth convention of the 
National Typographical Union assembled under the lib- 
erty bell in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, on Monday, 
June 5, 1865, it marked the most pretentious gathering of 
delegates in the history of the organization up to that 
time. Fifty-five delegates, representing thirty-seven sub- 
ordinate unions, presented credentials at the opening of 
the first session. During the week additional delegates 
representing remote constituencies were seated. Twenty- 
two ex-delegates, members of Philadelphia Typograph- 
ical Union, being duly certified by the officers, under sec- 
tion 2, article 11, of the constitution, were admitted as 
delegates to the convention, without the right to vote. 

Officers, 1865 — Election of officers was the first busi- 
ness under the rule. Robert E. Craig, of St. Louis, was 
elected president and William F. Moore, of Detroit, was 
re-elected secretary-treasurer, together with William 
Knollin, Boston, first vice-president; Hugh J. Durboro, 
Philadelphia, second vice-president; John C. Frary, In- 
dianapolis, corresponding secretary. 

The retiring president, A. M. Carver, submitted a brief 
but interesting report, dwelling particularly upon the 
"conditional membership" measure, adopted at the previ- 
ous session in the hope of drawing country printers within 
the scope of union influence. He called attention to the 
fact that only five unions had applied for "conditional 
membership" certificates during the year. It was appar- 
ent that very few unions really understood the proposed 
system, and to a certain extent they seemed to look upon 
its workings as problematical. The cause in many in- 
stances arose from the fact that the extent of territory 

211 



History of The Typographical Union 

embraced in the "districts" was too large. There was also 
a manifest hesitancy displayed by those unions having the 
largest number of members in a district to elect a "dis- 
trict canvasser," and other unions having less numbers 
held back for the larger and more prosperous jurisdic- 
tions to take the initiative steps. The delegates, however, 
were imbued with a fixed determination to make further 
effort in the direction of organizing country printers, 
and to this end the law was modified so that each sub- 
ordinate union was expected to cover the territory imme- 
diately surrounding its jurisdiction, the "district" plan 
being done away with. 

Charters Issued, Reissued and Stirrendered — The 
secretary-treasurer reported having issued charters dur- 
ing the year to Terre Haute and Fort Wayne, Ind., and 
to Erie, Pa. The charter of Denver (Colo.) Union No. 
49 was reissued on April 23, 1865, the secretary-treas- 
urer reporting to the convention that Denver Union had 
encountered serious embarrassment during the year 1864, 
the building in which their meetings were held being 
swept away during a flood, carrying with it the charter, 
books, documents and everything, except the membership, 
which constituted a union. Cleveland Union surrendered 
its charter after a disastrous strike in that city. The sec- 
retary also reported that no word had reached him dur- 
ing the year from any of the southern unions mentioned 
in the Louisville report. 

Canadian Unions — A proposition to extend the juris- 
diction of the National Union to cover the several unions 
in Canada was received with favor and a resolution was 
passed directing the corresponding secretary to urge upon 
the existing societies of printers in Canada the expedi- 
ency of sending delegates to and becoming members of 
the National Typographical Union ; also requesting them 
to adopt the plan of issuing "conditional membership" 

212 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1865 

cards. Section I, article I, of the constitution was 
amended in such manner as to permit the National Union 
to extend its jurisdiction to cover the British provinces. 

Eight-Hour Day — The first suggestion of an eight- 
hour workday appears in the form of a resolution offered 
at the Philadelphia convention, stipulating that on and 
after May 1, 1866, eight hours should constitute a day's 
work, and subordinate unions were requested to so amend 
their constitutions and scales of prices. Delegates were in- 
structed to place before their respective local unions the 
eight-hour resolution and subordinate unions were re- 
quested to instruct their delegates as to the disposition of 
the matter by the next national convention. 

Death of President Lincoln — Resolutions upon the 
death of President Lincoln were adopted, as follows : 

Whereas in the hour of its triumph and its joy the nation 
has been called to mourn the violent death of its beloved chief 
magistrate, Abraham Lincoln ; therefore, 

Resolved, That in this national calamity we have lost an 
eminent representative of the people, whose life is an instructive 
and encouraging example to the workingmen of America. 

Resolved, That we regard his foul and malicious murder as 
a traitorous and barbarous act, unparalleled in the calendar of 
crime, cowardly and treacherously perpetrated, and abhorrent 
to the feelings of every true and loyal citizen of the republic. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the bereaved 
family of the deceased, and would add our share of heartfelt 
grief to that of the sorrowing nation. 

Resolved, That while we deplore and lament the loss to the 
nation and to the world of such a pure patriot and wise ruler as 
Abraham Lincoln, we rejoice that his constitutional successor 
is also a true representative of the people, a firm and consistent 
vindicator of his former position in the ranks of workingmen, 
and a fearless advocate of the rights of labor, which he has 
dignified and ennobled by his life of toil and sacrifice. 

Columbia Typographical Society — A communication 
was received from Washington, D. C, inviting the Na- 

213 



History of The Typographical Union 

tional Union to hold its next convention in that - city. 
Much opposition to accepting the invitation developed 
among the delegates owing to the fact that the Co- 
lumbia Typographical Society had refused to apply for 
a charter from the National Union. The invitation was 
not accepted. 

Distinguished Visitors — Several distinguished visitors 
attended the sessions of the convention, among them be- 
ing General Pritchard and Brigadier General Horatio 
Sickles, who addressed the delegates briefly. 

First Fraternal Visitor — President Sylvis, of the Na- 
tional Iron Molders' Union, was also a visitor, being the 
first representative of a bona fide trade union to visit the 
National Union during a convention. 

Boston's Per Capita Tax — Upon recommendation of 
the committee on returns, the per capita tax of Boston 
Union for the year 1864 was remitted, it being explained 
that Boston had been embarrassed by the treasurer of 
that union defaulting with its funds. 

Unique Toasts — During the week, Philadelphia Typo- 
graphical Union carried out an elaborate program of en- 
tertainment for the delegates, one feature of which was 
a banquet, an account of which appears as an appendix 
to the proceedings of the convention, and includes thirteen 
toasts and responses, unique among which are the fol- 
lowing: 

The Public Press — The bulwark of a free people, and the 
truest safeguard of constitutional liberty. Untrammeled, the 
friend of freedom; unrestrained, the foe of tyrants. 

The Book Trade — The ballast of our bark. The step be- 
tween mediocrity and power, leading us gently from the ordi- 
nary walks and callings of life to the higher and purer 
atmosphere and inspirations of the arts and sciences. 

The Printing Office — The poor man's college. Its alumni 
are remembered with generous pride. Gutenberg, Caxton, 
Manutius, Robertson and Franklin in the past, and Cameron, 

214 



Convention at Chicago, 1866 

Colfax, Dix, Dufrees, Forney, Geary, Logan and others of the 
present age, have earned the plaudits of mankind, to whose ad- 
vancement the labors of their lives have been earnestly and 
manfully dedicated. 

The Ladies — The angels who guide us from the cradle to 
the grave. May we deserve their smiles, merit their caresses, and 
be followed always by their best and most blessed benedictions. 

National Executive Committee, 1865 — The executive 
committee for the ensuing year was appointed by the 
president, as follows : 

J. C. Frary, Indianapolis; John M. Perry, Philadelphia; John Collins, Cin- 
cinnati; Franklin S. Burrell, Albany; B. F. Lincoln, Columbus; M. B. Pitts, 
New York; John D. Stewart, Pittsburgh; Theodore Nagel, St. Louis; Richard 
B. Lyon, Buffalo; Wallace D. Egbert, Louisville; B. N. Cutting, Memphis; 
John Cox, Baltimore; Alexander Troup, Boston; C. F. Coates, Harrisburg; 
G. S. C. Shellmine, Rochester; H. D. Adams, Chicago; William Buchanan, 
New Orleans; Mark H. Marsh, Detroit; W. A. Solomon, Nashville; David 
Norris, Eureka (San Francisco); J. J. Lambert, Dubuqoe; Joseph Endale, Mil- 
waukee; L. O. Smith, Madison; E. M. Broughton, Peoria; Jabez Lord, Provi- 
dence; L. D. Hatch, Grand Rapids; Thomas H. Hall, St. Joseph; H. A. 
Crowell, Leavenworth; W. J. Passett, Sacramento; W. H. Peckman, New 
Haven; O. G. Howland, Denver; W. E. Woodward, Burlington; Walter J. 
Donnelly, Troy; D. H. Berdine, Syracuse; W. W. Barnes, Stockton; E. 
Lindsley, Dayton; W. W. Prescott, Quincy; W. G. Kercheval, Springfield; 
Theodore G. Wadman, Cambridge; W. O. Vincent, Utica; C. E. Parrish, To- 
ledo; Louis R. Thompson, Lafayette; C. M. S. Millard, Virginia City, Nev. ; 
George W. Blair, Oswego; L. M. Morton, Lockport; Thomas H. Westcott, 
Keokuk; John L. Burtis, Binghamton; S. F. Shindle, Lancaster; John Briest, 
Trenton; G. Willis Williams, Hartford; C. A. Ferris, Lawrence, Kan.; H. N. 
Kutchin, Cairo; Daniel Hamlin, Portland, Me.; F. P. Spears, Terre Haute; 
L. R. Wentworth, Erie; Harvey Wells, Fort Wayne. 

Chicago was selected as the meeting place for the con- 
vention of 1866. 

Convention at Chicago 

[1866] — The fourteenth convention of the National 
Union assembled in the rooms of the Stock Exchange, 
55 Dearborn street, Chicago, Monday, June 4, 1866. 
Seventy-one delegates representing forty-four unions 
were in attendance, a number of the southern locals hav- 
ing again affiliated with the National body. 

Officers, 1866 — According to the custom prevailing 
at that time, the first business was the election of officers. 

215 



History of The Typographical Union 

John H. Oberly, of Cairo, 111., was elected president, and 
Alexander Troup, of Boston, succeeded to the office of 
secretary-treasurer. James Risk, of Mobile, was chosen 
first vice-president; J. T. Davis, jr., New York, second 
vice-president; M. J. Divine, Savannah, corresponding 
secretary. 

President's Address — President Oberly, on assuming 
the responsibilities of his office, said : 

I hope and have no doubt our session here will be harmoni- 
ous and result in the good and benefit of our trade. We have 
assembled together, not for the purpose of organizing a con- 
spiracy against any industrial interest of the country, but to 
protect ourselves in our just rights. Believing that labor has 
the right to determine its price, we insist upon the general 
recognition of the principle, and will legislate to that end. 
Our interests we recognize as identical with those of the em- 
ploying classes, and all our acts will therefore look as much to 
their benefit as to our own. 

I congratulate you, delegates, upon the prosperity of the 
union. Never before were we so strong as at present. Long ago 
a dark cloud (which I will not more particularly mention) ap- 
peared above the political horizon in the north, and another, 
dark and ominous, rose in the south. Gathering volume, they 
filled the sky with darkness, and their shadows fell upon the 
land, creating fear and strife, and blotting out the sunshine of 
prosperity which made it great and glorious. After a while 
they met, and a storm of war deluged the country with blood, 
and almost accomplished the destruction of the government. 
During the civil strife our organization suffered, too. In the 
south, one union after another absolved itself from allegiance 
to our constitution and seceded from the national organization. 
But when the sunshine of peace had dispelled the clouds of civil 
strife and rested upon the land, beautiful, like a smile on the 
face of woman, the southern unions returned. One after an- 
other the most of them knocked at the door of the National 
Union and expressed their willingness to submit to the condi- 
tions of our constitution. They were admitted. We imposed no 
conditions upon them. The door was open and the host stood 
on the threshold welcoming the returning prodigals. The good 

216 




I 




1 



\ 



A. M. CARVER, Cincinnati 

President National Typographical Union 

May 2, 1864 -June 6, 1865 



Convention at Chicago, 1866 

effects of this wise policy are shown in the unity and enthusi- 
asm manifested here today. We have delegates from many of 
the seceded unions present in this body, all of them more 
heartily devoted to the National Union than ever before. Our 
reconstruction is complete. United thus, never again to be 
sundered, let us hope, we will go on prospering and to prosper. 

Ex-delegates — Under the provisions of the constitu- 
tion, it was ordered that all ex-delegates desirous of 
participating in the proceedings of the convention leave 
their names with the recording secretary, with the pro- 
viso that they were in good standing in their respective 
unions. 

President's Report — Charters — The retiring presi- 
dent submitted a report of the business transactions of 
his office during the year and referred feelingly to the 
fact that a number of unions located in some of the 
southern states that had severed their connection with 
the National body during the war had again affiliated 
and were represented in the convention by delegates. 

The president also reported that a larger number of 
charters had been issued during the fiscal year than were 
ever granted before in a like period, showing a state of 
prosperity unprecedented in the history of the organiza- 
tion. Two of the charters had been issued to Canadian 
unions, under the authority granted by the previous con- 
vention. The complete list of charters issued follows : 
Wheeling, W. Va. ; Kansas City, Mo. ; Reading, Pa. ; 
Wilmington, N. C. ; Alexandria, Va. ; Macon, Ga. ; St. 
John, New Brunswick; Norfolk, Va. ; Houston, Tex.; 
Hannibal, Mo. ; Chattanooga, Tenn. ; Richmond, Va. ; 
Toronto, Canada. Charters were reissued to Omaha, 
Neb. ; Columbia, S. C. ; Augusta and Savannah, Ga., and 
Peoria, 111. 

Southern Unions — That the fourteenth conven- 
tion at Chicago was instrumental in creating a spirit 

217 



History of The Typographical Union 

of unity throughout the entire craft is manifest by the 
fact that the delegates at every opportunity throughout 
the sessions did not hesitate to emphasize that it was the 
desire of the National body again to embrace within its 
membership all of the old southern unions. 

Secretary- Treasurer Moore, in his report, referred to 
the reconstruction of the southern unions in the follow- 
ing language, which is typical of the sentiment existing 
at the convention : 

Since our last annual meeting, also, the war, with all its 
dread realities, its strife and sectional differences, has closed. 
Peace has once more spread its balmy wings over our land. The 
feuds and animosities engendered through the four years' strife 
are fast giving way to amity and friendship in the reconstruc- 
tion of the social relations which have heretofore existed 
between the members of our organization. North and south 
alike are once again imbued with the same spirit of unity. The 
typographical unions of the south, shattered, wrecked, and 
many of them almost blotted out of existence by the terrible 
havoc of war, through the encouragement of their more fortu- 
nate brethren of the north are gathering up the remaining 
fragments, and one after another taking their old positions in 
the ranks, while the right hand of fellowship is reached out 
across the bloody border in search of old-time associations and 
friendships. From amid the dying embers of this sectional 
strife of a few months since the almost unanimous expression of 
our southern brethren is, as they reach me from sunny Texas : 
"We desire to see our grand object attained, and that is, har- 
mony and good feeling among printers, north and south." 

A resolution was passed, upon a recommendation con- 
tained in the report of the committee on subordinate 
unions, that the per capita tax due from the southern 
unions for any period from 1861 to March, 1865, De 
remitted upon the request of any of said unions. 

Conditional Membership — Referring to the "condi- 
tional membership" scheme, the secretary-treasurer 
reported that it was still somewhat in the background. 

218 



Convention at Chicago, 1866 

It did not, apparently, receive that consideration at the 
hands of the subordinate unions it deserved. Notwith- 
standing the important modifications made at the last 
convention permitting each union an opportunity to test 
the question within its own jurisdiction, the desired re- 
sults had not been produced. That something was lacking 
to instill into the measure the . vitality and usefulness 
which was expected from it was evident. It is apparent 
that the project failed because it was left to be carried 
out by "each member." The original scheme of financing 
"district canvassers" was a failure and it was strongly 
urged that a National fund be created to carry on the 
work of organization. 

No Important Legislation — Very little legislation of 
a general character was enacted by the convention. The 
practice of allowing ex-delegates the right of a seat in 
conventions, with a voice, but without a vote, was ampli- 
fied to exclude them from holding office. 

Official Organ — The "Printers Circular," published 
at Philadelphia, Pa., by R. S. Menamin, was designated 
as the official organ of the craft, and recommended to 
subordinate unions for their use. No mention is made 
of the former official organ, "The Printer," and no reason 
given for making the change. 

Original Names on Charters — A number of requests 
were received from subordinate unions, through their 
delegates, asking permission to erase from their charters 
the names of certain members. Philadelphia Union had 
taken such action in the case of one of its members. 
While the convention sustained the action in this instance, 
the chair ruled that the names on the charters should 
not be interfered with. The decision was not contested, 
and the delegates asking to erase names from charters 
withdrew their motions. 

Charters and Membership — Ninety-one unions had 

219 



History of The Typographical Union 

been chartered at the close of the fiscal year, according 
to the secretary's report, and the membership in good 
standing reported to the convention was 4,013. 

National Executive Committee, 1866 — The president 
appointed the national executive committee for the ensu- 
ing term, as follows : 

W. F. Gilkison, Indianapolis; William Turner, Philadelphia; Jules J. 
Montagnier, Cincinnati; F. S. Burrell, Albany; Theodore S. Conklin, New 
York; T. A. Armstrong, Pittsburgh; H. J. Bockrath, St. Louis; R. B. Lyon, 
Buffalo; John King, Louisville; Charles Wilson, Memphis; A. H. Brooks, Bos- 
ton; John M. Toe, Harrisburg; J. S. Thompson, Chicago; Gerard Stith, New 
Orleans; William F. Moore, Detroit; James J. McDaniel, Nashville; Arminius 
Kerns, Dubuque; Joseph Yewdale, Milwaukee; James Risk, Mobile; L. C. 
Swingle, Galveston; E. M. Broughton, Peoria; J. E. Elliott, Montgomery, 
Ala.; William H. Barbour, Providence; H. N. Emlyn, Columbia, S. C; M. J. 
Divine, Savannah; W. S. Bittinger, St. Joseph; R. H. Boughton, Leavenworth; 
B. F. Huntly, Sacramento; G. W. Martin, Atlanta; F. P. Snyder, Burling- 
ton; O. B. Smith, Troy; Henry C. Thompson, Syracuse; T. J. Heirs, Quincy; 
N. B. Walker, Springfield; John Gorman, Cambridge; James Cooley, Utica; 
James A. Boyd, Toledo; L. R. Thompson, Lafayette; Edward Sheffield, Vir- 
ginia City, Nev. ; E. L. Chapin, Oswego; James M. Culver, Keokuk; Walter 
Keiffer, Lancaster; John Briest, Trenton; William Goodnough, Hartford; C. 
A. Ferris, Lawrence, Kan.; D. L. Barton, Cairo; Stewart A. Strout, Portland, 
Me.; George Whitman, Erie; I. W. Campbell, Fort Wayne; D. C. Hotchkiss, 
Wheeling; R. C. Gould, Kansas City; G. W. White, Alexandria; James H. 
Smith, Macon; John Mitchell, St. John, N. B.; H. C. Treakle, Norfolk; Will 
Lambert, Houston; John T. Vannerson, Richmond; Richard Coleman, Toronto. 

The convention adjourned on the afternoon of the fifth 
day to meet in Memphis, Tenn., June 3, 1867. 

Convention at Memphis 

[1867] — When the fifteenth session of the National 
Typographical Union assembled in the rooms of the 
chamber of commerce at Memphis, Tenn., June 3, 1867, 
the delegates and visitors assembled wer^e privileged 
to listen to an eloquent discourse by President John H. 
Oberly. Mr. Oberly so clearly defined the purposes of 
the trade union movement that a few paragraphs from 
his address are reproduced here: 

You have assembled together for the purpose of legislating 
in the interests of the members of the trade to which you be- 
long; and I think I only do justice to the motives that induced 
you to attend this session of the National Union when I assert 

220 



Convention at Memphis, 1867 

my belief that you have no other object in view than the laud- 
able one of desiring to improve your own condition and that 
of your fellow workmen. 

In pursuing this object, you must endeavor, first, to establish 
rules which will regulate the intercourse of members of the 
union with each other, and secondly, to harmonize the relations 
that must necessarily exist between those who buy and those 
who sell the labor which is employed in the printing office. 

If there is among you a man who has given too much weight 
to the assertion, too often made, by either ignorant or designing 
men, that capital and labor are now engaged in a life and death 
struggle, in which one or the other must go down, I regret the 
fact, since no man who can not rise above the spirit of selfish- 
ness which teaches that our own aggrandizement is to be sought 
at the expense of the men to whom the labor we own is sold for 
wages ought tp have a seat in this union. All our legislation 
should be based upon the broad principle that to be true to our- 
selves we must not be unjust to any one. 

President's Report — After the conclusion of the open- 
ing ceremonies and the adoption of the report of the 
committee on credentials, the president presented his 
annual report. This document was more comprehensive 
than any paper of its kind ever submitted to a convention 
of the National Union during previous gatherings. 

New Constitution, etc. — As preliminary to offering 
for consideration a new constitution for the National 
Union, a uniform constitution for subordinate unions and 
an act to create a National fund, the president said that 
his observation of the operations of the National Union 
had convinced him that it was not as perfect as it should 
be; that it failed to secure the objects for which it was 
instituted. He believed in the establishment of an or- 
ganization from which all subordinate unions should 
derive their power and authority ; in fact, the creation of 
a legislative body among the printers of North America 
the purpose of which should be to enact laws, defining, 
regulating and determining the usages and customs apper- 

221 



History of The Typographical Union 

taining to the relations of members of the subordinate 
unions to each other while in the pursuance of their duties 
as printers and members of the typographical union ; the 
inauguration of a tribunal having authority to decide all 
questions of difference between the members of a sub- 
ordinate union and the union, and between subordinate 
unions. 

Local Autonomy — President Oberly asserted that no 
person who had given any thought to the subject could 
claim that these objects had thus far been accomplished 
by the National Union. He pointed out that subordinate 
unions did not derive from the National Union all of 
their powers and authority. On the contrary, they per- 
mitted the National Union to exercise such functions of 
sovereignty as they pleased. The National Union as 
then constituted was not a legislature that could define 
customs which should obtain among union printers in 
their professional relations. As an appellant tribunal 
it did have some authority, but its decisions were not 
always treated with respect by subordinate unions. 

Traveling Cards — The traveling card system was the 
only feature that in any great degree had a tendency 
to bind together union printers with the bonds of fra- 
ternal communion and friendly alliance. The president 
further asserted that the only business of importance 
which had been transacted by the National Union at its 
annual sessions was the decision of appeals from sub- 
ordinate unions. In proof of this assertion, attention was 
directed to the proceedings of the Chicago session of 1866. 

New Constitution — In order to remedy the defects 
in the National Union, four separate recommendations 
were made, as follows : 

1. That a more perfect constitution be substituted for the 
constitution now in force. 

2. That a constitution for subordinate unions be adopted. 

222 



Convention at Memphis, 1867 

3. That a law be enacted creating a National Union fund. 

4. That a law be enacted establishing a newspaper organ 
for the Typographical Union. 

In order to assist the convention in giving consideration 
to the above recommendations, President Oberly sub- 
mitted an entire new constitution for the National Union, 
together with a proposed uniform constitution for sub- 
ordinate unions and a proposition termed "An act creating 
a National Union fund." 

The president's report, together with the documents 
submitted, after being duly referred and reported out of 
committee, were considered by the union in committee 
of the whole, with the result that the proposed new con- 
stitution, with a few minor amendments, was adopted by 
the convention. 

Protest Against New Constitution — At the time the 
vote was announced, on the adoption of the new constitu- 
tion, a protest was filed by the delegate from Savannah 
against the legality of the action. The point was raised 
that section 3, article x, of the old constitution provided 
that alterations or amendments could only be considered 
when proposed at one annual meeting and laid over until 
the next convention. This protest was endorsed by 
delegates from New Orleans, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Mobile, 
Quincy, Chicago, Lafayette and Philadelphia. 

Uniform Constitution — National Fund — The pro- 
posed uniform constitution for subordinate unions, to- 
gether with the proposition to create a National fund, 
received the approval of a substantial majority of the 
delegates and were referred to subordinate unions for 
ratification or rejection, with the understanding that the 
president, upon being notified that a majority of the local 
unions had ratified either or both of the propositions, 
should issue a proclamation declaring them in full force 
and effect. 

223 



History of The Typographical Union 

For the purpose, apparently, of getting an expression 
of opinion from the entire membership regarding the 
propositions submitted, it was ordered that all subordinate 
unions failing to make report before a certain fixed date 
should be recorded in the affirmative. This action, it 
was thought, would arouse interest in the propositions 
and thus all affiliated locals would vote. 

Among the important changes in the new constitution 
was the assumption of complete jurisdiction over all 
typographical unions by the National Union, with full 
power to control its own affairs, whether administrative, 
executive or financial, and reserve unto itself authority 
to decide all matters of general importance to the welfare 
of printers and to settle all questions of difference between 
subordinate unions and between members thereof. 

Name Changed — The name of the organization was 
changed to "The National Typographical Union of North 
America." 

Functions of Delegates — The new constitution clearly 
defined the functions of a delegate, among which was 
the right to appoint, with the advice and consent of the 
officers of the subordinate union to which he was attached, 
a member of that or any other union to represent him at 
the annual convention of the National Union, this repre- 
sentative to possess all the rights of a delegate except the 
right to hold office. 

Elective Officers — The elective officers provided for 
by the new constitution were a president, vice-president, 
and secretary-treasurer, the office of second vice-president 
and corresponding secretary being dispensed with; and 
it was further provided that the election of officers be 
held on the last day of the session instead of the 'first 
day, and that any member, in good standing, of the 
National Union should be eligible to any office. [An in- 
consistency will be noticed in the provisions of the new 

224 



*'i 




■■ 



: 



ROBERT E. CRAIG, St. Louis 

President National Typographical Union 

June 6, 1865 -June 4, 1866 



Convention at Memphis, 1867 

constitution regarding eligibility of members to hold 
office. See preceding paragraph.] 

Form of Charter — The form of charter was amplified 
to correspond with the added authority assumed by the 
National body over its subordinates and the per capita 
tax was increased to 5 cents per month on each member 
of the subordinate unions. 

Columbia Union Receives Charter — In addition to 
covering in detail the business that had passed through 
his office during the fiscal year, the president reported 
that, through correspondence, Columbia Typographical 
Society of Washington, D. C, had applied for and re- 
ceived a charter from the National Union. 

The report of the secretary-treasurer also was a very 
comprehensive document. The committee to which the 
report was referred complimented the secretary-treasurer 
on the thorough manner in which the business of his office 
had been conducted, but made a recommendation, which 
was adopted by the convention, that in future any sug- 
gestions regarding legislation offered by the secretary- 
treasurer should be communicated to the president and 
incorporated by the latter in his report. 

Charters Issued and Reissued — Charters were issued 
during the year to Little Rock, Ark. ; Poughkeepsie, N. 
Y. ; Allentown, Pa. ; Helena, Mont. ; Selma, Ala. ; Mont- 
real, Can. ; Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Jackson, Mich. ; Norwich, 
Conn., and Washington, D. C. The charter of Peters- 
burg (Va. ) Union was reissued on November 28, 1866. 

Delegates Set Type — An incident of the convention 
was an announcement by the special committee, to which 
was referred the president's report and accompanying 
documents, to the effect that it was impossible to procure 
enough printers to set the type necessary in order that the 
report might appear in the minutes of the first day's pro- 
ceedings, and, on motion, the convention adjourned to 

225 



History of The Typographical Union 

allow the delegates to proceed to the different offices and 
set up the report. 

Minor Legislation — Minor legislation by the conven- 
tion included the remitting of per capita tax of several 
unions and the adoption of a resolution granting six 
months further time to certain delinquent unions. The, 
president was instructed to open correspondence with 
foreign typographical unions with a view to the establish- 
ment of international regulations. A resolution favoring 
the eight-hour day was adopted. 

Female Labor — In the matter of female labor, the 
convention decided that the National Union should not 
interfere, holding that the question was entirely of a local 
character and should be settled by subordinate unions. 

Washington, D. C, was chosen as the city in which 
to hold the next convention. 

Officers, 1867 - — Under the terms of the new consti- 
tution, on the last day of the convention officers for the 
ensuing year were elected, as follows : President, John 
H. Oberly, Cairo, 111., re-elected; vice-president, D. C. 
Morris, Memphis, re-elected, and secretary-treasurer, 
Alexander Troup, New York, re-elected. 

National Executive Committee — Under the terms of 
the new constitution, the national executive committee 
was done away with, the functions of that committee 
having been turned over to the delegates, who were in- 
structed to act in the same general capacity that previously 
had occupied the attention of the executive committee. 

Convention at Washington 

[1868] — The sixteenth convention of the National 
Union assembled in Washington, D. C, on the 1st day 
of June, 1868, under unusual conditions. The Mem- 
phis convention, having adopted the new constitution 
under which its sessions had been adjourned, the gath- 

226 



Convention at Washington, 1868 

ering at Washington, by natural order of procedure, 
should have been called together under the provisions of 
the same constitution. It appears, however, that the 
protest filed at the Memphis convention by those dele- 
gates who believed that the vote by which the new con- 
stitution had been adopted was illegal had taken on such 
proportions after the adjournment of the convention that 
the officers of the National Union, fearing serious com- 
plications, and the possible disintegration of the Na- 
tional organization, refrained from carrying out the 
provisions of the new constitution, and by mutual consent 
it was agreed that the Washington convention should be 
called to order and proceed under the provisions of the 
old constitution. No objection was offered to this course. 

The report of the committee on credentials showed 
delegates present at the opening session from sixty-four 
subordinate unions. 

Rejecting New Constitution — After accepting the 
report of this committee and the appointment of conven- 
tion officers, President Oberly submitted an exhaustive 
report covering all the many questions that had agitated 
the membership during the past year, chief among which 
was the new constitution and the proposed uniform con- 
stitution for subordinate unions and the act creating a 
National fund. President Oberly said, in part : 

During the past official year the good and welfare of our 
organization have been seriously compromised by the contro- 
versy which grew out of the action of the last session of this 
union; and, to a great extent, the efforts of the officers of the 
national organization have been, by the still prevailing dissen- 
sion, rendered almost null and void, in so far as they were 
directed toward securing harmony and creating a desire for 
united action among the members of the Typographical Union 
fraternity. But, in justice to myself and to Secretary Troup, I 
desire here to state that we both looked with regret at the strife 
and have endeavored with not indifferent success, I believe, to 



227 



History of The Typographical Union 

resist all advice which counseled us not to withold our hands 
from the conflict. In this spirit of conciliation, I now approach 
the duty imposed upon me by the National Union — the duty of 
recommending to your consideration certain subjects which, in 
my opinion, relate to the good and welfare of this union and 
its subordinates. 

How Can the Non-union Printers be Organized? — From 
data, reliable as any I can command, I am led to the belief 
that not half the journeymen printers in the United States and 
the Canadas are members of the union. This evil is becoming 
less formidable as time goes by, and I am confident that some 
plan may be devised by which the great majority of non-union 
printers within our jurisdiction may be induced to give faithful 
adherence to the union. I am the more confident in this belief 
since I have learned the important fact that during the two 
years of my presidency, in which the affairs of the office of 
secretary and treasurer were superintended with what I feel 
compelled to call remarkable energy and discretion by Mr. 
Troup, the number on the roll of our membership has been 
doubled, and we can now show a list of over 7,000 names. 
This work has. however, been done more imperfectly than it 
should have been, the officers of this union not having had the 
advice of the National body on the subject. Without suggest- 
ing a plan of organization, I, therefore, call this subject to your 
attention. 

General Amnesty — While it is our duty to endeavor, in every 
possible honorable way, to secure to our organization the mem- 
bership of men who have never belonged to it, but who have 
never worked under the scale, I believe we should, also, at all 
times endeavor to reclaim those printers who, in a moment of 
impulse or an hour when want compelled the surrender of their 
honor, have been unfaithful to their union obligations ; and to 
this end I recommend the proclamation by this body of a gen- 
eral amnesty, to be granted upon such conditions as the union 
may deem necessary. 

Strikes — During the past year printers' strikes have occurred 
in Detroit, Nashville, Galveston, Omaha, Selma and Brooklyn ; 
and "difficulties" in New York, Memphis, Pittsburgh, and other 
places. All the strikes were disastrous; and all the "difficul- 
ties," except the one in Memphis, were, to the unions engaged 
in them, expensive luxuries. The failure of the strikes can be 

228 



Convention at Washington, 1868 

traced to a lack of funds to sustain them. Brooklyn Union, for 
instance, while New York could give it money, sustained itself 
until it obtained funds from Albany and Montreal. Its appeal 
for aid to Philadelphia, its neighbor, resulted in a refusal, a 
law of that union requiring a unanimous vote to appropriate 
money which the friends of fellowship in the craft could not 
obtain. Eight weeks after the downfall of the Brooklyn union, 
Cincinnati and New Orleans answered the call for aid by send- 
ing money, which was refunded. Not another of the subordi- 
nates sent a cent. This "plain, unvarnished tale" proves to my 
mind conclusively that the establishment of a National fund is 
an absolute necessity; and the fact that Memphis Union se- 
cured success against a formidable combination, without money, 
does not weaken this conviction. Memphis Union made muscle 
answer all the purposes of money ; but muscle is not as potent 
as legal-tender outside of the Bluif City. 

The Legislation of the Last Session — At the Memphis ses- 
sion, 1867, a constitution for the subordinate unions and an act 
entitled "An act creating a National fund" were adopted. 
These instruments were to be of binding force on and after 
November 1st, 1867, in the event of a majority of the subor- 
dinates ratifying them before that date, it being expressly de- 
clared by this union that all those subordinates not returning 
their votes on or before the day named were to be counted as 
having ratified. On November I, 1867, I0 5 unions held 
charters unrevoked by this body. Twenty-three of these re- 
turned votes, refusing to ratify, leaving seventy-two in favor 
of ratification. After the 1st of November other unions re- 
corded their votes against the measure ; but subordinates which 
refused to ratify, all told, numbered, so far as my information 
extends, only thirty-three. These statements being facts, it may 
be matter for surprise my determination not to make proclama- 
tion of the ratification of the measures, but to refer them to this 
session of the National Union for your consideration. This 
determination was arrived at in consequence of fear on my part 
that an attempt to enforce the measures would result in the dis- 
integration of the Typographical Union organization ; a fear 
created by the very emphatic language of protestation used by 
the unions which do not favor either a uniform constitution or 
a fund law. As these unions (among them Cincinnati, Phila- 
delphia and New Orleans Unions) are strong and influential, 

229 



History of The Typographical Union 

and were apparently anxious to enter the arena of controversy if 
their wishes were not complied with, and being unwilling to en- 
gage in the conflict to which invitation had been extended, I 
came to the determination that it was my duty to refer the cause 
of dissatisfaction in these subordinates to the calm consideration 
of this honorable body. 

The entire matter of the new constitution, the proposed 
uniform constitution for subordinate unions, and the act 
creating a defense fund, were considered by the conven- 
tion as in committee of the whole and were finally dis- 
posed of, so far as this convention was concerned, by the 
adoption of the following resolution, as amended : 

Resolved, That the several instruments known as the consti- 
tution of the International Typographical Union of North 
America, and the uniform constitution for subordinate unions 
be considered as having been regularly offered at this session, 
and that the same be spread upon the minutes and lie over 
for action at the next annual session, in conformity with the 
provisions of existing laws. 

Change of Name — The amendment covered the sub- 
stitution of the word "International" in place of "Na- 
tional," so that the new instrument, if adopted, would 
be the "Constitution of the International Typographical 
Union of North America." The vote on the resolution 
was practically unanimous, seventy delegates being 
recorded in the affirmative and but three in the negative. 

Secretary -Treasurer's Report — The report of the 
secretary-treasurer dealt largely with the financial affairs 
of the organization and the efforts made to straighten 
out the affairs of delinquent unions. 

Charters Issued, Reissued and Surrendered — Charters 
were issued during the year to Ottawa, Ont. ; Newark, 
N. J. ; New Albany, Ind. ; Vicksburg, Miss. ; Easton, Pa. ; 
Hudson County, N. J. ; Virginia City, Mont. ; Newbern, 
N. C. ; Newburgh, N. Y. ; Knoxville, Tenn. ; Scranton, Pa. ; 
and Atchison, Kan. Charters were reissued to Cleveland, 

230 






Convention at Washington, 1868 

Ohio, and Charleston, S. C. Omaha, Neb. ; Selma, Ala., 
and Brooklyn, N. Y., disbanded during the year. 

Convict Labor — Eight Hours — Copyright Law — 
The action of the legislature of the state of New York in 
annulling an agreement giving printing contracts to 
state prisons, to be performed by convicts, was com- 
mended by the National Union, and a resolution demand- 
ing that eight hours should constitute a day's work in 
all government shops, navy yards, etc., received favorable 
consideration. The enactment of an international copy- 
right law received attention at the hands of delegates, 
it being the prevailing opinion at the time that the pass- 
age of such a law would place the publishing business of 
the country in the control of a few houses, in so far as 
the works of foreign authors were concerned, and would 
be destructive of the larger interests engaged in the pub- 
lication of those works in popular form and at prices that 
put them within the reach of the masses of the people. 
High Cost of Living — Delegate A. T. Cavis, Colum- 
bia Typographical Union No. 101, appointed at the 
previous session to inquire into the causes of the high 
prices of the necessities of life, made the following report, 
which was adopted by the convention : 

Washington, June 1, 1868. 
To the National Typographical Union of North America. 

At the fifteenth annual session of the National Typograph- 
ical Union a resolution was adopted raising a committee to 
inquire into the causes of the high prices prevailing for all 
the necessaries of life, and the consequent unremunerative rates 
of wages, and asking the suggestion of a remedy therefor. 

The undersigned, having been appointed said committee, 
respectfully reports : 

At the time this subject was introduced it was thought the 
inquiry might not only very properly be instituted, but that 
its discussion could be conducted in such temper and manner 
as not to trench on party politics — a result most desirable if any 

231 



History of The Typographical Union 

good to workingmen is to result or any impressive effect is de- 
signed upon the minds of the great producing classes of the 
country. 

Closer scrutiny of the subject, however, has satisfied the un- 
dersigned that the time has not yet arrived for a full and free 
discussion of these matters, although the evils complained of, 
and everywhere existing, are still bearing with heavy hand upon 
every man whose daily toil supplies his daily wants. 

To discharge this duty faithfully, in the judgment of the 
undersigned, the forms of the public debt, expanded national 
paper currency, taxation, direct and indirect, the banking system, 
and suspension of specie payments, collections of the revenues, 
appropriations for the public service, the land system — in short, 
the entire financial legislation of the country, must be brought 
under review. 

That such a number of subjects can be discussed with hope 
of unity of thought and conclusion in a body like this is not to 
be expected, composed, as it is, of representatives from all parts 
of the country, and holding different opinions on all these 
topics. 

As, therefore, no practical good can issue from the further 
consideration of the subject, the undersigned prefers to leave 
the order unexecuted, rather than, at this juncture in working- 
men's affairs and national politics, risk the introduction into 
this body of matters on which some unity of opinion can not 
be secured, when so many subjects vital to each delegate and 
the unions here represented claim attention. 

With these reasons for the non-performance of the duty, the 
undersigned respectfully asks to be discharged from the further 
consideration of the subject. Respectfully submitted, 

A. T. Cavis. 

Visit to United States Capitol — On the third day of 
the session a communication was received from Speaker 
Colfax of the house of representatives, enclosing a note 
from General Michler, custodian of the capitol building, 
stating that the dome of the capitol would be lighted up 
at 8:30 o'clock P. M., in honor of the delegates and 
visitors, and inviting the union as a body to visit and 
inspect the capitol. The invitation was accepted and a 

232 




JOHN H. OBERLY, Cairo, III. 

President National Typographical Union 

Tune 4, 1866 -June 1, 1868 



Convention at Washington, 1868 

recess was declared to permit delegates and their friends 
to inspect the building. 

National Labor Union — Albert H. Brown, who had 
been chosen at the previous convention to represent the 
National Union at the session of the National Labor 
Union, held at Chicago in 1867, submitted a compre- 
hensive report of the proceedings of that body, following 
which, in compliance with a written request from the 
National Labor Union, President McKechnie and former 
Secretary Troup were chosen to represent the National 
Typographical Union in said body at its next annual 
gathering. 

Artemus Ward Memorial — At the previous session of 
the National Union a resolution had been adopted recom- 
mending that a popular subscription be raised through 
subordinate unions for the purpose of creating a fund to 
erect a monument in honor of the memory of Charles F. 
Browne (Artemus Ward). Approximately $1,000 was 
raised. It was ordered that the officers consult with the 
mother of Artemus Ward and with Horace Greeley, his 
executor, and report to the next convention some accept- 
able plan for the disposition of the fund. 

Amnesty — A proposition to extend a general amnesty 
to all non-union printers, and the matter of organization 
work was left in the hands of the officers, with power 
to act. 

National Executive Committee, 1868 — The president 
announced the national executive committee for the 
ensuing year, as follows : 

William Bodenhamer, Indianapolis; John W. Wharton, Philadelphia; N. F. 
Vaughan, Cincinnati; Thomas Willard, Albany; William H. Paul, Columbus; 
John Vincent, New York; John Loughrey, Pittsburgh; David J. Hayden, St. 
Louis; W. H. Featherston, Buffalo; T. C. Tracie, Louisville; J. B. Synnott, 
Memphis; William H. Hitchcock, Baltimore; William O'Meara, Boston; John 
Ferguson, Harrisburg; Samuel E. Pinta, Chicago; William Brisbin, New Or- 
leans; John Mc Vicar, Detroit; J. J. McDaniel, Nashville; J. F. Brown, San 
Francisco; L. F. Bruner, Dubuque; Joseph Hollman, Milwaukee; T. E. Owens, 
Petersburg; James F. Risk, Mobile; John H. Stoner, Galveston; T. P. Snyder, 

233 



History of The Typographical Union 

Peoria; M. T. Lamar, Montgomery, Ala.; E. A. Willcox, Providence; James T. 
Wells, Columbia, S. C; H. M. Fairchild, Evansville; J. McGill, Jackson, Miss.; 
Thomas P. Vale, Savannah; J. N. Davis, Grand Rapids; H. C. Patchen, St. 
Joseph; L. P. Ashby, Augusta; J. D. Parry, Charleston, S. C; J. W. Dick- 
inson, Leavenworth; G. N. Parker, Sacramento; Samuel H. Harris, New 
Haven; T. C. Wilkinson, Atlanta; H. M. Hullett, Denver; A. Coburn, Burling- 
ton; Ezra Stillman, Troy; J. J. Smith, Cleveland; J. C. Marcom, Raleigh; 
Lewis H. Edgar, Syracuse; S. J. Rigler, Dayton; R. S. Russell, Quincy; 
William Cochran, Springfield; Edmund Miles, Cambridge; A. S. Clover, Utica; 
Charles Coughling, Toledo; Harry C. Smith, Lafayette; S. C. Leonard, Washoe, 
Nev.; George W. Blair, Oswego; G. P. Penfold, Lockport; F. Kemper, Lan- 
caster; Charles B. Yard, Trenton; Robert Quinn, Hartford; S. H. Dodge, 
Lawrence, Kan.; William Morrin, Cairo; C. H. Ford, Portland, Me.; John M. 
Glazier, Erie; J. W. Campbell, Fort Wayne; William F. Hamilton, Wheeling; 
W. Lea, Kansas City; Louis E. Hough, Alexandria; Charles Pritchard, Macon; 
W. A. Edwards, Norfolk; James W. Golledge, Houston; J. J. Garver, Hanni- 
bal; John T. Vannerson, Richmond; Joseph Benson, Toronto; W. B. Calhoun, 
Little Rock; J. S. Schepmoes, Poughkeepsie; Carl B. Zander, Allentown; J. H. 
Morrison, Helena, Mont.; P. A. Crossby, Montreal; James S. DeLand, Jackson, 
Mich.; Amos B. Cranston, Norwich; John S. Judd, Washington, D. C. ; C. W. 
Mitchell, Ottawa; Samuel Toombes, Newark; G. H. Knapp, New Albany; 
George W. Rodgers, Vicksburg; T. B. Strickland, Easton; William Davison, 
Hudson County, N. J. ; D. S. Stanley, Virginia City, Nev. ; . G. E. Allen, New- 
bern, N. C; William Mclntire, Newburgh, N. Y.; J. W. Mills, Knoxville, 
Tenn. ; Robert Holmes, Scranton. 

Officers, 1868 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : Robert McKechnie, New York, presi- 
dent; Gerard Stith, New Orleans, first vice-president; 
George W. McDonald, Chicago, second vice-president; 
John Collins, Cincinnati, secretary-treasurer; William 
Turner, Philadelphia, corresponding secretary. 

Albany, N. Y., was chosen as the meeting place for 
the convention of 1869. 

Convention at Albany 

[1869] — Passing of the National Typographical 
Union — New Constitution- — The convention of 1869, 
held at Albany, N. Y., marked the passing of the National 
Typographical Union. This convention adopted the 
new constitution offered by former President Oberly, 
although the instrument as finally accepted was modified 
in many respects in order to comply with the sentiment 
prevailing at that time, which permitted subordinate 
unions to enjoy, practically, local autonomy. 

234 



Convention at Albany, 1869 

Women's Unions — The new constitution provided 
that female printers might be granted charters in any city 
where the application was approved by the subordinate 
union of male members. It was provided, however, that 
female organizations should be subject to the same restric- 
tions in regard to scales of prices as male unions estab- 
lished within the jurisdiction of their organizations, and 
it was also provided that women be permitted to join any 
subordinate union in places where female unions did not 
and could not exist from local and definite causes. 

Proxy Delegates — By the terms of the new constitu- 
tion, proxy delegates were no longer recognized. The 
custom of permitting ex-delegates, who, under the law, 
were designated as permanent members, the right to a 
seat in conventions was continued, it being provided, 
however, that ex-delegates should not be allowed to vote, 
or make a motion, or be elected to office. 

The practice of selecting officers at the first session 
of the convention was also continued in spite of a 
vigorous effort to postpone the election until the last day 
of the week. 

Representation — The new constitution also changed 
the law regulating representation in the National body, 
it being provided that unions having 100 members or 
less should be entitled to one delegate; more than 100 
and less than 500 members, two delegates; more than 500 
and less than 1,000, three delegates; 1,000 or any greater 
number of members, four delegates, each delegate being 
entitled to one vote. 

Per Capita Tax — An effort to increase the per capita 
tax from 25 cents a year to 50 cents was defeated. 

Birth of International Typographical Union — The 
by-laws of the National Typographical Union were 
accepted practically without change, and the new constitu- 
tion and by-laws of the International Typographical 

235 



History of The Typographical Union 

Union were adopted by a vote of 69 ayes, 16 noes, and 
thus, on Friday, June II, 1869, the National Typograph- 
ical Union passed out of existence, and the present 
organization, the International Typographical Union of 
North America, had its birth. One hundred and twenty 
unions, in all, had been chartered by the old organization 
and the membership in good standing, according to the 
secretary's report, was 7,563. 

President's Report — The report of Robert McKechnie, 
the last president of the old organization, was a brief 
document. Numerous strikes occurred during the year, 
six of which were reported to the National president. Sev- 
eral subordinate unions, however, did not give official 
notice to the National officers of difficulties in their 
jurisdictions. In one or two instances the strikes were 
successful, but as a rule these ventures proved disastrous 
through lack of funds and the absence of any authority 
on the part of the National organization to interfere 
before the trouble started. 

Charters Surrendered — The president reported that 
two unions had dissolved during the year — Knoxville 
No. in, and Virginia City No. 108. 

General Amnesty — Reporting on the general amnesty 
proposition, which was referred to the officers by the 
previous convention, with full power to act. President 
McKechnie transmitted a copy of a letter sent out to 
subordinate unions in which amnesty was granted to all 
printers, whether expelled, suspended or otherwise pun- 
ished for faults committed, setting apart a period of three 
months — September, October and November, 1868 — in 
which applications would be received and accepted by 
all subordinate unions. Apparently only a few of the 
subordinate unions gave serious attention to the presi- 
dent's proclamation of amnesty, as but I j6 applications 
were received and acted upon throughout the entire 

236 



Convention at Albany, 1869 

jurisdiction, 1 70 of these applications being made in the 
city of New York. 

National Fund, etc. — The proposition to adopt a 
uniform constitution for subordinate unions and the act 
to create a national fund were apparently lost sight of 
in this convention, although these matters may have been 
discussed in committee of the whole. 

Springfield (III.) Union Disrupted — In reviewing the 
condition of various subordinate unions, the president 
referred to an unfortunate schism that had occurred in 
the Springfield (111.) Union in which two parties claimed 
to be the union. It seemed that the system of sub-con- 
tracting for state printing led to the work being con- 
tracted for at a less sum than the scale, and by members of 
the union, among whom was the president of the organ- 
ization. At the regular meeting held November 28, 1868, 
these members were expelled. On the other side it was 
claimed that sub-contracting had been carried on in 
Springfield for some years ; that members had the right 
to do so at any rate they chose, provided they paid the 
union scale, and that the crime — if any attached to it — 
could be justified by the purest motives, as the object in 
taking the contract was simply to keep up the wages of 
the compositors, a demand having been made by the pro- 
prietors of the State Register on the foreman (one of the 
contractors) for a reduction. The parties expelled from 
the union on the 28th of November, having possession of 
the seal and charter, held a meeting and expelled those 
who expelled them ; consequently there were two unions, 
or rather no union at all, in Springfield. Frank Hudson, 
jr., was president of the party that expelled the sub- 
contractors, and James M. Higgins of the other. The 
National president was appealed to by both for official 
recognition as the bona fide union ; but as a recognition 
of either would only have resulted in an appeal to the 

237 



History of The Typographical Union 

National Union by the other, and as a great deal of bitter- 
ness had been engendered, it was deemed best to refer the 
whole matter to the convention. 

The committee to which this case was referred, after 
investigation, submitted the following report, which was 
concurred in by the union : 

The committee believe that inasmuch as the parties were ex- 
pelled without a fair trial, the charges having been made, con- 
sidered, and sentence passed at the same meeting, the expulsion 
was not legal. Subordinate unions should be careful how they 
hastily brand their members with a stigma that may be difficult 
to remove. The practice of evading the law by taking contracts, 
and other subterfuges, by which men work for less than the 
scale of prices, is deemed reprehensible, and the parties thereto 
are censurable for their conduct in being identified with such a 
transaction. The first party, who had expelled these men, sub- 
sequently resorted to the same means which they had denounced, 
to undermine and defeat their opponents, by offering to take the 
same work at twenty-eight cents, two cents less than was re- 
ceived by those whom they had denounced. But to detail the 
case would make this report interminable. Suffice it to say that 
much principle and much interest was sacrificed in the war of 
these factions, all of which might have been avoided by a little 
conciliation, and the regulation of the scale to suit the locality. 

The committee recommend that all the parties who have 
been denounced by the respective bodies claiming jurisdiction 
be restored to their former honorable standing, because the 
action by which they were severally branded was totally invalid. 
The committee would also recommend that the printers of 
Springfield be requested to cast aside their differences, unite 
with a patriotic desire to benefit themselves and the craft gen- 
erally, and go harmoniously to work under the charter orig- 
inally granted them. 

The union which Mr. James Higgins claims to represent, 
being in possession of the charter, and in other respects legally 
organized, your committee recommend that he be admitted as 
the delegate from Springfield Union No. 60. 

Unsatisfactory Conditions in Boston — Passing from 
the Springfield case, the president called attention to the 

238 



Convention at Albany, 1869 

unsatisfactory conditions existing in Boston, which had 
been referred to at the previous convention. A committee 
appointed by the convention to investigate conditions in 
the eastern states, reported: "There is no such thing 
as awakening them to a sense of their duty. The animosity 
existing among the members of the union against those 
who so disgracefully forsook them four years ago is but 
little abated, and nothing but the most'superhuman efforts 
on the part of outsiders will bring about good feeling in 
Boston again." It was suggested that the holding of 
the next convention of the National Union in Boston 
would have a beneficial effect in bringing about a better 
state of affairs. It was reported that Cambridge Union 
had again raised itself to its former high standard and 
that there were only five non-union printers in the city 
at that time. The union had obtained an increase in 
wages and prospects were good for a long career of 
prosperity. This state of affairs, it was reported, had 
been chiefly brought about by a spirit of leniency toward 
the erring members and of moderation in the demands of 
the union. 

Negro Members — The question of admitting negroes 
as members of the International Union was brought 
before the convention by the delegates from Washington, 
D. C, by the introduction of the following resolution: 

Whereas printers, as other workmen, should be engaged 
solely on account of competency, and not for the individual 
views, religious or political, they may entertain ; therefore, be it 

Resolved (as an expression of the sentiments of the National 
Union on the subject), That the conductor of any printing 
house, be it governmental or individual, who makes religious 
or political sentiment a test of fitness for employment, is de- 
serving of censure, and his course in that regard should meet 
the united opposition of the craft. 

Further resolved, That the wanton attempt of the congres- 
sional printer to force upon Columbia Typographical Union 

239 



History of The Typographical Union 

No. IOI L. H. Douglas, an avowed rat, meets our unqualified 
condemnation, and that we deem it the duty of Columbia Union 
to resist the attempted outrage, and shall firmly sustain them in 
so doing. 

While nothing in the resolution refers to the admission 
of negroes, it was a well-known fact that L. H. Douglas 
was a negro. After a spirited discussion and several roll 
call votes on proposed amendments, the resolutions were 
passed by a vote of 48 to 37. As a matter of record, 
however, Douglas was admitted to membership by Wash- 
ington Union at a later period. 

National Executive Committee, 1869 — The president 
appointed the following national executive committee : 

M. H. Halpin, Indianapolis; James Beatty, Philadelphia; E. F. Bigler, 
Cincinnati; George W. Quackenbush, Albany; Will Eaton, Columbus; Charles 
H. McPherson, New York; George W. Greene, Pittsburgh; Joseph N. Barker, 
St. Louis; R. B. Lyon, Buffalo; John King, Louisville; Henry Moode, Mem- 
phis; Michael H. Doyle, Baltimore; Charles A. Young, Boston; George W. 
Osier, Harrisburg; John C. Shea, Chicago; H. H. Cowles, New Orleans; Albert 
H. Rayner, Detroit; John Plaxton, Nashville; J. F. Brown, San Francisco; 
John F. Eagan, Dubuque; John McCulloch, Milwaukee; T. E. Owens, Peters- 
burg; James F. Risk, Mobile; John H. Stoner, Galveston; T. P. Snyder, Peoria; 
Frank L. Smith, Montgomery, Ala.; E. A. Wilcox, Providence; A. C. Morgan, 
Columbia, S. C. ; A. L. Worden, Evansville; Charles Winkley, Jackson, Miss.; 
Thomas P. Vale, Savannah; J. N. Davis, Grand Rapids; J. P. Caylor, St. Jo- 
seph; L. P. Ashby, Augusta; Thomas J. Webb, Charleston, S. C; A. R. John- 
son, Leavenworth; G. N. Parker, Sacramento; Walter C. Wells, New Haven; 
T. C. Wilkinson, Atlanta; H. M. Hallett, Denver; A. Coburn, Burlington; 
Henry Stowell, Troy; Thomas A. Stone, Cleveland; J. C. Marcom, Raleigh; 
H. A. Hawes, Syracuse; S. J. Rigler, Dayton; E. M. Broughton, Quincy; 
Frank Hudson, jr., Springfield, 111.; J. C. Brown, Cambridge; B. R. Ketche- 
son, Utica; Charles M. Berry, Toledo; Harry C. Smith, Lafayette; S. C. 
Leonard, Washoe, Nev. ; Hiram P. Warner, Oswego; G. P. Penfold, Lockport; 
F. Kemper, Lancaster; Matthew S. Austin, Trenton; George N. Deway, Hart- 
ford; S. H. Dodge, Lawrence, Kan.; John H. Oberly, Cairo; C. H. Ford, 
Portland, Me.; James Hendricks, Erie; J. W. Campbell, Fort Wayne; William 
F. Hamilton, Wheeling; Royal C. Gould, Kansas City; G. T. Whittington, 
Alexandria; Charles Pritchard, Macon; W. A. Edwards, Norfolk; James W. 
Golledge, Houston; J. J. Garver, Hannibal; J. B. Renauld, Richmond; Edward 
Ward, Toronto; W. B. Calhoun, Little Rock; J. S. Schepmoes, Poughkeepsie; 
T. H. Diehl, Allentown; J. H. Morrison, Helena, Mont.; William Wilson, 
Montreal; James S. DeLand, Jackson, Mich.; William H. Hovey, Norwich; 
J. T. Halleck, Washington, D. C. ; C. W. Mitchell, Ottawa; James O. Smith, 
Newark; G. H. Knapp, New Albany; George W. Rodgers, Vicksburg; T. B. 
Strickland, Easton ; M. Russell, Hudson County, N. J.; D. S. Stanley, Vir- 
ginia City, Nev.; G. E. Allen, Newbern, N. C. ; William Mclntire, Newburgh, 
N. Y. ; J. Martin, Knoxville, Tenn. ; Frank Orchard, Scranton; J. H. Van 
Keuren, Springfield, Mass. 

240 










ROBERT McKECHNIE, New York 

President National Typographical Union 

June i, 1868- June 8, 1869 



Convention at Albany, 1869 

. Officers, 1869 — Isaac D. George, Nashville, Term., 
was elected first president of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. Other officers chosen at the same time 
were P. A. Crossby, Montreal, first vice-president; W. R. 
Goodnough, Hartford, second vice-president; John 
Collins, Cincinnati, secretary-treasurer; W. A. Shields, 
Philadelphia, corresponding secretary. 

At the close of the evening session on the fifth day the 
convention adjourned to meet in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 
the first Monday in June, 1870. 



241 



International Typographical 
Union 










/' 









MISS AUGUSTA LEWIS, New York 

(Mrs. Alexander Troup, New Haven, Conn.) 

Corresponding Secretary International Typographical Union 

June 6, 1870 -June 5, 1871 



Conventions of the 

International Typographical Union 

from 1870 to 1888 

(inclusive) 

THIS chapter will include the conventions held at 
Cincinnati, 1870; Baltimore, 1871 ; Richmond, 1872; 
Montreal, 1873; St. Louis, 1874; Boston, 1875; Phila- 
delphia, 1876; Louisville, 1877; Detroit, 1878; Washing- 
ton, 1879; Chicago, 1880; Toronto, 1881 ; St. Louis, 
1882; Cincinnati, 1 883; New Orleans, 1884; New York, 
1885; Pittsburgh, 1886; Buffalo, 1887, and Kansas City, 
1888, covering the administrations of Presidents Isaac 
D. George, W. J. Hammond, W. R. McLean, William 
H. Bodwell, Walter W. Bell, John McVicar, D. R. 
Streeter, John Armstrong, Samuel Haldeman, William 
P. Atkinson, George Clark, M. L. Crawford, M. R. H. 
Witter and William Aimison. 

This period covers the early history of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, when its policies and prac- 
tices were similar in nearly every respect to the policies 
and practices of the National Typographical Union. 

The convention in Kansas City in 1888, through the 
plan of reorganization carried out by that body, marked 
the beginning of the end of the policy of almost absolute 
local autonomy and the commencement of the work of 
building up a strong, centralized union government. 

Convention at Cincinnati 

[1870] — Cincinnati First Meeting Place — On June 6, 
1870, eighteen years, one month and a day after the Na- 
tional Typographical Union was organized in Cincinnati, 
the union opened its first session as an International body 

245 



History of The Typographical Union 

in the same city. For the purposes of this history, and in 
order to maintain the sequence of the many conventions, 
this first convention of the International Typographical 
Union will be designated as the eighteenth session, it 
having followed the seventeenth session of the old 
organization. 

Delegates representing fifty-nine unions, including 
Women's Typographical Union No. I of New York city, 
were present at the opening session. 

Officers, i8jo — First Woman Elected to Office — 
After receiving the report of the committee on creden- 
tials, the delegates proceeded to the election of officers for 
the ensuing year. William J. Hammond of New Orleans 
was elected president; Thomas Willard, Albany, N. Y., 
first vice-president; John H. O'Donnell, Boston, second 
vice-president; John Collins, Cincinnati, secretary-treas- 
urer, and Miss Augusta Lewis, New York, corresponding 
secretary. Miss Lewis was the first woman ever honored 
by election to an International office. 

General Prosperity — Charters — The fiscal year, 
1 869- 1 8 70, apparently, was one of general prosperity to 
the craft. Charters were reissued to Rochester No. 1 5 ; 
St. Paul No. 30; Stockton, Cal., No. 56; Wilmington, 
Del., No. 82, and Knoxville, Tenn., No. ill, and 21 new 
unions were organized, increasing the membership to a 
total of 9,425. 

Government Printing Office — President George, in 
his address, speaking of prevailing conditions in the 
government printing office at Washington, said that 
information had come to him from many honorable 
sources that the conduct of the government printing office 
was not only an outrage upon every journeyman printer 
in the land but a disgrace to the American people. No 
printer, however accomplished as a craftsman, could hold 
a situation in the nation's printing office if his political 

246 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1870 

views did not accord with those of the congressional 
printer. Many who were born within sight of the 
national capitol, some of whom had assisted to put in 
type the messages to congress of every president from 
General Jackson to the then honored chief magistrate, 
had been discharged to make room for men recommended 
by members of congress, many of whom were utterly 
incompetent as printers, their only qualification consisting 
in their support, as publishers of country newspapers, of 
the congressmen by whose recommendation they obtained 
the situations. The convention was strongly urged to 
take some action, it being held that if the congressional 
printer persisted in making a printer's political faith the 
test of his qualification for employment in the office under 
his control, a petition for his removal should be sent to 
congress signed by every workingman in the United 
States. 

In concluding, President George said that if the ques- 
tion were properly represented to the vice-president of 
the nation, Schuyler Colfax, whose fingers were not unfa- 
miliar with the touch of the stick and rule, his influence 
might be enlisted to abolish the abuse complained of. 

Business in the South — Business in the south and 
southwest was gradually recovering from the depression 
consequent upon the war. Trade in all sections of the 
country was good, except on the Pacific coast. In the lat- 
ter section each union had reduced its scale of prices, con- 
sequent upon the large influx of printers made possible by 
the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. San 
Francisco Union passed a resolution authorizing its mem- 
bers to accept work wherever they could find it, in fair or 
unfair offices, provided they received the established 
price. This condition of affairs was not confined to San 
Francisco, but extended to other jurisdictions throughout 
the state. 

247 



History of The Typographical Union 

Strikes — Strikes occurred during the year in Toledo, 
Ohio; Leavenworth, Kan.; Pittsburgh, Evansville, Cin- 
cinnati; Kansas City, and St. Joseph, Mo., all of which 
were unsuccessful. 

Organizing Canada — Peter A. Crossby, of Montreal, 
Quebec, first vice-president, submitted an interesting re- 
port, outlining in detail the work accomplished by him in 
the Canadian provinces. Through his efforts Ottawa 
Union was reorganized and charters were issued to Ham- 
ilton and London, Ont, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 
jurisdiction of the International Union was thus estab- 
lished in each province of the new dominion by four 
unions in Ontario, one in Quebec, one in New Brunswick 
and one in Nova Scotia. 

Negro Members — In the annual report of the presi- 
dent considerable space was devoted to the question of ad- 
mitting negro members into the union. The matter was 
referred to a special committee. This committee later sub- 
mitted a report to the effect that it was a subject of sin- 
cere regret that the negro question was ever introduced 
into the International Union, it being the committee's be- 
lief that it would be assuming an arbitrary power for the 
International Union to legislate as to the color of printers 
seeking admission as members of subordinate unions. It 
was, therefore, decided that the question of admitting or 
rejecting negro printers be left entirely to the discretion 
of subordinate unions. 

Home for Disabled Printers — A delegate representing 
Leavenworth Typographical Union, on behalf of his or- 
ganization, submitted the following proposition : 

Resolved, That our representative to the National Union 
be, and he is hereby, instructed to present to that body a plan 
for the establishment of a Home for disabled printers, and urge 
the adoption of some action having that object in view. 

In accordance with the above resolution, which was unani- 
mously adopted, the undersigned begs leave to submit to your 
248 




ISAAC D. GEORGE, Nashville 

President International Typographical Union 

June 8, 1869 -June 6, 1870 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1870 

honorable body the following, and prays that action may be 
taken thereon at the present session of the International Union : 

That a tax of two dollars be levied on each printer within 
the jurisdiction of the National Union, to raise a fund for the 
purpose of establishing a home for disabled printers ; the money 
to be expended in the purchase of from three to six hundred 
acres of land, and the erection thereon of a suitable building or 
buildings, the money so raised to be placed in the hands of 
five trustees (responsible practical printers) until a sufficient 
amount accumulates to accomplish the purpose designated. The 
Home to be located as near as practicable in a central portion 
of the United States. 

It is suggested that the Home should be established in the 
name of the National Union, and carried on by a board of 
trustees under the direction and control of that body, the object 
being to have a comfortable place to which worn-out printers 
could retire and spend the evening of their days instead of 
sending them to the county poor houses, and finally filling 
paupers' graves, as too frequently occurs. 

This plan contemplates the employment of a resident phy- 
sician, the establishment of a library, and the employment of 
those able to work in healthful agricultural and horticultural 
labor. 

It is also suggested that the secretaries of the local unions 
be authorized, as financial agents, to collect the tax of two 
dollars from each member of their subordinate union, the 
amounts to be transmitted quarterly to the chairman of the 
board of trustees. 

The proposition was referred to a special committee for 
investigation. The committee reported that the plan of- 
fered was impracticable at that time, and the convention 
concurred in this opinion. 

Postal Abuses — A question that has been the cause of 
considerable agitation in recent years — the law authoriz- 
ing a return request to be printed on envelopes, and or- 
dering postmasters to return the same to the writers free 
of postage, developing an abuse by the postoffice depart- 
ment in assuming to do that printing or to have it done — 
is found to have been the subject of considerable interest 

249 



History of The Typographical Union 

to the delegates in 1870. The matter came before the con- 
vention through a communication received from a com- 
mittee representing the envelope manufacturers. The 
union at that time took a strong position in condemning 
the abuse complained of, and the convention protested to 
the committee on postal appropriations in congress against 
the further use of public moneys for such purposes. 

Bids for Printing — The secretary-treasurer, in sub- 
mitting his annual report, complained against the prac- 
tice of asking for bids on work done for the union, and 
the finance committee in making its report to the conven- 
tion recommended, and the delegates concurred in, the 
adoption of a resolution to the effect that inasmuch as the 
policy of inviting proposals for work done for the union 
was not in accordance with the principles of the organiza- 
tion, all resolutions on the books of the union tending to 
such a practice be repealed and that the matter be left to 
the discretion of the secretary-treasurer. 

Apprentices — The apprentice system, or rather the 
lack of system governing apprentices, was a fruitful sub- 
ject of debate, the question being finally disposed of by a 
recommendation to subordinate unions to endeavor to in- 
troduce a regular system of apprenticeship. 

Divided Jurisdiction — An elaborate proposition, sug- 
gesting that the international jurisdiction be divided into 
several districts, was introduced, spread upon the min- 
utes, and laid over for consideration by the delegates to 
the next convention. 

Susan B. Anthony — The delegates to the National La- 
bor Union submitted an interesting report, transmitting a 
platform adopted by that body in which there was incor- 
porated many of the political questions that have engaged 
the attention of the country in recent years. One feature 
of the National Labor Union convention was an appli- 
cation by Susan B. Anthony for admission as a delegate 

250 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1870 

to that gathering from the New York Working 
Women's Association. Her right to a seat was promptly 
challenged on the ground that she was an enemy, not only 
to the working men, but to the working women of New 
York. This statement was supported by the evidence of 
Miss Augusta Lewis, of Women's Typographical Union 
No. I. Notwithstanding, she was admitted to a seat and 
her credentials received. The following day, however, a 
delegate from New York Typographical Union demanded 
the return of his credentials if Miss Anthony were per- 
mitted to remain. This demand, backed by a large num- 
ber of trade unionists, procured a reconsideration of the 
vote by which she was admitted and her ultimate rejec- 
tion by a vote of 63 to 28. 

Pressmen — A resolution was adopted urging subordi- 
nate unions to consider the expediency of bringing into 
their organizations all pressmen working within their 
jurisdiction, and a special committee was appointed to 
urge the printers in Houston and Galveston, Tex., to re- 
organize. 

National Executive Committee, 1870 — The president 
appointed the national executive committee for the ensu- 
ing year, as follows : 

E. H. Perkins, Indianapolis; Eugene Vallette, Philadelphia; William A. 
Beasley, Cincinnati; Cornelius Halloran, Albany; Thomas Flood, Columbus, 
Ohio; Hugh F. Dalton, New York; T. A. Armstrong, Pittsburgh; George 
Clark, St. Louis; G. McK. Gatchell, Buffalo; George Beatty, Louisville; H. J. 
McGrann, Memphis; James A. Rodgers, Baltimore; George W. Bigelow, Bos- 
ton; Harry Slep, Harrisburg; A. B. McCutcheon, Chicago; T. F. Hedges, New 
Orleans; T. J. Finn, Detroit; William Dowling, Elmira; George M. Anthony, 
Nashville; Frank Smith, San Francisco; E. M. Newcomb, Dubuque; Fred 
Treyser, Milwaukee; T. E. Owens, Petersburg; R. E. Jones, Mobile; John H. 
Stoner, Galveston; T. P. Snyder, Peoria; John E. Ingles, St. Paul; A. P. 
Prince, Montgomery; John McDonald, Davenport; Henry B. Ladd, Provi- 
dence; James H. Diseke, Columbia, S. C ; John McGill, Jackson, Miss.; E. O. 
Withington, Savannah; Jacob A. Smith, Grand Rapids; H. C Patchen, St. 
Joseph; John M. Weigle, Augusta; T. C Neville, Charleston; John C Ketche- 
son, Leavenworth; George H. Kelly, Sacramento; John P. Tyrrell, New Haven; 
William H. Pittman, Atlanta; H. M. Hallett, Denver; W. C Woodward, Bur- 
lington; Thomas Wolf, Omaha; C. C. Gillies, Troy; A. A. Pomeroy, Cleveland; 
J. H. Alford, Raleigh; William R. Briggs, Syracuse; William Bidlack, Dayton; 
E. M. Broughton, Quincy; Lafayette Fisher, Springfield, 111.; George S. Ev- 

251 



History of The Typographical Union 

ans, Cambridge; George Bevan, Utica; Cyrus S. Dresser, Lafayette; John 
Booth, Washoe, Nev. ; S. D. Pierce, Oswego; G. P. Penfold, Lockport; Fred 
Kemper, Lancaster; Charles C. Yard, Trenton; Edwin Hutchins, Hartford; 
E. P. Harris, Lawrence, Kan.; John H. Oberly, Cairo; A. M. Kimball, Port- 
land, Me.; Martin Milligan, Erie; Eugene B. Smith, Fort Wayne; James Flan- 
agan, Wheeling; Isaac P. Moore, Kansas City; G. T. Whittington, Alexandria; 
S. DeF. Lines, Macon; G. A. Richardson, Hannibal; J. H. Campbell, Rich- 
mond; J. S. Williams, Toronto; W. B. Calhoun, Little Rock; C. B. Zander, 
Allentown; J. H. Morrison, Helena; Pierre Griff ard, Montreal; James S. De- 
Land, Jackson, Mich.; William H. Hovey, Norwich; G. A. R. McNeir, 
Columbia; C. W. Mitchell, Ottawa; John T. Hastings, Newark; George W. 
Smith, New Albany; William Groome, Vicksburg; T. B. Strickland, Easton; 
William T. McCarthy, Hudson County, N. J.; G. E. Allen, Newbern; William 
Mclntyre, Newburgh; A. V. Mortimer, Scranton; Ed S. Dubois, Annapolis; 
William Fuller, Deseret; Frank S. Rice, Springfield, Ohio; Edward P. Albe, 
Springfield, Mass.; F. B. Colver, Topeka; George Towey, Kalamazoo; W. B. 
Hyland, Wilmington, Del.; J. R. Flynn, Bloomington; W. H. Cliff, Hamilton, 
Ont.; Robert T. Murray, Halifax, N. S.; William T. Doty, Minisink, N. Y.; 
Daniel H. Perrine, New Brunswick; Thomas Coffey, London, Ont.; J. P. Riley, 
Rome, Ga.; Ferd. L. Spiegel, Schuylkill; S. I. Kenyon, Watertown, N. Y. ; 
C. McLaughlin, Austin, Texas; Thad. Butler, Upper Wabash Valley; Miss E. 
B. Howard, Women's Typographical Union, New York. 

Baltimore was selected as the meeting place for the next 
convention, in 1 87 1. 

Convention at Baltimore 

[1871] — When President Hammond called the nine- 
teenth convention to order at Baltimore, June 5, 1871, 
delegates were present representing seventy subordinate 
unions. 

Officers, 18 j 1 — The first business of the convention, 
the election of officers, resulted as follows : President, 
William J. Hammond, New Orleans; first vice-president, 
Michael R. Walsh, New York; second vice-president, J. 
A. Cushley, Baltimore; secretary-treasurer, John Collins, 
Cincinnati, and corresponding secretary, Fred K. Tracy, 
Chicago. 

A review of the proceedings of this convention fails to 
disclose the adoption of any propositions of vital interest 
to the craft. 

Charters Issued and Surrendered — The officers' re- 
ports show that the unions of Springfield, 111., Lexington, 
Ky., and Steubenville, Ohio, had surrendered their char- 
252 



Convention at Baltimore, 1871 

ters. Eleven charters had been issued during the year, 
although one of this number (Santa Fe No. 143) failed 
to organize. 

Strikes — Three strikes were officially reported to the 
president during the year — one at Pittsburgh, another at 
Dayton, Ohio, and one at Memphis, Tenn., the latter 
against the Memphis Sun. 

Report of Miss Lewis — The wisdom of the previous 
convention in selecting Miss Augusta Lewis as an Inter- 
national officer was justified by the report submitted by 
Miss Lewis to the Baltimore convention. It was the most 
complete document ever presented by a corresponding 
secretary up to that time. While the International presi- 
dent had only been officially notified of three strikes dur- 
ing the year, Miss Lewis presented detailed information 
of strikes in Pittsburgh, Louisville, Memphis, Savannah, 
Denver, Dayton, Ohio, and Macon, Ga. Her report also 
referred to difficulties in Kansas and California; Albany, 
New Haven and Toronto. It also contained a tabulated 
statement of a large number of subordinate unions, giving 
valuable information as to hours and wages and the state 
of trade. 

Female Labor — Speaking of female labor in the 
printing business, Miss Lewis, in her report to the con- 
vention, said that the subject needed no introduction. 
It was no longer new and no longer deemed unimportant. 
It was a subject that should be seen clearly and one which 
should not be lost in mere words, but that should be 
solved in a practical way. Woman's education to prac- 
tical labor would eventually become necessary to man's 
protection. Replying to the numerous inquiries seeking 
information how to proceed to organize female com- 
positors, Miss Lewis laid down the following rules : 
( 1 ) By explaining to women the advantages of organiza- 
tion ; (2) by convincing them that it will not interfere 

253 



History of The Typographical Union 

with their chances of a home; (3) by showing them that 
it is a course for which they could not be ridiculed by 
any right-thinking person. These three arguments were 
deemed sufficient to cover the objections of the majority 
of women to organization among their sex. 

Referring to her efforts to organize female compositors 
in Boston, Miss Lewis said: ''Hoping to stimulate the 
women into action by opening an office where none but 
union girls would be employed and the full price would 
be paid, I wrote to Mrs. Livermore, of the Women's 
Advocate, asking the owners of that paper to adopt such 
a course. Her answer was courteous but unsatisfactory, 
and I . regret to say no practical assistance can be ob- 
tained from that 'women's rights' organ for the work- 
ing women." 

Regarding conditions in New York city and the prog- 
ress of Women's Typographical Union No. 1, Miss Lewis 
said : 

"A year ago last January, Typographical Union No. 6 
passed a resolution 'admitting union girls in offices under 
control of No. 6.' Since that time we have never obtained 
a situation that we could not have obtained had we never 
heard of a 'union.' We refuse to take the men's situations 
when they are on 'strikes,' and when there is no strike, 
if we ask for work in union offices, we are told by union 
foremen 'that there are no conveniences for us.' We are 
ostracized in many offices because we are members of the 
union ; and although the principle is right, the disad- 
vantages are so many that we can not much longer hold 
together, and I trust our want of success will be attrib- 
uted to the true cause. The members of the executive 
council for No. 1 state that no progress has been made 
during the past year. Women receive forty cents for all 
kinds of work. A 'strike' among them would prove dis- 
astrous. The Fireside Companion, of New York, is the 

254 



Convention at Baltimore, 1871 

only office in that city which will employ none but union 
girls. It is the general opinion of female compositors 
that they are more justly treated by what is technically 
known as 'rat' foremen, printers, and employers than they 
are by union men. Although my own experience is 
diametrically opposite to this, I must say, with regret, 
that union men are throwing a power in the hands of 
their opponents which those do not fail to recognize 
and use to their own advantage. There is an office em- 
ploying union men in New York; that office boasts a 
branch known as the 'Women's Printing Office.' I believe 
well-known authoresses patronize this office, intending 
to help female compositors; yet every injustice pos- 
sible is suffered by women compositors on account of 
that office. In three weeks fifteen learners were taken in 
that office. I am informed that over one hundred girls 
were taught the rudiments of typesetting in that office 
in one year. No. 6, by letter, was informed of the injus- 
tice we were suffering, as these learners got all the fat, 
all the reprint, and the experienced workers got all the 
objectionable matter. We received no official information 
as to the disposition of our communication. Learning 
to which committee it had been referred, we sent word 
to them, asking their co-operation. No notice has been 
taken of it. 

"In spite of all this, I would not have it understood 
that No. 6 and No. 1, of New York, are in a state of 
warfare; such is not the case. No. 1 is indebted to No. 6 
for great assistance, but so long as we are refused work 
because of sex we are at the mercy of our employers, and 
I can see no way out of our difficulties. Hoping the 
advocates of 'women's rights' would place us on a 'finan- 
cial equality' with men, I waited on Theodore Tilton, 
of the Golden Age. He promised to pay the same wages 
to women as men. On further inquiry, I learn men in 

255 



History of The Typographical Union 

his office are working under price. As he has promised 
to do 'whatever is right,' I hope we can persuade him to 
see 'right' in the same light as we do. I also waited on 
the proprietors of the Revolution, who have solemnly 
promised, when their present contract expires, to have 
the Revolution a union office, paying the full scale alike 
to men and women." 

National Labor Congress — The delegates to the Na- 
tional Labor Congress, held in Cincinnati, 1870, sub- 
mitted a brief report as follows : 

Cincinnati, Ohio, May 25, 1871. 

To the Officers and Members of the International Typograph- 
ical Union \ 

Gentlemen and Ladies : The undersigned, delegates 
from your body in the Labor Congress held in Cincinnati, 
August, 1870, report that we attended said Labor Congress 
from the opening to the close of the session, and failed to dis- 
cover anything in the proceedings, with the exception of the 
report of the committee on obnoxious laws, that would entitle 
the congress to representation from a purely trade organization. 
The congress was made up of delegates, with few exceptions, 
who openly avowed the object to be the formation of a politi- 
cal party. Played-out politicians, lobbyists, woman-suffragans, 
preachers without flocks, representatives of associations in which 
politics are made a qualification for membership, and de- 
claimers on the outrages perpetrated on poor Lo, formed the 
major part of the congress. The session was one of continuous 
confusion, in which personalities abounded, and charges and 
counter-charges were made of attempts to run it in the interest 
of both the old political parties. The only thing accomplished 
was the formation of the Labor Reform party, and the adoption 
of a platform announcing its principles. 

John Collins, 
Harry P. Temple, 

Delegates. 

Fast Typesetting — The publishers of "The Printer," 
official organ of the International Union, having offered 

256 



Convention at Baltimore, 1871 

prizes in a competitive contest among members of the 
union for fast composition, a committee was appointed to 
make awards. George Arensberg, of Philadelphia, won 
the first prize, having set 1,822 ems of solid nonpareil 
in one hour. W. A. Edwards, of Norfolk; James A. But- 
ler, of Little Rock, and Richard McLean, of Philadelphia, 
were awarded second, third and fourth prizes. Other 
contestants were William Doblebower, of Lafayette; 
Michael Corcoran, J. Harper and William S. Humphreys, 
of Montreal; T. Ryan, of Cincinnati; D. T. Dailey and 
H. Manning, of Scranton, Pa. 

Jurisdiction Over Pressmen — Among the resolutions 
adopted by the delegates was one to the effect that the 
introduction of steam power into the printing business, 
having divided the industry into two permanent and dis- 
tinct branches, it was imperative, in order to keep abreast 
of the times, that subordinate unions take the most effect- 
ive means within their power to bring both branches of 
the business under the jurisdiction of the International 
by admitting to membership, on equal terms, all regular 
pressmen. It was also ordered that the jurisdiction of 
each subordinate union should extend half way between 
its own location and the location of the nearest adjoining 
union. 

Arbitration — Another resolution, favoring arbitration, 
was adopted, as follows : 

Whereas experience has demonstrated the pernicious effects 
of strikes upon business generally, resulting disastrously (even 
when seemingly most successful) to the interests of both jour- 
neyman and employer ; therefore, 

Be it resolved, That this International Union urgently 
recommend to subordinate unions the settlement of all dis- 
putes, arising by reason of any increase or reduction in the 
scale of prices, by arbitration. 

Traveling Printers — The custom of advancing money 
to traveling printers and endorsing the amount on the 

257 



History of The Typographical Union 

backs of their cards was condemned, and subordinate 
unions were requested to discontinue the practice. 

All Unions Furnished New I. T. U. Charters — It was 
also ordered that all unions chartered by the National 
Typographical Union be furnished with new charters, 
establishing their subordination to the International 
Union. 

District Unions — The unfinished business left over 
from the previous convention was disposed of, including 
a proposed plan for district unions, which was defeated 
by a vote of 5 ayes, 73 noes. 

Per Capita Tax Reduced — An amendment to the con- 
stitution reducing the per capita tax from 25 cents to 20 
cents a year was adopted. 

Membership — The report of the committee on returns 
showed a total of 149 charters issued and a membership 
of 10,210, of which 8,725 were in good standing. 

Negro Question — The negro question again presented 
itself through resolutions passed by Columbia Typo- 
graphical Union No. 101, instructing its delegates to 
introduce a resolution expunging from the minutes all 
record of the action taken in regard to L. H. Douglas 
at the previous convention. This proposition met with 
defeat, it being held that the delegates to the nineteenth 
session had no authority to alter the minutes of any 
preceding convention. Several attempts were made 
during the week to have the delegates reconsider the 
action of the previous convention, disposing of the negro 
question, but all attempts at reconsideration failed. 

Appeal Cases — A large part of the time of the conven- 
tion was consumed in the consideration of appeal cases 
growing out of the action of subordinate unions in sum- 
marily expelling members without trial. 

National Executive Committee, 187 1 — The president 
appointed the executive committee for the ensuing year. 

258 



Convention at Richmond, 1872 

H. S. Garner, Indianapolis; H. Jones Hampton, Philadelphia; Francis E. 
Hill, Cincinnati; John McKenna, Albany; John M. Webb, Columbus; E. B. 
Coggswell, New York; T. A. Armstrong, Pittsburgh; B. P. Lennox, St. Louis; 
P. F. Corcoran, Buffalo; W. C. Yaughan, Louisville; R. R. Catron, Memphis; 
James A. Rodgers, Baltimore; J. H. O'Donnell, Boston; Alex. M. Sample, 
Harrisburg; T. J. Yogel, Rochester; J. A. Yan Duzer, Chicago; John Weaver, 
New Orleans; J. E. Morley, Detroit; T. E. C. Oliver, Elmira; John Plaxton, 
Nashville; Frank Smith, San Francisco; M. J. Cooney, Dubuque; E. C. Quiner, 
Milwaukee; R. E. Cain, Petersburg; J. A. Tillinghast, Mobile; George A. 
Lewis, Peoria; Jesse T. Lines, St. Paul; B. R. Warner, Montgomery; John 
McDonald, Davenport; Yolney Austin, Providence; William H. Tutt, Colum- 
bia, S. C. ; Samuel B. Knight, Jackson, Miss.; J. M. Harrison, Savannah; E. C. 
Lewis, St. Joseph; A. J. Gouley, Augusta; L. H. Jullien, Charleston; T. N. 
Francis, Leavenworth; Judson Grenell, New Haven; C. W. Wells, Atlanta; 
Robert D. Blair, Denver; W. C. Woodward, Burlington; H. A. Haskell, 
Omaha; Henry Coffeen, Troy; D. S. Whitehead, Cleveland; W. J. Edwards, 
Raleigh; Eugene M. Grover, Syracuse; P. C. Kelly, Dayton; E. M. Brough- 
ton, Quincy; George S. Evans, Cambridge; Joseph Joyce, Utica; A. D. Rowe, 
Lafayette; John Booth, Washoe; L. C. Harwood, Lockport; W. A. Crellish, 
Trenton; James S. Smith, Hartford; G. W. Bowers, Lawrence, Kan.; M. W. 
Higgins, Portland, Me.; Frank Seaman, Terre Haute; Abner Streeter, Erie; 
A. V. D. Conover, Fort Wayne; Thomas J. Carnahan, Wheeling; C. McAuliff, 
Kansas City; R. M. Whitman, Reading; S. G. Hall, ' Wilmington; J. L. Love- 
lace, Alexandria; Charles Pritchard, Macon; William H. Coates, St. John; 
Joseph E. Doughty, Norfolk; J. E. Fisher, Hannibal; Henry Myer, Richmond; 
J. S. Williams, Toronto; W. B. Calhoun, Little Rock; James Connolly, Mont- 
real; William H. Wilson, Jackson, Mich.; W. H. Eggles, Norwich; W. R. 
McLean, Columbia; W. P. Bonsall, Ottawa; James F. Lynn, Newark; B. M. 
Springer, New Albany; William H. Cashman, Vicksburg; M. F. Kennedy, 
Hudson County, N. J.; J. W. Mills,. Knoxville; Robert Holmes, Scranton; 
John Brewer, Annapolis; William E. Fuller, Deseret; M. Q. Jackson, Lynch- 
burg; James L. Girton, Des Moines; J. M. Meredith, Jefferson City; E. P. 
Albe, Springfield, Mass.; L. H. Hascall, Topeka; R. H. Young, Wilmington, 
Del.; John Horsnell, Hamilton; M. A. Shaffer, Halifax; W. S. Doty, Minisink, 
N. Y. ; F. P. Lippincott, New Brunswick; William Hooper, London; B. G. 
Salvage, Rome, Ga.; F. L. Spiegle, Pottsville; J. D. Vaughn, Austin; Pierre 
Griffard, Jacques Cartier; J. R. Gibson, St. Catharines; C. G. Figures, Hunts- 
ville; Theresa Keenan, Women's Typographical Union, New York. 

Richmond, Va., was selected as the meeting place for 
the convention of 1872. 

Convention at Richmond 

[1872] — The twentieth convention of the International 
Typographical Union was called to order in the state 
capitol building at Richmond, Va., June 3, 1872, dele- 
gates being present at the first session from fifty-eight 
subordinate unions. 

Officers, 1872 — At the conclusion of the customary 
formalities attending the opening session, the delegates 

259 



History of The Typographical Union 

proceeded to elect officers, with the following result: 
President, William J. Hammond, New Orleans; first vice- 
president, E. C. Crump, Richmond ; second vice-president, 
R. G. Sleater, Salt Lake City; secretary-treasurer, John 
Collins, Cincinnati; corresponding secretary, Robert A. 
Hamilton, Philadelphia. 

Unsuccessful Strikes — In the officers' reports sub- 
mitted to this convention it is shown that numerous 
unsuccessful strikes had again retarded the progress of 
the organization. 

Chicago Fire — One incident, which may be alluded 
to as an evidence of the strong bond of sympathy which 
held together the framework of the International in those 
days, was the prompt and voluntary action of the members 
of the organization in offering immediate and substantial 
relief to the members of Chicago Typographical Union 
No. 1 6, sufferers from a devastating fire which swept 
over the city during the previous year. The president, in 
his annual report, referred to the matter in the following 
language : 

Upon the receipt of the first news of the disaster, and before 
even a limit could be fixed to the devastation, I caused a press 
dispatch to be forwarded over the country recommending 
subordinate unions to contribute all in their power, to relieve 
the distress of their brother craftsmen. Notwithstanding a few 
mutterings of dissent and hints of having exceeded my duty 
reached me from discontented and isolated individuals, the 
great heart of the craft throughout the country responded, in 
common with their fellow citizens of all classes, with a gen- 
erosity and promptness without a parallel, and as creditable to 
their humanity as their generous offerings could possibly be 
beneficial to the suffering. The calamity has passed into history, 
and on the same page is written the response — an enduring 
monument to the honor of our glorious brotherhood. It was so 
universal as to afford a sufficient approval of my action and 
relieve me of the necessity of asking a more formal indorsement 
at your hands. 

260 



Convention at Richmond, 1872 

Delegate Fred K. Tracy, of Chicago Typographical 
Union, on behalf of that organization, expressed the 
thanks and gratitude of No. 16's members for the prompt 
relief afforded. In closing his remarks, Mr. Tracy said : 

As soon as possible the Typographical Union was convened 
and it was decided to make an appeal to our brethren for assist- 
ance in our terrible circumstances. But our wants were antici- 
pated. That same day, while the flames were under full 
headway, and before our appeal had been communicated to any 
union, the secretary of this body, Mr. John Collins, was on his 
way from Cincinnati with a large donation, hastily collected 
and forwarded by the printers of that city. On Wednesday, Mr. 
Ruckle, of Indianapolis, and, shortly after, Mr. Burton, of New 
York, arrived, bringing substantial additions to our pecuniary 
resources; while, upon the re-establishment of telegraphic, 
postal, and express facilities, funds were forwarded from all 
parts of the country. I am more and more amazed as I think 
how promptly and how fully our brethren at a distance under- 
stood the situation and our needs, while we upon the spot 
could not realize our loss or circumstances. From the time of 
that first donation till the announcement of our committee that 
enough funds had been received to accomplish the glorious and 
humane purpose for which they were intended, remittance fol- 
lowed remittance so closely that I am enabled to say, what I 
know you will hear with deep satisfaction, that no lack of funds 
existed for the prosecution of the work of relief. I am also able 
to say that the fund was wisely and carefully distributed by the 
committee appointed for that purpose. 

It is not easy — indeed, it is impossible — fully to tell the 
story of the good accomplished by that fund, but this is certain : 
it saved precious life ; it satisfied hunger ; it provided treatment 
for sickness resulting from the frightful exposure of the time ; 
it made printers independent of the ordinary sources of relief 
and it lightened the charge of those entrusted with the distri- 
bution of the world's contributions. 

I am well aware that for a beneficence like that, accomplish- 
ing what was accomplished by that fund, no compensation is 
possible to be made. The highest possible human remuneration 
of such a charity is the communication of the knowledge that, 
through it, suffering and death were prevented and much good 

261 



History of The Typographical Union 

done. This knowledge I have striven to impart, as well as to 
express our gratitude, and we are resolved to prove ourselves 
grateful by reciprocal acts of fraternity and charity. 

I present to the printers of the United States and Canada, 
through you, their representatives in the International Typo- 
graphical Union, our cheerful acknowledgement of, and heart- 
felt gratitude for, their great and delicately bestowed kindness 
to the printers of Chicago. Our brethren have raised a monu- 
ment to charity in our sight which shall ever stimulate us to 
imitate them in "doing good as we have opportunity." 

Government Printing Office — A resolution condemn- 
ing the practice of making political and religious senti- 
ments the qualification or disqualification for employment 
was adopted, after which it was ordered that subordinate 
unions petition congress for the abolishment of the 
government printing office, where it was asserted such 
practices were in vogue. 

Arteinus Ward Fund — For some reason, unexplained, 
the fund raised by popular subscription for the purpose 
of erecting a monument, or some other suitable memorial, 
to the memory of Artemus Ward, was never used for 
that purpose, and at the Richmond convention, on recom- 
mendation of the finance committee, this fund, aggregat- 
ing about $1,300, was transferred to the general fund. 

Legislation — Charters — Very little legislation of a 
general character was accomplished at this convention. 
The usual number of appeal cases were decided and it was 
reported that charters had been reissued to unions at 
Toledo, Ohio, and Keokuk, Iowa. Six new charters were 
granted during the year. Rome (Ga.) No. 134 was sus- 
pended. The secretary-treasurer's report showed a total 
of 155 charters issued and a membership of 9,504, of 
which 8,724 were in good standing. 

Female Labor — The subject of female labor in com- 
posing rooms continued to engross the attention of the 
International Union. The committee on female labor, to 

262 



Convention at Richmond, 1872 

which had been referred several matters pertaining to 
the question, reported having taken testimony from per- 
sons residing in various sections of the country, with 
the result that it was apparent that a vast majority of 
women engaged in the printing business were working 
outside the union organization and at rates of compensa- 
tion below those received by men, although there had been 
a marked increase in the female membership of subor- 
dinate unions and a corresponding increase in the wages 
received by women. It was further reported by this 
committee that no important number of union men were 
opposed to the admission of women into the subordinate 
unions provided they were required to conform to the 
same regulations concerning apprenticeship, wages, etc., 
as were established for men. The committee was con- 
vinced that the experiment of establishing a separate 
union for females had resulted unsatisfactorily to members 
of both the male and female unions in the city where it 
had been tried, chiefly because of a difference between 
the two scales of prices. Besides being a source of con- 
stant trouble between male and female unions, the estab- 
lishment of a scale of prices for the latter below that 
tendered by the former was conceding a fundamental 
principle unswervingly insisted upon by all true friends 
of female labor, viz., there should be no difference in 
compensation paid to competent workers, based upon a 
difference of sex. 

In view of the foregoing conclusions, the committee 
presented the following amendment to the constitution : 

Resolved, That the constitution of the International Typo- 
graphical Union be and is hereby amended by striking out 
section 3, article 1, providing for the chartering of female 
unions and the word "male" in the second line of section 2 of 
the same article. 

Following which was another resolution : 

263 



History of The Typographical Union 

Resolved, That all subordinate unions are recommended to 
admit female printers to membership upon the same footing, 
in all respects, as males. 

The first resolution went over under the rules. The 
second resolution was adopted. 

English and French Unions in Montreal — Delegate 
Crossby, representing Jacques Cartier Union, Montreal, 
presented a document relative to the jurisdiction of the 
English and French unions in Montreal, and asked for 
a settlement of the matter. The document in question 
was referred to a special committee, which later reported 
that it had taken evidence in the case and recommended 
as a plan for settling the differences in Montreal that the 
French speaking and working printers be considered 
under the jurisdiction and control of Jacques Cartier 
Union No. 145 and that the English speaking and work- 
ing printers be in like manner under the jurisdiction and 
control of No. 97 so long as they continued to be distinct 
unions, as it was manifest that separate charters had been 
granted with a view to this end. It was also recommended 
that members of the two unions be allowed to work in 
any office under the control of either union without 
changing their membership so long as they complied with 
the scale of prices and other rules and regulations of the 
unions and that no change be made in the scale of prices 
without the mutual consent of both unions. These recom- 
mendations were concurred in by the convention. 

Resolutions — Among the resolutions passed by the 
convention were the following: 

"That the conspiracy laws of the various states and 
localities, as at present instituted, are a disgrace; and 
that it is the duty of the workingmen where these laws 
prevail to forthwith proceed to prepare petitions to their 
respective legislators for their repeal or material mod- 
ification." 

264 




WILLIAM J. HAMMOND, New Orleans 

President International Typographical Union 

June 6, 1870 -June 2, 1873 



Convention at Richmond, 1872 

"That it should be the duty of the corresponding secre- 
tary of the International Union to enter into correspond- 
ence with the various railroad companies for the purpose 
of securing half-rate tickets for delegates to the sessions 
of the International every year." 

"That the International Union request the American 
Press Association to furnish plain copy to newspapers." 

"That this union recommend to subordinate unions the 
propriety of incorporating in 'rat' circulars full per- 
sonal descriptions of the persons so ratted, said descrip- 
tions to be couched in such language as will not lay the 
unions so doing liable to libel suits in their respective 
states." 

"That we recognize in the efforts to reduce the length 
of a day's labor now being made by our brother workmen 
throughout the country a sure indication of a mental and 
moral advancement that will ultimately elevate the work- 
ingman to that position to which his inalienable rights as 
a human being so clearly entitle him, and we recommend 
all subordinate unions to take such action on the question 
of a reduction of hours of labor as may appear to them 
advantageous and practicable." 

"That this union urgently requests all laboring men 
within its jurisdiction to petition their respective legis- 
lators to wipe from the statute books all laws that are 
designed to prevent mechanics from enjoying the same 
rights that are freely conceded to all other classes, and 
never cease the good work until the law recognizes our 
right to resort to the same means to procure a just price 
for our labor that is everywhere conceded to the lawyer, 
the physician, the merchant, the banker and the employ- 
ing manufacturer." 

President Hammond, in his address to the convention, 
called attention to the fact that one branch of the national 
congress had passed a bill reducing the tariff on books 

265 



History of The Typographical Union 

and printed matter, a measure that would, in the presi- 
dent's opinion, if permitted to become a law, prove disas- 
trous to the printing industry of the country and throw 
hundreds of journeymen printers-out of employment. The 
committee to which the president's address was referred 
reported its approval of the president's position in the 
matter of the duty on books and printed matter and 
recommended that a special committee be appointed, with 
power to act, to support the interests of the craft, threat- 
ened by the proposed action of congress in reducing the 
tariff. The suggestion was concurred in and a committee 
of five was duly appointed. 

National Executive Committee, i8j2 — The president 
appointed the national executive committee for the ensu- 
ing year, as follows : 

H. S. Garner, Indianapolis; John Dunn, Philadelphia; D. C. Garrison, 
Cincinnati; William Outwin, Albany; Walter M. Clancy, Columbus; R. W. 
Cox, New York; Hugh. Adams, Pittsburgh; Barton P. Lennox, St. Louis; 
P. F. Corcoran, Buffalo; J. S. Moore, Louisville; L. D. Hammer, Memphis; 
F. D. Damn, Baltimore, Irving Walker, Boston; William A. Goldsmith, Har- 
risburg; E. A. Stevens, Rochester; Morgan B. Mills, Chicago; William H. 
Bell, New Orleans; Lyman A. Brant, Detroit; John J. Cook, Elmira; Thomas 
Irwin, Nashville; J. A. Strong, Milwaukee; R. E. Cain, Petersburg; A. R. 
Seabrook, Mobile; A. A. Griest, Peoria; C. F. McDonald, St. Paul; B. R. 
Warner, Montgomery; William Craig, Davenport; T. E. Kelly, Providence; 
C. M. Mcjunkin, Columbia, S. C; J. C. Rietti, Jackson, Mi'ss.; A. J. Parr, 
Savannah; C. W. Bignell, Grand Rapids; Joseph H. Crane, St. Joseph; Clem- 
ent C. Cary, Augusta; Ed B. Bradley, Charleston; George M. Bennington, 
Leavenworth; William G. Cox, New Haven; William B. Barrow, Atlanta; 
J. T. Stevens, Denver; Will H. Swander, Burlington; Will D. Eaton, Omaha; 
Joseph McLaughlin, Troy; Robert Calvert, Cleveland; W. J. Edwards, Raleigh; 
Ellis M. Williams, Syracuse; James R. Hamilton, Dayton; E. N. Broughton, 
Quincy; Charles W. McRaith, Cambridge; James E. DeForrest, Utica; William 
J. Olds, Lafayette; G. R. Short, Washoe; George McDonald, Lockport; W. H. 
Quarterman, Keokuk; Matthew S. Austin, Trenton; Andrew Smith, Hartford; 
Frank Seaman, Terre Haute; T. S. Gallagher, Erie; G. H. Stull, Wheeling; 
Isaac P. Moore, Kansas City; W. S. Warrock, Wilmington, N. C; Luther 
Thompson, Alexandria; H. M. Rees, Macon; William H. Coates, St. Johns; 
W. A. Edwards, Norfolk; Knight M. Griswold, Hannibal; Charles Ellis, Rich- 
mond; W. B. Calhoun, Little Rock; F. G. W. Fatzinger, Allentown; John 
Ford, Montreal; George R. Holden, Jackson, Mich.; Ambrose Higgins, Nor- 
wich; G. A. R. McNeir, Columbia; Augustus W. Griffing, Newark; Joseph 
Martin, New Albany; W. J. Smith, Vicksburg; Philip Lynch, Hudson County. 
N. J.; J. C. Coon, Scranton; John J. Brewers, Annapolis; Henry McEwan, 
Deseret; W. T. Ilaner, Lynchburg; A. F. Paysell, Springfield, Ohio; David 
Walker, Des Moines; Paul Greenwood, Jefferson City; E. P. Albe, Springfield, 
Mass.; A. M. Stokes, Wilmington, Del.; Charles W. Parry, Hamilton; F. P. 

266 



Convention at Montreal, 1873 

Lippincott, New Brunswick; William Hooper, London; J. H. Dietrick, Schuyl- 
kill; Frank J. C. Ellis, Watertown; B. C. Murray, Austin; H. C. Eddy, Titus- 
ville; Gabriel Fortin, Jacques Cartier; W. P. Hoffman, Charleston; William 
Connolly, Saratoga; W. F. Drake, Elizabeth; John L. Baker, Oil City; William 
A. Diers, Natchez; C. S. Bartram, Bay City; James A. Clark, Ann Arbor; 
Mary A. Bartlett, New York Women's Typographical Union. 

Montreal was selected as the place of meeting in 
June, 1873. 

Convention at Montreal 

[1873] — The first convention of the International 
Union held in the Dominion of Canada was called to 
order by President Hammond at the Canadian Institute 
in Montreal, Monday, June 2, 1873, sixty subordinate 
unions being represented at the opening session. 

Officers, 187 3 — W. R. McLean, Washington, D. C, 
was elected president to succeed William J. Hammond, 
New Orleans, who had served three consecutive terms. 
William Kennedy, Chicago, was chosen first vice-presi- 
dent; William G. Johnston, Troy, second vice-president, 
while John Collins of Cincinnati was retained as secre- 
tary-treasurer for his sixth consecutive term. George 
Hawkins, Memphis, was elected corresponding secretary. 

German Printers — Among the more important prop- 
ositions presented for the consideration of delegates to 
the Montreal convention was the establishment of rela- 
tions with the German printers of the country, and also 
the question of issuing charters to unions composed alto- 
gether of pressmen. 

The question of relationship with the German typo- 
graphical unions was referred to a special committee, 
which, in its report, suggested that all members of the 
German union be entitled to the same rights and priv- 
ileges granted under the jurisdiction of the International 
Union to the members of the same, the German Typo- 
graphical Union guaranteeing to all members of the In- 
ternational Union the same rights and privileges accorded 

267 



History of The Typographical Union 

to its own members. The subject was made a special order 
and, after considerable discussion, the matter was laid 
over until the next convention of the union. 

Pressmen's Unions — At the nineteenth annual con- 
vention, held in Baltimore, an amendment to the constitu- 
tion in reference to the subject "chartering pressmen's 
unions" was introduced, and, under the rule, laid over 
for final action at the convention held at Richmond the 
following year, but for some reason, not recorded, no 
definite action was had upon it. The proposition was 
referred to the committee on unfinished business, and 
when the matter was reported back to the convention the 
following amendment to the constituion was adopted : 

The International Typographical Union may also grant 
charters to seven or more pressmen, but not issue more than 
one charter to pressmen in any one town or city ; provided, that 
such charters shall be granted by and with the advice and con- 
sent of the subordinate union or unions in said city or town; 
and, provided further, that nothing herein contained shall be 
so construed as to prevent pressmen joining any union subor- 
dinate to the International Typographical Union in cities or 
towns where pressmen's unions do not exist, and can not exist, 
from local causes. 

Government Printing Office — Upon request of the 
delegates from Columbia Union No. 101, so much of the 
resolution passed at the previous convention, in reference 
to condemnation of the practice of making political and 
religious sentiments a qualification or disqualification for 
employment, as referred to the abolishment of the gov- 
ernment printing office, was rescinded, after an explana- 
tion of actual conditions existing in that office. 

Female Labor — The question of female labor was 
again presented to the convention and the practice of 
allowing subordinate unions to admit females to member- 
ship was approved, but it was ordered that no more 
charters be granted to female unions. 

268 



Convention at Montreal, 1873 

Artemus Ward Fund — Considerable discussion, appar- 
ently, followed the action of the previous convention 
in transferring the Artemus Ward fund to the general 
fund of the union, and it was finally ordered that the 
money be restored to the original fund and remain in 
trust until such time as it should be appropriated as the 
original donors designed. 

Sub-lists — The practice of establishing sub-lists in 
newspaper chapels was strongly condemned and subor- 
dinate unions were requested to do away with such lists. 

District Unions — The proposition to establish district 
unions, defeated at the Richmond convention, was again 
presented and ordered to be laid over for consideration 
at the next convention. 

Charters, etc. — The reports of officers showed that 
165 charters, altogether, had been issued at the close of 
the fiscal year, and four unions — San 'Francisco, Gal- 
veston, Minneapolis and Houston — had been rechartered. 
A total of 9,797 members were reported in good standing. 

Resolutions — Some of the resolutions adopted by the 
convention were as follows : 

"That the recording by printing of all deeds, mort- 
gages, contracts and other papers required by law to be 
recorded in public offices, and also the printing of the 
journal, records, or minutes of proceedings and judg- 
ments of the principal courts can be made at less cost than 
the fees generally exacted upon the recording thereof by 
writing, and as also under such system the deposit of 
attested printed copies in the different public offices would 
prevent the great detriment often caused by fire or by the 
abstraction and alteration of records, and likewise as the 
records would be of more ready access to the public and 
would render unnecessary much of the expense for 
searches and written copies, and as otherwise such system 
would be of public benefit, it is recommended to the 

269 



History of The Typographical Union 

craft to submit to the legislatures of their different states 
and the several provinces of Canada the expediency of 
adopting, under proper regulations, such system by stat- 
ute to be enacted for such purpose." 

"That the following portion of section I of discipline 
be added to the traveling cards issued by the union, 
known as union cards : 'The foreman of an office is the 
proper person to whom application should be made for 
employment.' " 

"That a commission appointed by the government of 
the United States to initiate and supervise the centennial 
exposition to be held in the city of Philadelphia in 1876, 
has declared its intention to provide for the suitable rec- 
ognition of trade unions and societies in said exposition, 
and will assign certain portions of the building for that 
purpose, it behooves the representatives of the 'Art Pre- 
servative' to take the lead in this matter, as they have 
in others where the interests of distinctive trades were 
concerned, and appoint a committee to represent this body 
before said commission and to ascertain and report to this 
union what steps should be taken and what action had in 
order to fully participate therein." 

"That in the opinion of this body the tariff on imported 
printed matter in the United States is inadequate to the 
protection our craft needs; that we believe a tariff of 22 
per cent, ad valorem (as at present) is so low as to cripple 
one of the principal industries of the country, while no 
benefit accrues to the government, and foreigners only 
are the gainers; that one great reason of the stagnation 
of trade in printing offices, book binderies, type foundries 
and press manufactories is the support afforded to foreign 
printers by a tariff that is almost a nullity ; that this body 
recommends to subordinate unions the sending out of a 
petition to the representative in congress from their dis- 
trict asking his efforts in behalf of a tariff that will give 

270 



Convention at Montreal, 1873 

relief from these evils,. which petition we would urge each 
union man to sign, and would also advocate the procuring 
of employers' names to the same ; that it is the sense^ of 
this body that the system of ad valorem duties as applied 
to printed matter is erroneous, affording means of 
defrauding the revenues by undervaluation on the 
invoices, by which means a rare book or a fine work pays 
no more than the cheapest class of literature. We also 
declare our belief that a specific duty, say 25 or 30 cents 
per pound, would give the relief asked for and be a source 
of revenue to the government, while the price of American 
books would not be increased, but our publishing houses 
would once more be in active operation and thousands 
of workingmen have the employment they seek, but are 
unable to find, because of the ruinous competition with 
foreign labor which the present erroneous tariff imposes 
on the workingman." 

"That the corresponding secretary open correspondence 
with the proper officers of the London, England, Typo- 
graphical Union, with a view of obtaining information 
in reference to the reception of cards of members acknowl- 
edging allegiance to printers' unions in America and 
England, respectively." 

National Executive Committee, 18 j j — The president 
appointed the national executive committee, as follows : 

John Schley, Indianapolis; Norton A. Downs, Philadelphia; G. K. Tenney, 
Cincinnati; Greenwood Baker, Albany; W. F. Poland, Columbus, Ohio; Thomas 
N. Burke, New York; George R. Dabney, Pittsburgh; Hugh T. McMurtry, St. 
Louis; George F. Kittredge, Buffalo; George M. Payne, Louisville; James B. 
Lawrence, Memphis; William H. Hitchcock, Baltimore; Charles S. Sweeney, 
Boston; James W. McCrory, Harrisburg; E. A. Stephens, Rochester; William 
A. Hutchinson, Chicago; B. F. Skidmore, New Orleans; James H. Kelley, De- 
troit; Daniel A. Fitzgerald, Elmira; C. R. G. McDonald, Nashville; John 
O'Brien, San Francisco; D. C. O'Regan, Dubuque; A. R. Seabrook, Mobile; 
W. I. Larash, Peoria; C. F. MacDonald, St. Paul; J. S. Perry, Montgomery; 
John A. Shearer, Davenport; Asahel P. Brown, Providence; H. M. Meetze, 
Columbia, S. C. ; W. W. Bennett, Jackson, Miss.; John Nugent, Savannah; 
Charles E. Davis, Grand Rapids; H. P. Malcolm, St. Joseph; J. V. Johnson, 
Augusta; George W. McDonald, Minneapolis; C. F. B. Bremer, Charleston, 
S. C.J A. R. Johnson, Leavenworth; John P. Tyrrell, New Haven; W. C. 

271 



History of The Typographical Union 

Henderson, Atlanta; Robert Higgins, Denver; W. F. Edwards, Omaha; P. H. 
McCormack, Troy; Robert Calvert, Cleveland; W. N. Jones, Raleigh; Pat F. 
Hall, Syracuse; William R. Eckley, Dayton; E. M. Broughton, Quincy; John 
G. Ryan, Cambridge; William H. McCann, Utica; Charles Coughling, Toledo; 
A. D. Rowe, Lafayette; O. W. Henning, Lockport; John Stirling, jr., Keo- 
kuk; John M. White, Lancaster; David Seary, Trenton; Adam J. Wagner, 
Hartford; S. M. Wingert, Lawrence, Kan.; M. W. Higgins, Portland, Me.; 
Lyman Archer, Terre Haute; M. A. Quinn, Erie; George H. Marr, Fort 
Wayne; L. N. Duffy, Kansas City; O. P. McEwen, Wilmington, N. C; Robert 
McKay, Macon; G. T. Barrom, Norfolk; K. M. Griswold, Hannibal; H. P. 
Jones, Richmond; James Gillespie, Toronto; W. B. Calhoun, Little Rock; 
William J. Egan, Montreal; George R. Holden, Jackson, Mich.; William N. 
Andrew, Norwich; Richard M. Claxton, Columbia; Daniel J. O'Donoghue, 
Ottawa; M. F. Battle, Vicksburg; David Nelson, Hudson County, N. J.; George 
H. Bomar, Knoxville; John J. Brewer, Annapolis; E. D. Young, Deseret; 
Julian T. Wright, Lynchburg; George Matthews, Springfield, Ohio; Bernard 
Murphy, Des Moines; Paul Greenwood, Jefferson City; L. A. Roberts, Spring- 
field, Mass.; George T. Isbell, Topeka; E. F. Jackson, Wilmington, Del.; 
Charles W. Parry, Hamilton; R. J. Stapleton, Halifax; F. P. Lippincott, New 
Brunswick; T. A. McNamara, London, Ont. ; William P. Cratty, Schuylkill; 
G. W. Jenks, Austin; Thomas Walsh, Titusville; John Thompson, Jacques 
Cartier; P. Brennan, St. Catharines; C. A. Hopkins, Saratoga; R. H. Myers, 
Oil City; William A. Diers, Natchez; P. H. Phillips, Bay City; Thompson 
Wickard, Mountain City; P. Wade, jr., Bridgeport; Simeon Marcotte, Quebec; 
Edward Murphy, Quebec; L. B. Andrew, Jacksonville, Fla.; A. L. Roberts, 
Rutland; Mary A. Bartlett, New York Women's Union. 

St. Louis was chosen as the meeting place for the con- 
vention of 1874. 

Convention at St. Louis 

[1874] — The first convention of the International 
Typographical Union ever held west of the Mississippi 
river was called to order by President McLean in Jones' 
Hall, St. Louis, on Monday, June 1, 1874, delegates rep- 
resenting fifty-eight subordinate unions being present at 
the opening session. 

Officers, 1874 — William H. Bodwell of New York was 
elected president; Henry White, Memphis, first vice- 
president; W. D. Redfield, Washington, D. C, second 
vice-president; W. A. Hutchinson, Chicago, secretary- 
treasurer, and W. S. Pride, Wilmington, Del., correspond- 
ing secretary. 

Election of Officers — An amendment to the constitu- 
tion proposing to change the time for election of officers 

272 




W. R. McLEAN, Washington, D. C. 

President International Typographical Union 

Tune 2, 1873 -June 1, 1874 



Convention at St. Louis, 1874 

from the first day to the last day of the convention, 
having been introduced at the Montreal session, was reg- 
ularly taken up for consideration by the St. Louis conven- 
tion. The proposition was agreed to and the terms of 
officers thereby extended to the close of the session. 

Charters — ■ The reports of officers showed that eight 
unions had been chartered during the year, including two 
pressmen's unions — Washington, D. C, and Detroit, 
Mich. Charters had been reissued to Evansville, Ind. ; 
Atchison, Kan., and Milwaukee, Wis. 

Unsuccessful Strikes — Strikes occurred during the 
year at Indianapolis, New Orleans, Peoria, Montgomery, 
Omaha, Little Rock, Norwich, Salt Lake City and Titus- 
ville, Pa., most of which were unsuccessful. 

Women's Typographical Union — Most of the im- 
portant questions coming before the convention were 
considered in secret session. One subject that was freely 
discussed was the scale of the Women's Typographical 
Union in New York city. Strong protest was made by 
members of No. 6 against allowing this organization 
to retain its charter. The matter was finally referred 
to a special committee, with instructions fully to investi- 
gate conditions and report at the next convention. The 
women's union was also instructed to submit its scale 
of prices to No. 6 for approval. 

Brooklyn Union — Brooklyn Union No. 98 having 
surrendered its charter, a protest was entered by members 
of No. 6 against it being reissued. This protest was also 
made a subject for. special investigation. 

Uniform Constitution — Another attempt was made 
to establish a uniform constitution for subordinate unions. 
The matter was referred to a special committee with 
directions to prepare an instrument, subject to approval. 

Per Capita Tax — A proposition to increase the per 
capita tax from 20 cents a year to $1.25 was defeated. 

273 



History of The Typographical Union 

The purpose of this amendment was to create a fund out 
of which the International Union was to pay the expenses 
of all delegates attending conventions. 

District Unions — The plan proposing the organizing 
of district unions again met defeat, upon recommendation 
of the committee on unfinished business. 

Monthly Journal — A proposition to establish a 
monthly journal under the auspices of the International 
Union was rejected. 

Interchange of Membership Cards — The correspond- 
ing secretary, in obedience to the resolution passed by the 
Montreal convention directing him to open a correspond- 
ence with the "officers of London, England, Typograph- 
ical Union," reported that he had found that two typo- 
graphical organizations existed in England : The London 
Society of Compositors, embracing the union printers of 
London, and the Provincial Typographical Association, 
having jurisdiction over the typographical unions outside 
of London, except those known as non-conforming. The 
secretary reported that he had addressed a letter to the 
secretary of each of these bodies and had received replies 
from both, together with some valuable documents, 
including the rules of each body, and reports of their 
condition. Each of them gave assurance that it was 
customary for their societies to receive the cards of typo- 
graphical societies everywhere that reciprocated the favor. 
They also promised to place the correspondence before 
their board of managers for official action. One of the 
rules of the Provincial Typographical Association was 
as follows : "Persons holding the documents of the 
Relief Association or the cards of reciprocating non- 
conforming societies shall be admitted without entrance 
fees, etc." In the rules of the London Society of Com- 
positors was the following: "That every compositor of 
fair character now working as a journeyman, or who may 

274 



Convention at St. Louis, 1874 

hereafter prove his right to work as a journeyman, either 
by privilege, indenture or clear card of membership from 
a recognized society, shall be eligible as a member." 

German Union — A representative of the German 
Typographical Union was granted the privilege of the 
floor. He gave a sketch of the progress of German 
typography in this country and urged the mutual 
exchange of cards between unions under the jurisdiction 
of the International Union and the German unions. The 
question was referred to the committee on subordinate 
unions, which, in turn, reported the proposition back to 
the union without recommendation. This committee's 
report was accepted without opposition, thus leaving the 
question practically on the table, no definite action having 
been taken. 

Centennial Exposition — A committee was appointed 
to consider and recommend some suitable manner in 
which the International Union could be represented at the 
centennial exposition to be held in Philadelphia in 1876. 

Secretary-Treasurer Collins Defaults — The committee 
on returns, after investigating the financial accounts of 
the secretary-treasurer, reported that the ex-secretary- 
treasurer, Mr. Collins, was a defaulter in the sum of 
$3>73 x -56. A special committee was appointed by the 
president to make a careful examination of the accounts 
of the secretary-treasurer and report to the next con- 
vention. 

Membership — The total membership of the Interna- 
tional was reported to be 10,748, of which 9,819 were 
in good standing. 

The city of Boston was chosen as the meeting place 
for the convention in June, 1875. 

Resolutions — Among the resolutions adopted by the 
convention were the following: 

"That the conspiracy law which exists at the present 

275 



History of The Typographical Union 

time in the state of Pennsylvania is proving to be dan- 
gerous to workingmen united together for lawful pur- 
poses, completely depriving them of their rights as 
American citizens ; that we recommend all trade unions 
throughout the state of Pennsylvania to petition the 
legislature either to abolish or amend the present con- 
spiracy law in order that society men may have and claim 
their rights as well as other American citizens; that the 
corresponding secretary forward a copy of these resolu- 
tions to the president of the Industrial Congress and that 
they be published in the National Labor Tribune of 
Pittsburgh." 

'That New York Typographical Union, having made 
an appeal to members of the craft all over the country 
for a subscription to erect a monument over the grave of 
Horace Greeley, and a sufficient sum not having been 
received to undertake the work, a special committee 
of thirteen be appointed by the International Union to 
receive contributions for the furtherance of the proposed 
monument to the late Horace Greeley." 

National Executive Committee, 1874 — The president 
appointed the national executive committee for the ensu- 
ing year, as follows : 

John Schley, Indianapolis; William A. Hand, Philadelphia; James Scully, 
Cincinnati; Greenwood Baker, Albany; W. T. Poland, Columbus, Ohio; T. J. 
R. Fair, New York; Thomas Brennan, Pittsburgh; William Cochran, St. Louis; 
George F. Kittridge, Buffalo; George M. Payne, Louisville; J. J. Booth, Mem- 
phis; George G. Graham, Baltimore; Charles S. Sweeney, Boston; Thomas M. 
Jones, Harrisburg; E. A. Stephens, Rochester; James Leary, Chicago; M. M. 
Wooten, New Orleans; M. H. Marsh, Detroit; Daniel A. Fitzgerald, Elmira; 
C. R. G. McDonald, Nashville; John O'Brien, San Francisco; J. C. Armstrong, 
Dubuque; R. E. Hawks, Petersburg; A. R. Seabrook, Mobile; L. C. Swingle, 
Galveston; William Drysdale, Peoria; C. F. McDonald, St. Paul; J. S. Perry, 
Montgomery; Patterson McGlynn, Davenport; Asahel P. Brown, Providence; 
H. M. Meetze, Columbia, S. C. ; William Hays, Evansville; John S. Zo, Jack- 
son, Miss.; John Nugent, Savannah; John H. Randall, Grand Rapids; Michael 
Lawson, St. Joseph; J. V. Johnston, Augusta; George W. McDonald, Minneap- 
olis; C. F. B. Bremer, Charleston; A. R. Johnson, Leavenworth; John P. 
Tyrrell, New Haven; W. C. Henderson, Atlanta; William H. Kribs, Denver; 
M. A. James, Burlington; W. F. Edwards, Omaha; John Farmer, Troy; Robert 
Calvert, Cleveland; J. B. Whitaker, jr., Raleigh; Thomas Bailey, Syracuse; 
William R. Eckley, Dayton; E. M. Broughton, Quincy; John G. Ryan, Cam- 

276 



Convention at Boston, 1875 

bridge; William H. McCann, Utica; Charles Coughling, Toledo; C. W. Reynolds, 
Lafayette; O. W. Henning, Lockport; R. M. Hanna, Keokuk; George Rothar- 
nel, Lancaster; Charles W. Ale, Trenton; H. C. Buchanan, Hartford; S. M. 
Wingert, Lawrence, Kan.; M. W. Higgins, Portland, Me.; C. W. Brown, Terre 
Haute; M. A. Quinn, Erie; O. T. Thomas, Fort Wayne; J. C. Coulson, Kansas 
City; O. P. McEwen, Wilmington, N. C. ; P. Woolls, Alexandria; Edgar Guthrie, 
Macon; G. T. Barrom, Norfolk; Charles Waelder, Hannibal; William E. 
Woody, Richmond; James Gillespie, Toronto; R. S. Woolford, Little Rock; 
William J. Eagan, Montreal; George R. Holden, Jackson, Mich.; A. S. Curtis, 
Norwich; A. R. Randolph, Columbia; Daniel J. O'Donohue, Ottawa; Harvey 
Martin, Vicksburg; David Nelson, Hudson County, N. J.; George H. Bomar, 
Knoxville; John J. Brewer, Annapolis; E. D. Young, Deseret; Julian T. 
Wright, Lynchburg; George Matthews, Springfield, Ohio; H. W. Robinson, 
Des Moines; Paul Greenwood, Jefferson City; L. A. Roberts, Springfield, 
Mass.; E. F. Jackson, Wilmington, Del.; Charles W. Parry, Hamilton; R. J. 
Stappleton, Halifax; F. P. Lippincott, New Brunswick; Thomas Orr, London, 
Ont.; Joseph E. Protheroe, Schuylkill; Ad. Dohme, Austin; Frank Ottnat, 
Titusville; John Thompson, Jacques Cartier; P. Brennan, St. Catharines; C. A. 
Hopkins, Saratoga; R. H. Myers, Oil City; William A. Diers, Natchez; P. H. 
Phillips, Bay City; Thompson Wickard, Mountain City; George B. Whitney, 
Bridgeport; Simeon Marcotte, Quebec (French); Edward Murphy, Quebec 
(English); L. B. Andrew, Jacksonville, Fla.; A. L. Roberts, Rutland; Mary 
A. Bartlett, Women's Typographical Union, New York; John F. Clarkson, 
Washington (D. C.) Pressmen's Union; Charles M. Rousseau, Detroit Press- 
men's Union. 

Convention at Boston 

[ I ^75] — When the twenty-third convention of the 
International Union was called to order in Boston, June 
7, 1875, sixty-nine delegates were present, representing 
fifty-five unions. 

Inharmonious Laws — President Bodwell, in his annual 
report, said that he had become satisfied that the Interna- 
tional organization was not as complete and harmonious 
in the details of its working as it should be in order to 
secure the beneficial results desired. This- was especially 
true, he said, of the laws governing subordinate unions. 
It was pointed out that the organic laws covering the 
affiliated local bodies conflicted with each other in impor- 
tant points in many instances. Each union, in drafting 
laws for the government of its members, was usually 
guided by the results and experiences of its own locality, 
and it was frequently the result that what in one juris- 
diction might be regarded as a violation of craft law, in 

277 



History of The Typographical Union 

another place was tolerated and approved. He strongly 
urged the adoption of a uniform constitution for the gov- 
ernment of subordinate unions. The convention, however, 
failed to come to any satisfactory understanding upon 
this recommendation. President Bodwell congratulated 
the organization upon the disposition generally mani- 
fested, in cases where trouble had arisen or had been 
threatened, to arbitrate and argue the points of difference 
with the employers, rather than immediately to resort 
to strikes or intimidation. It was apparent that the rec- 
ommendations of the International to subordinate unions 
that "all honorable means should be used to avoid a 
strike" was receiving more attention, and in such degree 
as it did receive attention the prosperity and strength 
of the organization increased. That the argument of 
the bludgeon, or intimidation of any kind, was becoming 
repugnant to the membership of the union at large was 
evident. 

Other subjects of importance, at the time, elaborated 
upon in the president's annual report included "trade 
unionism and politics," "female labor," "standard of 
type," "the apprentice question," and the "defalcation 
of Secretary-Treasurer Collins." 

New Constitution — A committee, appointed at the 
St. Louis convention to draft a new constitution for the 
government of the International Union, presented its 
report, which was ordered to be made a part of the 
minutes and laid over for final action at the next annual 
session. 

National Labor Congress — Owing to the disfavor in 
which the members at large regarded the National Labor 
Congress, a resolution was passed instructing the secre- 
tary to pay the per capita tax of the International Union 
then due, and notify the congress that the Typographical 
Union would no longer affiliate. 

278 



Convention at Boston, 1875 

Greeley Monument — At the previous convention of 
the union a special committee had been appointed for the 
purpose of raising a fund to be used in erecting a memo- 
rial over the grave of the late Horace Greeley. This 
committee invited the employing printers of New York 
city to co-operate in the undertaking. Through the joint 
efforts of the committee appointed by the union and a 
committee representing the employers about $5,000 was 
raised. This sum being deemed insufficient, the com- 
mittee was continued. 

Executive Committee Discontinued — The custom of 
requiring the president of the International to appoint 
one member of each subordinate union as a member of 
the executive committee of the International was changed, 
and it was ordered that the corresponding secretaries 
of the different subordinate unions should, by virtue of 
their office, perform the duties previously assigned to 
members of the national executive committee. 

Membership — The statement of the secretary-treas- 
urer showed a total of 175 unions chartered, including 
New York Women's Union and three pressmen's unions, 
the membership being 10,295, of which 9,245 were in 
good standing. 

Defalcation of Secretary -Treasurer — Perhaps the 
most interesting event of this convention was the report 
of the special committee appointed the year previous at 
St. Louis to investigate the affairs of the defaulting sec- 
retary-treasurer, John Collins, of Cincinnati. In addition 
to submitting a report of its examination of the books 
of the secretary-treasurer, the committee transmitted a 
report of a sub-committee appointed to visit Mr. Collins 
and gain such information as was possible iri regard 
to the cause of the deficit, and the prospect of its being 
refunded. Following is a part of the report of the sub- 
committee. 

279 



History of The Typographical Union 

To the Special Committee Appointed to Investigate the Ac- 
counts of John Collins. 

Having been appointed as a sub-committee to visit Mr. Col- 
lins and ascertain, if possible, the state of his accounts with 
the union at different periods previous to the last convention, I 
proceeded to Cincinnati, and beg to make the following report 
as the result of my visit : 

1. That during the whole time he was an officer of the 
union he never kept a bank account, but has been in the habit 
of keeping the union funds in an envelope, or loose in his 
pocket, and using from them as occasion required. He informed 
me that he had never but once had any money in the bank, and 
then only a small amount. 

2. In answer to a question as to how much money he had 
belonging to the union when he went to Montreal, his reply 
was that all the money he had at the time was the Artemus 
Ward fund, about $1,500, and that was in government bonds, 
which he had in an envelope in his vest pocket. 

3. In answer to the next question, what he had done with 
the bonds between that time and the St. Louis session, he replied 
that while at Montreal he had gotten on a big spree, and while 
on that spree he visited some houses of ill-fame and either 
squandered it or was robbed, he didn't know which. He also 
stated in this connection that he was on a spree some time after 
leaving Montreal and after he got home. 

4. I asked him how it was that the moneys that were due the 
session held at St. Louis were $400 short, and his reply was 
that he had to borrow money during the year to pay current 
expenses of the union, and when the per capita began to come 
in for the St. Louis session he took it to repay the loans he had 
made, preferring to have his indebtedness all in one sum, and 
that to the union, instead of having it in small sums, owing 
to different ones. 

Following the report of the sub-committee, as sub- 
mitted above, the special committee said : 

In addition to the amounts allowed by the committee for 
sums expended for the union at St. Louis, Mr. Collins claims 
that he should be allowed traveling expenses to and from the 
conventions of 1873 and 1874, as provided in the constitution ; 
also the interest on the Artemus Ward fund, which he charged 

280 • 




\ 



v t 



WILLIAM H. BODWELL, New York 

President International Typographical Union 

June i, 1874 -June 11, 1875 



Convention at Boston, 1875 

against himself. In regard to compensation for traveling ex- 
penses to the convention, your committee is of the opinion that 
the action of the union at both these conventions precludes such 
a claim, as a certain sum was in each case voted him "as full 
compensation for said office." Your committee is also of the 
opinion that the interest on the Artemus Ward bonds is justly 
due the union, particularly as he charged it to himself before 
his deficit was known. 

The report showed that Mr. Collins' indebtedness to 
the International Union amounted to $3,099.81. It does 
not appear from the report of Mr. Mills (the member of 
the committee of the previous session who visited Mr. 
Collins) that any effort had been made by the late secre- 
tary-treasurer to settle his indebtedness to the Interna- 
tional, nor did he apparently offer any reasonable excuse 
for the misappropriation of the funds of the body. The 
committee, therefore, recommended : ( 1 ) That the name 
o"f John Collins be stricken from the roll of the Interna- 
tional Union; (2) that a statement of Mr. Collins' indebt- 
edness to the International be published with the annual 
proceedings of the union until such indebtedness was 
paid; (3) that the secretary notify subordinate unions by 
circular of the action of the International Union in refer- 
ence to Mr. Collins' indebtedness. The report and 
recommendations accompanying it were adopted by the 
convention, after having been amended at the suggestion 
of Delegate John McVicar so that Mr. Collins' name be 
placed on the minutes as expelled for stealing the union's 
funds. A further amendment was offered — that the con- 
vention, while censuring Mr. Collins to the fullest extreme 
and branding him as a dishonorable man, also condemn 
the various financial committees which, by their slack 
way of examining the secretary's accounts, made it pos- 
sible for Collins to defraud the union. This amendment, 
however, was defeated. 

Delinquent Unions — By a resolution of the Interna- 

281 



History of The Typographical Union 

tional body all subordinate unions delinquent for a period 
of two years were dropped, and it was further ordered 
that such delinquent unions be published in the appendix 
to the annual proceedings. Those unions published in the 
proceedings of 1875 as delinquent were Sacramento, Cal. ; 
Bloomington, Jacksonville and Springfield, 111. ; Will- 
iamsport, Easton and Allentown, Pa. ; Newbern, N. C. ; 
Watertown and Newburgh, N. Y. ; Rome, Ga. ; Nebraska 
City, Neb.; Charleston, W. Va., and Elizabeth, N. J. 

Resolutions — Among the resolutions passed at this 
session of the International Union were the following : 

''That the International Union recommends the adop- 
tion by subordinate unions of a law providing that every 
person voting on the question of a strike shall be a mem- 
ber in good standing of the union under whose jurisdiction 
he is working for at least six months previous to the date 
of said meeting." 

"That while a majority of the delegates attending 
this session of the International Union are seemingly in 
favor of the establishment of an International Typograph- 
ical Union fund, the delegates feel that they would pre- 
fer laying the draft presented before subordinate unions 
for their action thereon; that the draft of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union fund act presented at this 
convention be spread upon the minutes and referred to 
the various subordinate unions, who are hereby ordered 
to instruct their delegates to the next session to vote for 
or against the adoption of such act, subject to amendment ; 
that the secretary-treasurer of this International Union 
have printed ten thousand copies of such act for distribu- 
tion among the various subordinate unions." 

"That while this International Union enacts four years 
as the minimum time in which an apprenticeship can be 
served, it does not deny the right to fix a longer period if 
the exigencies of any union demand it." 

282 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1876 

Officers, 18 J 5 — The election of officers, held on the 
last day of the convention, resulted as follows : Walter W. 
Bell, Philadelphia, president; James Harper, Montreal, 
first vice-president; C. F. Sheldon, Kansas City, second 
vice-president; W. A. Hutchinson, Chicago, secretary- 
treasurer, and W. S. Pride, Wilmington, Del., corre- 
sponding secretary. 

The union adjourned to meet in Philadelphia in July, 
1876, the time of meeting having been changed from 
June to July because of the centennial exposition held in 
Philadelphia that year. 

Convention at Philadelphia 

[1876] — The twenty-fourth convention of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union was called to order by 
President Bell in Philadelphia, Monday, July 3, 1876. 

This convention was the largest gathering of delegates 
in the history of the organization from 1850 to 1885, 
eighty unions being represented by ninety-eight delegates, 
according to the report of the committee on credentials. 
Notwithstanding the large attendance and the many im- 
portant questions presented for consideration, including 
a new constitution, an International fund law, and a uni- 
form constitution for subordinate unions, the results of 
the week's sessions failed to disclose any important meas- 
ures enacted into law. 

General Amnesty Refused — Owing to the depressed 
condition of trade throughout the country, the proposi- 
tion of extending a general amnesty was presented for 
consideration and referred to a special committee. This 
committee, after due deliberation over the proposition, 
reported that: "As much as we desire to be merciful to 
all who have done wrong among us, and as this, the con- 
tennial year, would seem a fitting time for that purpose, 
yet we doubt the propriety of giving unlimited amnesty to 

283 



History of The Typographical Union 

every one derelict in their duty to the craft, and especially 
to their own subordinate unions ; therefore 

"Resolved, That it is detrimental to the best interests of 
the craft, generally, that those who have proved recreant 
to their obligations as members of the union should again 
be admitted into full fellowship with the fraternity. We 
therefore deem it inexpedient to resort to a general 
amnesty." 

This recommendation of the special committee was con- 
curred in by the delegates, but in another place in the 
minutes of this convention we find favorable action 'taken 
on the following proposition : "That we deem it to be the 
true policy of subordinate unions to go to the utmost limit 
consistent with safety and honor in receiving into their 
membership all unfair printers who make application to 
that effect and who evince a desire to again become fair 
men." 

Jurisdiction Limited — The question of jurisdiction re- 
ceived considerable attention, owing to the disputes aris- 
ing in some^^ctions of the country. The convention 
finally adopt Jd a resolution to the effect that the jurisdic- 
tion of all unions chartered by the International Typo- 
graphical Union of North America should extend only 
within the corporate limits of the city or town named in 
the charter. 

Erasing Names from Charters — A practice that had 
become prevalent in subordinate unions, that of erasing 
names of charter members from the original instrument, 
was a subject of general interest and brought about much 
discussion. It was finally ordered that all subordinate 
unions that had erased names of charter members from 
their charters, and substituted others in their places, be 
required to replace those charters in the same condition 
in which they were issued by the International Union. 

Only three unions were organized during the year, ow- 

284 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1876 

ing to the deplorable state of trade, and the charters of 
the following named unions were surrendered : Evans- 
ville, Ind. ; St. Catharines, Ont. ; Knoxville, Tenn., and 
Atchison, Kan. 

Membership — A decided falling off in the total mem- 
bership was reported by the secretary-treasurer. From a 
total of more than 10,000 the year previous, the member- 
ship had dropped to 8,688 at the close of the fiscal year. 

Defense Fund — The previous convention having con- 
sidered a proposition submitted by Delegate McVicar, of 
Detroit, to enact an International fund law, and having 
ordered that copies of the law be printed and submitted 
to subordinate unions for their consideration, and invit- 
ing definite action thereon through instructions to dele- 
gates to the Philadelphia convention, the matter was 
taken up for consideration under the report of the com- 
mittee on unfinished business. This committee in its re- 
port said that the draft of the proposed fund law seemed 
to be as nearly a correct starting point as could well be 
defined and in its opinion a full and free discussion of the 
proposition should be had, and if the fund law was to be 
adopted the time had arrived for action. During the dis- 
cussion it developed that many delegates to the conven- 
tion favored the adoption of the fund law but had been 
instructed to vote against it. After fully considering the 
proposition it was finally rejected by a vote of 52 noes, 
7 ayes. 

Uniform Constitution for Subordinate Unions — The 
previous convention, held in Boston, had also authorized 
the appointment of a special committee to prepare a uni- 
form constitution for subordinate unions. This committee 
had prepared an instrument for consideration by the dele- 
gates to the Philadelphia convention, but, while the docu- 
ment was based upon the general laws of the International 
and upon well-established precedents, the delegates 

285 



History of The Typographical Union 

evinced a hesitancy to enact it into law and it was finally 
determined that consideration of the subject be postponed 
until the next session of the International, with the under- 
standing that the document be spread upon the minutes 
and that subordinate unions be requested to instruct their 
delegates to vote "yea" or "nay" upon its adoption. 

Greeley Monument — The Greeley monument commit- 
tee submitted a report of the work accomplished during 
the year, in conjunction with a committee of employing 
printers of New York city. The work of construction had 
been proceeded with and it was hoped that the bronze 
figure of the great editor and printer, the cast for which 
was being made in Philadelphia, would be ready for 
inspection by the delegates at the convention, but in 
this matter the committee had been disappointed. The 
committee reported that the first proposition considered 
was to make a type-metal statue, but later, upon the 
advice of men of experience with metals, the committee 
learned that type-metal would not stand exposure to the 
weather for any length of time. About one thousand 
pounds of old type had been received by the committee, 
which would have to be put into the monument in some 
way. Arrangements for the unveiling of the monument 
had been completed, and a detailed report of the receipts 
and expenditures was promised for the next convention 
of the International Union. 

Decisions — In the annual report submitted by Presi- 
dent Bell was included a summary of decisions rendered 
during the year, some of which are quoted herewith : 

"A chapel has no right to set aside, review or construe 
the action of the union in regular meeting." 

"A subordinate union can not be made an agency for 
the collection of debts due private parties. A card can 
not be refused on such grounds." 

286 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1876 

"A subordinate union has no control over men regu- 
larly enlisted in the United States service and who may 
be detailed in the signal service, or to work at the business 
at military headquarters or posts." 

"The scale of prices of a subordinate union must be 
regarded as the minimum rate at which its members can 
be employed and in no way can be construed to prevent 
any member from receiving a higher rate, if it can be 
obtained with the free consent of the employer." 

"While every union has an undoubted right to levy and 
collect assessments from its members for all legitimate 
purposes of its organization, as set forth in its constitu- 
tion and by-laws, for its own support or that of the In- 
ternational, or in defense of union principles, it exceeds 
its authority when it obliges its members to contribute 
against their will to any undertaking of a festive charac- 
ter or one which is not necessary for the furtherance of 
the purposes for which it was chartered." 

Sub-Lists — The question of abolishing sub-lists was 
brought before the convention by a resolution introduced 
by Delegate McVicar, of Detroit, as follows: 

"Resolved, That this International Typographical 
Union recommend to every subordinate union that it ear- 
nestly discourage, and kill, if possible, what is known as 
the sub-list system." 

The committee on subordinate unions, to which the 
resolution was referred, reported adversely on the resolu- 
tion, giving as its reason that it was antagonistic to section 
13 of the general laws, which read: "It is the opinion of 
the International Union that it is neither wise in policy 
nor correct in principle that anything should be enacted 
relative to the internal affairs of printing offices." A mi- 
nority report was submitted, recommending the adoption 
of the resolution, and the repeal of section 13 of the gen- 

287 



History of The Typographical Union 

eral laws. Delegate O'Rourke. of New York, offered the 
following substitute : 

"Resolved, That all subordinate unions be directed to 
take such action as may to them seem best calculated to 
abolish what is known as the sub-list system." 

The substitute was adopted. 

Amendments and Resolutions — Among amendments 
to the laws and resolutions adopted were the following : 

"That any alteration or amendment receiving a unani- 
mous vote shall become a part of the constitution without 
being laid over for one year." 

The general laws were amended by the adoption of the 
following paragraph : "The practice of loaning and bor- 
rowing matter by morning and evening papers printed in 
separate and distinct establishments, no matter by whom 
owned, is repugnant to the principles of our organization, 
and subordinate unions are enjoined to put forth every 
effort consistent with the best interests of such unions in 
order that such practice may be abolished." 

"That the action of the previous convention in passing a 
resolution to the effect that the International Union no 
longer affiliate with the National Labor Congress be 
rescinded." 

"That this body, recognizing strikes as detrimental to 
the best interests of our craft, direct subordinate unions 
that no strikes shall be ordered without at least a three- 
fourths vote of the union, and no man shall vote on such a 
question until he shall have belonged to the union at 
least six months." 

Louisville, Ky., was chosen as the meeting place for the 
convention of 1877. 

Officers, i8j6 — The following officers were elected for 
the ensuing term : President, John McVicar, Detroit, 
Mich. ; first vice-president, Henry Z. Osborne, New Or- 
leans, La. ; second vice-president, William P. Atkinson, 

288 







WALTER W. BELL, Philadelphia 

President International Typographical Union 

June ii, 1875 -July 7, 1876 



Convention at Louisville, 1877 

Erie, Pa. ; secretary-treasurer, John H. O'Donnell, Bos- 
ton, Mass., and corresponding secretary, John Armstrong, 
Toronto, Ont. 

Convention at Louisville 

[1877] — When the twenty-fifth convention of the 
International Typographical Union was called to order 
by President McVicar at Louisville, Ky., June 4, 1877, 
the delegates were welcomed to the city by Mr. J. D. 
Barfield, president of Louisville Union, who read a 
poem entitled "A Welcome," by S. K. Bangs, the famous 
printer-poet. The poem follows : 

With a hearty grasp we meet you — aye, with arms extended wide 
We receive you, fellow craftsmen, as the shore receives the tide — 
As the south winds greet the billows in their coming to the strand 
With the sweetest salutation of a flower-scented land. 

Like alluring airs from meadows and from woodlands green and gay 
(Where the wild rose and the violet spend the summer holiday) 
We would lure you on and upward to the vine-embowered hills 
Where our merry wine is nurtured by a myriad laughing rills. 

Meet it is, O honored brothers! that you gather here in June, 

When the hand of gentle Flora decks the sunny land of Boone; 

When our generous boards are groaning 'neath the weight of goodly cheer, 

And there comes a glowing promise of a glad and grateful year. 

May the wisdom of your counsels guide us well upon our way, 
Giving strength and hope and courage for the coming of a day 
When the equal law of justice shall o'ercome the rule of greed, 
And employer and employe will regard each other's need. 

And we'll pass the flagon gayly when your graver work is through, 
Since your visits, like the angels', are so fleeting and so few; 
And we'll not forget the counsel of the jolly old Sir Jack, — 
"There's a twofold operation in a little sherrie-sack." 

President McVicar, on behalf of the assembled dele- 
gates and visitors, returned the thanks of the union for 
the welcome extended. 

Depressed Trade Conditions — A marked decrease in 
the number of delegates present and of unions repre- 
sented was apparent, compared with the large attendance 
at the Philadelphia convention the year previous. Only 
forty delegates presented credentials, representing thirty- 
one subordinate unions. The extremely dull condition of 



History of The Typographical Union 

trade at this period was largely responsible for the small 
attendance. The financial statement submitted by the sec- 
retary-treasurer showed a decrease in the total member- 
ship from the year before, the number in good standing 
having fallen to 6,900. Reductions in wages had been 
general throughout the country, strikes had been numer- 
ous, suspensions and consolidations of newspaper enter- 
prises and a loose system of apprenticeship had crowded 
the labor market and contributed as much toward reduc- 
tion in wages as the dull times. Unsuccessful strikes had 
occurred in Jackson, Mich. ; Baltimore, Md. ; Macon, Ga. ; 
New Orleans, La.; Nashville, Tenn. ; New York city; 
Chicago, 111., and Syracuse, N. Y. In the latter city the 
union was worsted and almost wiped out of existence. 

For the purpose of relieving conditions as much as 
possible, the corresponding secretary, during the year, 
by the advice and consent of the president and secretary- 
treasurer, had written to the typographical societies of 
Great Britain and Ireland, acquainting them of the great 
depression in the printing business on this continent for 
the purpose, if possible, of preventing printers from 
coming here in quest of employment. The following 
circular letter was sent to London, Liverpool, Manchester, 
Oxford, Derby, Durham, Bristol, Dublin, Cork, London- 
derry, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee 
and Stirling : 

Toronto, Ont., January, 25, 1877. 
To Secretaries Typographical Societies of Great Britain and 

Ireland. 

I deem it advisable and expedient to inform your society of 
the depressed state of trade in the United States and Dominion 
of Canada, trusting you will give said information the widest 
possible publicity throughout your jurisdiction. 

Financial depression, coupled with a general dullness in all 
lines of business, has made the past year one of unprecedented 
hardship to the craft, to such an extent that our subordinate 

290 



Convention at Louisville, 1877 

unions in both countries, with scarcely an exception, have been 
compelled to accept reductions in their newspaper scale of prices 
of from ten to twenty-five per cent, with no prospect of an early 
return to former rates. Similiar reductions have taken place in 
the book and job offices. Once large and thriving establishments 
in this important branch of our trade are now, through the 
exigencies of the times, either running on three-quarters time, 
or have reduced the number of their employes one-half their 
usual quota. Therefore, the executive adopts this method of 
communicating, through you, to our fellow-craftsmen of Great 
Britain and Ireland, the stagnant state of our business preva- 
lent in the United States and the Dominion, and would impress 
upon them the injudiciousness of coming (for the present) to 
either country in quest of employment at the printing business. 

I would also acquaint you of the fact that Canadian emigra- 
tion agents, in their lecturing tours throughout the old coun- 
try, have been in the habit of holding out dazzling inducements 
to come to the Province of Ontario, recommending certain 
establishments which do not conform to the principles of 
unionism. Upon arrival, they find out their mistake, and that 
their seductive advisers must be in league with union-opposing 
proprietors.' Rather than sacrifice union principles, they either 
seek other means of subsistence, or exchange their British cards 
for ours, and leave for the States, thus increasing an already 
overstocked market of unemployed printers. Several distressing 
cases of this kind have come within my personal knowledge. 

Considering the above facts, it is to be hoped you will see 
the necessity of placing the contents of this circular fully and 
explicitly before your society, so that our brother craftsmen 
across the Atlantic may understand the true state of affairs, as 
they unfortunately exist with us. 

Fraternally, John Armstrong, 

Corresponding Secretary. 

The secretary reported that he had received from Mr. 
Self, secretary of the London Society of Compositors, 
copies of the rules of that society and its newspaper scale 
of prices; also a communication replete with information. 
A paragraph from Mr. Self's letter said: "You may- 
rest assured that the contents of your communication will 

291 



History of The Typographical- Union 

be made known to all whom it may concern. Indeed, we 
are thoroughly acquainted with the terrible depression of 
trade, both in Canada and the United States, from various 
sources, and we do not think that you will be troubled 
with any printers from this side of the Atlantic until 
things show a very different aspect to that which they at 
present exhibit" 

Lack of Discipline — In the annual report of President 
McVicar it was pointed out that, with few exceptions, 
subordinate unions were lamentably lacking in discipline. 
The most discouraging fact in this connection was the 
disposition of local organizations to refuse to recognize 
the International Union as the highest authority, and 
their failure to enforce its laws. President McVicar, who 
had introduced, two years previously, a proposed Inter- 
national fund law, which was so decisively rejected at the 
following convention, again referred to the matter and 
expressed a firm conviction that until some such law was 
enacted, and a fund created, thereby placing the Inter- 
national in a position to support satisfactorily members 
of subordinate unions out on strike, no relief from the 
unsatisfactory conditions prevalent could be expected. 

Greeley Memorial — The final report of the Greeley 
memorial committee was presented to the convention. It 
showed that the efforts to erect a monument had been 
successful and that on the 4th day of December, 1876, 
a bronze bust of the departed printer-philosopher was 
unveiled, with proper ceremonies, over Greeley's grave 
in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Delegate to Paris — For the purpose of extending fra- 
ternal greetings to the printers of Europe, the convention 
determined to send a delegate to represent the body at the 
World's International Exposition held in Paris in 1878. 
J. H. Ralston, of Washington, D. C, was selected. 

French-Canadians — A matter that had caused wide 

292 



Convention at Louisville, 1877 

discussion, and which had taken up considerable of the 
time of previous conventions, was the many disputes and 
constant friction between the French-Canadian union and 
the English speaking union in Montreal, Can. At the 
Philadelphia convention charges were preferred against 
the French-Canadian union by the English union, which 
were referred to the committee on appeals. This com- 
mittee submitted a report providing for the appointment 
of a referee, to visit Montreal and make a thorough inves- 
tigation of the differences existing between the two bodies, 
it being understood that both unions would abide by what- 
ever decision the referee should arrive at, and that such 
decision should be final and binding on all parties con- 
cerned. Eugene O'Rourke, of New York, was selected 
as referee, and proceeded to Montreal, where he re- 
mained for several weeks, making an investigation pre- 
liminary to a decision. Mr. O'Rourke's decision was a 
drastic document, which required that the French-Cana- 
dian union should surrender its charter and that its mem- 
bers should be taken into the English speaking union. 
When a copy of the decision reached President McVicar 
that official instructed the French-Canadian union to pay 
no attention to the order to disband, instructing the mem- 
bers to continue to work in full fellowship with other 
subordinate unions, it being the opinion of the president 
that the referee had exceeded his authority in directing 
that the union surrender its charter, as that authority was 
vested only in the International body itself. The matter 
again came up on appeal to the Louisville convention, 
which sustained the action of the president, but, upon 
the strength of the reasons set forth in the report of the 
referee, the convention ordered that the charter of the 
French-Canadian union be surrendered, but upon modi- 
fied conditions which were agreeable to the members of 
that union. The agreement reached by which the French- 

293 



History of The Typographical Union 

Canadians were satisfied to surrender their charter and 
become members of No. 97 is contained in a resolution 
so unique in character that it is herewith reproduced : 

The Jacques Cartier Typographical Union No. 145, being 
dissolved, the undersigned pledge themselves to join Union 
No. 97 on the following conditions, viz. : 

That their constitution and by-laws be printed in both 
languages. 

That all motions, reports, documents, etc., be also printed 
and laid before meetings in both languages. 

That if the president is English, the French-Canadians will 
be entitled to the offices of vice-president, recording secretary 
and secretary-treasurer, the English being entitled to the other 
charges (excepting the board of directors, which will be com- 
posed of an equal number of Frenchmen and Englishmen) ; 
vice versa if the president is French. When it will be necessary 
to appoint delegates, the French will have the privilege of 
being represented by the same number of their countrymen as 
the English. 

That at each annual election the English office-bearers will 
be replaced by French-Canadian officers, and French-Canadians 
by the English. 

That a committee of Englishmen and Frenchmen be ap- 
pointed immediately to amend the constitution and by-laws of 
Union No. 97 according to the foregoing resolution. 

That assistant secretaries shall be appointed to assist the 
financial and recording secretaries in their duties. 

Gift of Italian Printers — -During the progress of the 
convention, the president announced that he had received, 
through the secretary of New York Union, a medal and 
an address presented to the printers of this country by the 
Italian printers. The address was referred to a special 
committee, which recommended to the convention that the 
delegate to Paris be requested to draft suitable resolu- 
tions expressing the thanks of the printers of the United 
States and Canada, through their representatives, to the 
printers of Italy for their beautiful memorial medal and 
expressions of fraternal friendship. It was ordered that 

294 



Convention at Louisville, 1877 

such resolutions be printed upon parchment, in the highest 
style of the art, bearing the seal of the International 
Union, with the signatures of the officers attached. The 
delegate was further instructed to recognize in proper 
manner the compliment paid the printers of the United 
States, in 1876, by the printers of France, and to investi- 
gate the state of trade in that country, inquiring into the 
prices of labor, and report upon the general conditions 
of French printers in comparison with conditions in this 
country. 

Digest of Laws — A committee composed of five mem- 
bers of Detroit Typographical Union was appointed for 
the purpose of preparing and presenting a digest of the 
laws of the International Union, with instructions to have 
printed 500 copies for distribution among subordinate 
unions. 

'Union Printers Home — A proposition, submitted by 
Delegate Pool, of New Orleans, that a committee of five 
be appointed to inquire into the advisability and prac- 
ticability of establishing a home for needy and infirm 
members of subordinate unions was referred to the com- 
mittee on new business. This committee reported that 
the project was impracticable at that time, and the matter 
was indefinitely postponed. 

Uniform Constitution — The committee on unfinished 
business, having under consideration the proposition for 
a uniform constitution for subordinate unions, laid over 
from the previous convention, submitted the matter with 
an unfavorable recommendation, which was concurred in. 

Representation — Another proposition to amend the 
constitution, left over from the previous convention, pro- 
posing to change the representation of subordinate unions, 
allowing one delegate for each one hundred members, 
was defeated. 

Date of Meeting — A further proposition, to change 

295 



History of The Typographical Union 

the date of the annual meeting from June to September, 
was rejected, and Detroit, Mich., was selected as the next 
convention city. 

Officers, i8jj — The following officers were elected 
for the ensuing term : President, Darwin R. Streeter, 
St. Louis, Mo. ; first vice-president, Edward Griffin, Bal- 
timore, Md. ; second vice-president, Edwin Fitzgeorge, 
Trenton, N. J. ; secretary-treasurer, John H. O'Donnell, 
Boston, Mass., and corresponding secretary, John Arm- 
strong, Toronto, Ont. 

Convention at Detroit 

[1878] — Lowest Membership — When the twenty- 
sixth convention of the International Union opened its 
sessions in Detroit, on June 3, 1878, the organization had 
reached its lowest point in membership and the highest 
point in number of suspended unions. Only 4,260 mem- 
bers were reported in good standing. Charters had been 
surrendered by Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Providence, 
Evansville, Savannah, Omaha, Alexandria, Va. ; Jack- 
son, Mich. ; Atchison, Kan. ; Springfield, Mass. ; Topeka, 
Kan. ; St. Catharines, Ont. ; Bay City, Mich. ; Rutland, 
Vt. ; Madison, Wis., and New York Women's Union. 
Charters of the following unions had been revoked for 
non-payment of dues : Petersburg and Lynchburg, Va. ; 
Augusta and Atlanta, Ga. ; Burlington and Keokuk, 
Iowa; Lawrence, Kan.; Terre Haute, Ind. ; St. John, 
N. B. ; Jersey City, N. J.; Springfield, Ohio; Jefferson 
City, Mo. ; Kalamazoo, Mich. ; Schuylkill and Titusville, 
Pa. ; Natchez, Miss. ; Cumberland, Md. ; Opelika, Ala. ; 
Tioga, Pa. ; Burlington, Vt., and San Antonio, Tex. 

Organization and Discipline — President Streeter sub- 
mitted his annual report, covering the transactions of his 
administration, together with numerous recommendations 

296 




JOHN McVICAR, Detroit 

President International Typographical Union 
July 7, 1876 -June 8, 1877 



Convention at Detroit, 1878 

for legislation which he believed to be for the best inter- 
ests of the organization. Speaking of organization and 
discipline, the president said that he entirely agreed with 
his predecessor as to the sad lack of proper attention paid 
by subordinate unions to matters of discipline. He 
pointed out many instances of non-observance of Interna- 
tional laws and suggested the necessity for more stringent 
rules for the government of subordinate unions. While, 
in his opinion, it was desirable that matters pertaining 
to local affairs should be left in the hands of local unions, 
it was proper, in fact absolutely necessary, that stronger 
laws should be enacted and enforced for the purpose of 
obtaining a more definite understanding and honest 
observance of the duties of one union to another, and of 
all subordinate unions to the International Union. It 
was pointed out that notwithstanding the fact that, at a 
great expense of time and money, annual sessions of the 
body were held in different sections of the jurisdiction, 
at which many just and good laws were passed for the 
government of the membership, no particular punish- 
ment had been provided for those unions and indi- 
vidual printers who saw fit to ignore and disobey these 
laws. The only punishment provided for violation of law 
was expulsion. This punishment had been considered 
too severe to inflict except in extreme cases and the result 
had been that conventions had allowed some of their 
requirements to be treated with contempt rather than 
revoke the charter of the offending union. It was sug- 
gested that a system of fines be provided, to be imposed 
on subordinate unions wilfully disobeying the Interna- 
tional laws or disregarding the rights of sister societies. 
Referring to section 1 of the general laws, which 
forbade local unions admitting to membership persons 
coming from another jurisdiction, without the consent of 
the union in that jurisdiction, the president said that 

297 



History of The Typographical Union 

complaints of violations of this section were of frequent 
occurrence. While admitting that in some instances 
undesirable members were admitted to membership 
because nothing was known of their antecedents, nor of 
their past affiliation with the union, it could not be denied 
that in many cases the violation of a fundamental law 
was wilful in the highest degree. Persons expelled by 
subordinate unions had been admitted elsewhere with the 
full knowledge of such expulsion and with a total disre- 
gard of the principles on which the system was based. 
The president recommended amplification of the law, so 
that when an applicant's name was taken and a statement 
obtained from him as to the city or cities in which he had 
previously worked, as apprentice or journeyman, corre- 
spondence should be had with the parties for whom appli- 
cant had worked, and the investigation of any references 
he might be able to furnish. Should objection be made 
to the admission of an applicant, and the reasons given 
not deemed valid by the union to which application was 
made for membership, an appeal should be lodged with 
the International president. A fine was recommended 
for a violation of this law for the first offense and for 
a second offense of like character the charter of the union 
so offending revoked. 

"Permits" — The custom of issuing "permits" was dis- 
cussed and the abuse of the practice called to the atten- 
tion of delegates. It appears that under the system 
of issuing permits, many traveling printers had come to 
pay little, if any, attention to the necessity of procuring 
an International traveling card when about to leave 
a city, knowing that they could obtain a permit to work 
from the union within whose jurisdiction they sought 
employment. This abuse had grown to such an extent 
that all that was required in many cases was an affirma- 
tion by some friend that the newcomer was "a good union 

298 



Convention at Detroit, 1878 

man." As time went on these members found themselves 
getting deeper and deeper in debt to the union from 
whence they came, with the result that expulsions often 
followed. In this way the subordinate unions were beaten 
out of their just dues and many careless printers found 
themselves without membership in any union, and 
interminable disputes followed in the wake of this prac- 
tice. An amendment to the law was suggested by the 
president to correct this abuse. 

Female Compositors — On the question of female com- 
positors President Streeter took a strong position against 
admitting them to membership in the union, but did not 
seek to press his personal ideas on the subject on the dele- 
gates, except to say that it was his belief that this question 
was one that should engage the serious attention of the 
convention, and a free discussion of the matter was 
invited. It was finally ordered by the convention that 
no further charters be granted to women for the forma- 
tion of separate unions — that such women as held mem- 
bership in subordinate unions be not interfered with in 
any of the privileges they enjoyed and that the question 
of the admission of women to membership be left entirely 
to the discretion of subordinate unions. 

International Strike Fund — At previous conventions 
of the International Union the subject of an International 
strike fund had been brought up and discussed and 
invariably the action taken had been adverse to the crea- 
tion of such a fund. It appears that the objection to such 
a fund was lodged in the belief by the delegates that 
it was an unsafe venture to place large sums of money 
in the hands of one man, but the condition of the union 
was such at that time that the delegates evidently realized 
that some action was absolutely necessary in order that 
the International Union might be preserved, and a fund 
law, so long discussed and so often defeated, was finally 

299 



History of The Typographical Union 

passed at this session. That the delegates endeavored 
to surround this fund with every protection possible will 
be observed by reading the law, which follows : 

Whereas the disastrous ending of nearly all the strikes 
(from any cause arising) entered into by various subordinate 
unions under the jurisdiction of this International Typograph- 
ical Union is invariably attributed to a lack of the proper 
sinews of war in such cases, viz., money with which to prosecute 
them to a successful issue ; and 

Whereas as one great secret of success lies in the maxim, 
"In time of peace prepare for war," it is eminently proper that 
this body should adopt some measure calculated to bring ma- 
terial aid to the treasury of a subordinate union struggling for 
the maintenance of the principles enunciated by this Interna- 
tional Typographical Union; therefore 

Resolved, That the International Typographical Union of 
North America, in twenty-sixth annual session assembled, in 
the city of Detroit, Michigan, adopt the following, to be known 
as "An Act for the Creation of an International Typographical 
Union Fund for Extraordinary Expenses :" 

Section I. At the stated meeting of each subordinate union 
held in the month of January, in the year A. D. 1879, and in 
the month of January of each and every year thereafter, the 
members of such subordinate union shall each pay into the 
treasury thereof the sum of one dollar, in addition to all dues, 
etc., levied for subordinate union purposes. 

Sec. 2. The money thus paid into the treasuries of the vari- 
ous subordinate unions shall be known as "The International 
Typographical Union Fund," and shall be controlled in the 
manner hereinafter prescribed. 

Sec. 3. All traveling cards drawn from a subordinate union 
during and after January in each year shall have endorsed 
thereon the words, "International Typographical Union fund 
dues for .... (the current year) have been paid," and no card 
shall issue unless such dues have been paid by the member 
applying for it. 

Sec. 4. Should a card be drawn during one year, and not 
deposited in any union until during or after January of the 
following year, upon such deposit in any subordinate union 
(at any date whatsoever) the financial secretary of such subor- 

300 



Convention at Detroit, 1878 

dinate union shall charge the International fund dues against 
the depositor of such card for the current year, and collect 
them, in addition to the local dues, etc., at his next regular 
quarterly collection, or at the time of drawing such card from 
his hands, should its depositor decide upon leaving his juris- 
diction previous to such quarterly collection. 

Sec. 5. Against all new members admitted to any subor- 
dinate union by initiation the International fund dues for the 
current year shall be charged, in addition to all subordinate 
union dues, etc., and collected as prescribed in section 4 of 
this act. 

Sec. 6. It is hereby made the duty of the treasurer of each 
subordinate union to deposit the moneys collected by him under 
the foregoing sections of this act in some reliable bank, situated 
in the city or town in which the subordinate union of which he 
is a member is located, conjointly in his own name and those 
of the president and financial secretary of such subordinate 
union, in an account separate and apart from his deposit of 
subordinate union funds, to lie therein, at interest, subject 
to call under orders of the proper officers of this International 
Typographical Union, as hereinafter provided for ; and such 
deposit of International fund moneys shall be made by such 
treasurer in full of all amounts in his hands within forty-eight 
hours after three dollars, or more, of such funds have been 
received by him; and the president, financial secretary, and 
treasurer of each subordinate union are hereby constituted a 
board of local trustees of the International Union fund moneys 
collected in their respective jurisdictions. 

Sec. 7. It is hereby made the duty of the treasurer of each 
subordinate union to notify the secretary-treasurer of this Inter- 
national Typographical Union, on the first day of each and 
every calendar month, of the amount and date of each and every 
deposit made by him under the provisions of section 6 of this 
act during the month immediately preceding, together with the 
amount of interest, if any, credited to such fund by the bank 
in which it is deposited. 

Sec. 8. It is hereby made the duty of the secretary-treasurer 
of this International Typographical Union to open an account 
w T ith the treasurer of each subordinate union, in a book to be 
procured and kept for that purpose, charging such treasurer 
with all deposits made under the provisions of sections 6 and 7 

301 



History of The Typographical Union 

of this act, and with such interest thereon as may be, from time 
to time, allowed by the banks in which said funds are deposited, 
and crediting them with such sums as may, from time to 
time, be drawn from such fund under the provisions of this act. 

Sec. 9. The principal and interest of the International fund 
shall remain on deposit, in trust of the local trustees of the 
International Typographical Union fund in each subordinate 
union, to be used to aid subordinate unions in attempts to make 
successful any strikes that may be ordered (subject to the 
restrictions hereinafter named) within their jurisdiction for 
the purpose of securing an increase or resisting a reduction of 
wages, or for the purpose of reinstating union men as a whole 
in any office in which the employer or employers may have 
determined upon or caused a lockout, or for any other strike 
purpose decided upon by a three-fourths vote of all its members 
present at a regular or special meeting; always provided, that 
in each and every instance good and sufficient notice of the 
special subject to be considered at such meeting shall have been 
given every member of said union (in the usual manner of 
notification of members provided by the constitution of said 
union) at least twelve hours before such meeting; provided, 
further, that it shall also be necessary, in all cases, except 
a strike against a reduction of wages, to obtain the sanction 
of the president of this International Typographical Union to 
such strike, in order to receive benefits from the International 
Typographical Union fund. 

Sec. 10. It shall be necessary, in order for the local trustees 
to draw money from the bank, once it has been deposited, to 
have the warrant of the president of the International Typo- 
graphical Union, countersigned by the secretary-treasurer ; and 
no bank in which this fund is deposited shall pay any check 
of said trustees without the presentation of such warrant in 
addition to their duly signed check. 

Sec. 11. When a strike is ordered by a subordinate union, 
in accordance with the provisions of section 9 of this act, the 
local trustees of the International fund shall immediately notify 
the president and the secretary-treasurer of the International 
Union of such fact, giving them the number of men to receive 
benefits owing to such strike, and also such other information 
in reference thereto as seems proper to such trustees the Inter- 
national officers named should possess. After such strike has 

302 



Convention at Detroit, 1878 

been going on for at least one week the local trustees may be 
ordered (by a three-fourths vote of the members present at a 
called meeting of the subordinate union under whose jurisdic- 
tion said strike is in progress) to make requisition upon the 
president of the International Typographical Union for a sum 
not to exceed seven dollars per week per man on strike, which 
requisition shall be in form as follows : 

To the President of the International Typographical Union of North America. 

On the day of , 18 , Typographical Union No. ordered a 

strike in (newspaper, book, job or press office, as the case may be) of (the em- 
ployer or employers or corporation name) to (purpose of strike), and a requisi- 
tion is hereby made upon the International Typographical Union fund, in ac- 
cordance with its provisions. The number of men to receive benefits under this 
strike is . 

In witness whereof we have hereunto affixed our hands and the seal of 

Typographical Union No. . 

— , President, 

, Financial Secretary, 



Treasurer. 



[Seal.] Local Trustees, Union No. — . 

, Recording Secretary, 

Union No. — . 

Attest: 

Sec. 12. Immediately upon receipt of (by the president of 
the International Typographical Union) a properly attested 
requisition, in due form, as above, he shall issue his warrant 
upon the secretary-treasurer of the International. Typographical 
Union for the sum of seven dollars for each man on strike, for 
one week's benefit, and said secretary-treasurer shall draw upon 
such local trustees as may be most convenient (according to 
their location, in reference to striking point, and to the stand- 
ing of their accounts upon his books) for a sufficient sum in all 
to cover the amount specified in the president's warrant, order- 
ing such local trustees to forward the sum so drawn upon them 
to the local trustees of the striking union, by express, telegram, 
or postoffice money order, as deemed best, within twelve hours 
after receipt of such order ; provided, that in making his draft 
upon such local trustees, he shall attach to it the seal of the 
International Typographical Union, and accompany it with a 
statement of when the strike began and why it was entered into ; 
provided further, that the local trustees shall be required to 
present such warrant, together with their check, to the bank 
having such fund on deposit for payment, and said bank shall 
pay no check of said trustees without the presentation of such 
warrant, in addition to their duly signed check. 

303 



History of The Typographical Union 

Sec. 13. The secretary-treasurer of the International Typo- 
graphical Union shall keep a just and true account of all 
moneys entered into, or drawn from, the International fund, as 
provided in section 8 of this act, and present the same, together 
with all papers, notifications, etc., in reference to said fund, 
which have accumulated in his possession during the fiscal year 
preceding, to each session of the International Typographical 
Union. 

Sec. 14. The local trustees of the International Typograph- 
ical Union fund in each subordinate union shall send a just 
and true account of all moneys received and deposited and paid 
out from that portion of the International fund in their charge, 
for the preceding fiscal year, to each session of the International 
Union, which account must be accompanied by their bank book, 
posted to the close of said year at least, as a voucher. 

Sec. 15. The reports of the secretary-treasurer of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union and of the local trustees of the 
International fund in each subordinate union shall, each year, 
at the annual session thereof, be referred to a special com- 
mittee of the International Typographical Union for exam- 
ination and audit ; after such examination, and finding the 
reports correct, all papers unnecessary to keep on file may be 
destroyed or returned to the parties presenting them, the local 
trustees' bank books to be returned them through their respect- 
ive delegates or by express, in case of their not being represented 
by a delegate. 

Sec. 16. After a regularly ordered strike has continued six 
weeks beyond the time of the first draft upon the International 
fund, the weekly instalments or benefits forwarded from said 
fund may be discontinued, in the discretion of the president of 
this International Union ; always provided, that the condition 
of affairs at the striking point must be reported to him at least 
once in forty-eight hours by the local trustees of the Interna- 
tional fund at such point. 

Sec. 17. For all strike purposes, with the exception of that 
mentioned in section 9 of this act, the president of this Inter- 
national Typographical Union must first be consulted (and a 
three-fourths vote of the subordinate union, as provided in 
section 9 of this act, shall be necessary to order such consulta- 
tion) and a detailed statement of grievances and proposed 



304 



3Sfe& 




DARWIN R. STREETER, St. Louis 

President International Typographical Union 

June 8, 1877 -June 7, 1878 



Convention at Detroit, 1878 

remedies submitted to them, when, if they sanction it, the strike 
may take place and support be given from the International 
fund. Should such a strike otherwise take place, the local union 
must stand on its own bottom. 

Sec. 18. No moneys shall be drawn from this International 
fund for any strike purpose until it shall have been in process 
of collection for at least one year. 

Vice-President Griffin Expelled — Edward Griffin, of 
Baltimore, who had been elected first vice-president 
of the International Union in Louisville, in 1877, 
violated his obligation to the union upon his return to 
Baltimore, almost immediately after the adjournment of 
the convention that had honored him by election to office. 
President Streeter, in reporting the matter to the conven- 
tion, said : "In view of the peculiar meanness shown by 
this man, I respectfully recommend that some action be 
taken by the convention expressive of its feelings in the 
matter, to the end that his name and conduct be held 
up to the scorn and contempt of every fair-minded printer 
in the United States and British Provinces." A special 
committee was appointed to which the recommendation 
of the president was referred. This committee, after 
investigating the charge against Griffin, submitted the 
following, which was endorsed by the convention : 

"Edward Griffin, of Baltimore, having been elected 
first vice-president of this body at the Louisville session 
of 1877, and having violated the obligation required of an 
officer of this body, as well as betrayed his constituency 
of Baltimore Union No. 12, is entitled to the contempt 
and scorn of all honorable craftsmen. Edward Griffin 
affords an unexampled instance of an officer of this union 
betraying his trust while in office, and we hope that 
subordinate unions will make his name and crime as 
odious as possible throughout their jurisdictions. With 
his oath of office fresh upon his lips, he betrayed the con- 



305 



History of The Typographical Union 

fidence of those who elevated and honored him with the 
highest position within their gift, and deliberately 
ratted." 

Jurisdiction of Subordinate Unions — The law defining 
limits of jurisdiction for subordinate unions was amplified 
by the following amendment : "That a subordinate union 
may consider any place within a radius of fifty miles of 
its location in which place no union exists, as within 
its jurisdiction, for the purpose of admitting non-union 
printers in such place to its membership." 

Insurance Plan — A proposition to create a plan of 
insurance for members of the International Union 
received favorable consideration at the hands of the dele- 
gates, and it was ordered that the plan be printed in 
detail in the convention proceedings and referred for 
further action to the next convention. 

Minor Legislation - — Minor legislation included exten- 
sion of apprenticeships from four to five years, and the 
law directing a secret ballot on calling a strike. 

Washington, D. C, was selected as the convention city 
for 1879. 

Officers, 1878 — John Armstrong, Toronto, was elected 
president; O. P. Martin, Chicago, first vice-president; 
T. J. Vaughan, Richmond, Va., second vice-president; 
William White, New York, secretary-treasurer, and 
Charles Wright, Cincinnati, corresponding secretary. 

Convention at Washington 

[1879] — When the delegates to the twenty-seventh 
convention assembled in Washington, D. C, June 2, 1879, 
only twenty-seven unions were represented. 

Discouraging Conditions — While President Arm- 
strong, in his annual report, spoke encouragingly of* his 
belief that the hard times were passing, and predicted 
a return to prosperity, the actual conditions then existing 

306 



Convention at Washington, 1879 

were perhaps the most discouraging in the history of the 
organization. Many subordinate unions located in the 
south had suffered through general suspension of indus- 
try, brought about by quarantine regulations because of 
a scourge of yellow fever. The fixed policy of local 
autonomy and the absence of a strong box from which 
to finance the numerous strikes had depleted the member- 
ship to such an extent that the secretary-treasurer omitted 
from his annual report any figures showing the actual 
number in good standing, although the aggregate was 
given as $,968. The union was without funds and appar- 
ently without power to enact and enforce any laws that 
denied to subordinate unions the right to do practically 
as they pleased. 

Negro Members — For the second time in the histor)' 
of the craft the question of the recognition of colored 
printers was brought before the International Union. 
At the convention held in Cincinnati in 1869 President 
George, in his report, made mention of a difficulty in 
Columbia Union over acceptance of one L. H. Douglas, 
a colored printer. A special committee was appointed, 
to whom the matter was referred, and this committee 
recommended that the question of admitting or rejecting 
colored printers be left to the discretion of subordinate 
unions. The recommendation was concurred in. This 
action on the part of the convention left the acceptance 
of an application and the initiation of a colored printer 
optional with subordinate unions, while his recognition by 
traveling card remained unsettled. Attention was called 
to another case of a colored man who had been refused 
admission in Memphis, Tenn., and Little Rock, Ark., on 
account of his color, having presented a traveling card 
from Columbia Union No. 101. It was finally determined 
by the convention that no subordinate unions be allowed 
to refuse to accept a properly accredited traveling card, 

307 



History of The Typographical Union 

which was clear and within date, provided no charges 
were pending against the holder thereof. 

Limitation of Foreman s Authority — During the year 
the president had been called upon to interpret the law 
which said : "The foreman is the proper person to whom 
application should be made for employment." A fore- 
man in a western city had posted a sub-list in his office. 
This action met with disfavor in the union; the list was 
removed and a notice put up in its place to the effect 
that any regular hand wishing to be relieved from work 
temporarily must apply fo the foreman the day previous, 
and the latter would procure a substitute. This, in the 
opinion of the foreman, was the true interpretation of 
the law. Quite a feeling was created in the union by this 
action. Finally the matter was referred to the Interna- 
tional president for a decision. The president, after care- 
ful consideration of the question and of the motive which 
prompted those who framed the act, made the following 
interpretation of the law : "The law laid down that a 
foreman is the proper person to whom application should 
be made for employment was intended to protect the fore- 
man and make his position, as such, independent from 
outside influence and the tampering of proprietors. He 
has the right to employ and discharge the regular hands 
under him and it naturally follows that he has also the 
right to say who shall 'sub' and who shall not 'sub' in his 
office. I, therefore, look upon the putting up of a sub- 
list in an office as optional with the foreman of that office ; 
but, when a certain number of 'subs' are allowed and 
recognized in an office, it is the right and privilege of 
any regular hand to choose from this recognized number 
who shall temporarily work for him, and such right and 
privilege does not belong to the foreman." 

Defense Fund — The International fund law, passed 
by the previous convention, had been generally ignored 

308 



Convention at Washington, 1879 

by subordinate unions. With a few exceptions, the mem- 
bership had refused to contribute toward establishing 
such a fund. Speaking of this law, the president said : 
"More than a quarter of a century has rolled by since 
the formation of a general fund, to sustain subordinate 
unions in times of trouble, was first mooted in our craft. 
Often has this question been brought up at annual conven- 
tions, both under the old National Typographical Union 
and under the regime of the International, and each time 
with such alterations and amendments as seemed best 
suited to control the modus operandi of such a fund. 
Within these latter years a scheme of this kind has been 
brought prominently before the craft. Ex-President 
McVicar's International fund act seems to be the most 
perfect. Its provisions you are all, no doubt, familiar 
with. This measure was defeated at the Philadelphia 
convention. The same gentleman mentioned it in his 
annual address at the Louisville convention as one which 
the craft should adopt, and made favorable comments 
upon it. Mr. McVicar's suggestions were approved of by 
that convention, thereby virtually committing the Inter- 
national Union to the principles which the scheme em- 
braced. Last year President Streeter, in his address to 
the Detroit session, laid the entire measure before the 
convention for adoption or rejection. As you are aware, 
the measure was then legalized as a general law, and 
subordinate unions were expected to enforce the same. 
I regret to state that the law has not met with that hearty 
concurrence at the hands of subordinate unions which, 
in my opinion, it deserves. Several unions complied 
with its provisions and have placed the necessary fund in 
the bank; others acknowledge the beneficial results that 
will emanate from such a fund, but are unable to carry 
out its provisions owing to a want of unanimity ; and 
others again protest against this law in circulars couched 

309 



History of The Typographical Union 

in language more forcible than discreet, and in direct 
violation or section I, article I, of the constitution of this 
supreme body, which states : 'The International Typo- 
graphical Union of North America shall be acknowl- 
edged, respected and obeyed by each subordinate union 
in its jurisdiction.' Many of the circulars express the 
opinion that the law was an amendment to the constitu- 
tion of this body and therefore required a year's notice 
of motion to make it legal. Certainly subordinate unions 
have a perfect right to an opinion. But I require more 
than this. Proof and precedent are wanted to show 
wherein the measure is an amendment to our constitution. 
The law governing strikes, most arbitrary in one sense, 
yet one of the best laws ever framed by this International 
body, was passed at a single session. Presidents Bodwell, 
McVicar and Streeter decided that the measure was a 
general law, and therefore competent to be disposed of at 
one session. These decisions met with the approval 
of the conventions over which they had the honor of pre- 
siding. I am acquainted with more than one union the 
members of which strongly objected to the payment of 
the requisite dollar on the sound metallic basis that such 
a fund would be a most prolific parent of innumerable 
strikes ; yet a motion to draw the full amount, per head, 
from the treasury was almost unanimously agreed to. 
I am convinced that, until such time as the printers of this 
continent are educated to bear a general taxation for 
legitimate purposes with good grace, we have yet to learn 
something of the principles of -permanent unionism. 
Those who make objections to the establishment of such 
a fund should not overlook the fact that similar reserves 
have been raised by the craft in Europe ; and the beneficial 
results which have been obtained therefrom should cer- 
tainly incite us to make an honest effort to carry out the 
wish of the International Union in this matter. I believe 

310 



Convention at Washington, 1879 

that the establishment of this fund will discourage strikes, 
will place the International and subordinate unions on a 
sounder footing, and will in many ways be productive 
of great good to the entire craft. I leave this subject 
with you, invoking for it a careful and impartial con- 
sideration." 

That the delegates were not in sympathy with the 
International fund law was evidenced by the adoption 
of a resolution offered by Delegate Chance of Philadel- 
phia, as follows : 

Resolved, That the "Act for the creation of an Interna- 
tional fund for extraordinary expenses" be stricken from our 
general laws, and that all moneys appropriated or collected 
under its provisions be covered back into the treasuries of the 
various subordinate unions so appropriating or collecting. 

St. Louis Charter — In the proceedings of the conven- 
tion held at Detroit, Mich., in 1878, and in the reports 
of officers submitted for the year ended at that time, no 
mention is made of St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8. 
At the convention in Washington in June, 1879, the com- 
mittee on credentials incorporated the following para- 
graph in its report : 

"In connection with our report, we must state that 
we have documents from the charter committee of No. 8 
(St. Louis) as well as from the St. Louis Typographical 
Protective Association, presented by representative dele- 
gates, Messrs. Guiheen and Cochran, and, as a disposition 
of this matter involves fundamental principles governing 
the craft, we respectfully recommend that the subject be 
relegated to the union for consideration in committee 
of the whole, and that the contesting delegates be granted 
the privilege of the floor in their own behalf. After 
determining to consider the matter in committee of the 
whole, in secret session, the recommendation of the 
credentials committee was concurred in. 

3ii 



History of The Typographical Union 

After the secret session, the following was adopted : 
Resolved, That Messrs. Guiheen and Cochran be admitted 
to seats in this convention and that the whole subject of dis- 
pute in relation to St. Louis Union be referred to a special 
committee of three, whose duty it shall be to recommend to this 
union what is best to be done under the circumstances. 

Accordingly a special committee was appointed and, 
on the third day of the session, submitted the following 
report, which was concurred in by the convention : 

Your committee appointed on the papers sent to this body 
by the charter committee of St. Louis Union No. 8, and by 
the Printers' Protective Association and the Job Printers' 
Association of St. Louis, and all other papers in connection 
with said matter, offer the following as their report : 

First. That there is not now, nor has there at any time been, 
since the surrender of their first charter, a legally constituted 
union in the city of St. Louis. 

We are forced to this finding from the fact that printers 
going to St. Louis can not obey the general laws of this body 
under the head of membership, sections 3, 4, 5 and 6, and from 
the further fact that the so-called Union No. 8 does not, and 
Can not, exercise any of the functions of a subordinate union, 
as it does not, so far as we have been able to ascertain, hold 
its regular meetings, collect dues, issue and receive traveling 
or working cards, or take any other action necessary to the 
healthful working of a subordinate union. 

In order amicably to settle the difficulty now existing in 
St. Louis, we would respectfully recommend a committee of 
seven, three each to be selected by the gentlemen representing 
the twb factions in St. Louis, present at this session of this 
body — Messrs. Guiheen and Cochran — and the seventh mem- 
ber of this committee to be elected by the six thus appointed, 
to whom a charter shall be issued by this body, who shall 
immediately open St. Louis Union and proceed to exercise all 
the functions of a subordinate union, and shall have all the 
powers, protection and privileges guaranteed to a subordinate 
union by the constitution and general laws of this body when 
they shall thus organize themselves, which they are hereby 
ordered to do at the earliest possible moment. 

312 







JOHN ARMSTRONG, Toronto 

President International Typographical Union 

June 7, 1878 -June 5, 1879 



Convention at Washington, 1879 

In connection with the above report, Delegate Chance, 
Philadelphia, offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the charter at present held by St. Louis be 
revoked by this union. 

The resolution was adopted. 

At the convention in Chicago the following year, 
President Haldeman, in his report, said that the terms 
of the resolution adopted, providing for the appointment 
of a committee of seven to adjust the St. Louis difficulty, 
had never been carried out. It appears that from the 
first move toward its execution, no provision for the con- 
tingency of a non-agreement of the two factions having 
been made, it was impossible to accomplish a definite re- 
sult The officers of the International Union were left no 
authority in the matter except to issue a charter when 
the properly accredited seven names accompanied the 
application. After several meetings of the committee, 
its members failed to agree, with the result that the mat- 
ter was again placed before the convention in practically 
the same shape that it was the year previous. It was 
determined by the delegates to consider the matter in 
secret session, with the result that the convention adopted 
the following resolution disposing of the matter : 

Resolved, That in the judgment of this body the members 
of St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8 are entitled to 
recognition, that their delegates should be admitted to seats, 
and that their charter should be returned. 

Resolved, That it is the understanding of this International 
body that all members of St. Louis Union No. 8, in good 
standing at the time of suspension, and who have not since 
ratted, and all men now in the city with cards, shall be entitled 
to full recognition without question by said union. 

Resolved, That we recommend to the union men of St. Louis 
a policy of leniency and forgiveness, with the view of con- 
solidating the competent practical printers of that city and 
securing their alliance with our fraternity. 

313 



History of The Typographical Union 

The wisdom of the convention in following the policy 
outlined in the foregoing resolution is evidenced by the 
comment of President Atkinson in his annual report 
(1881), as follows: 

What is known as the "St. Louis trouble" attracted so much 
attention at. the last session of this body that brief reference 
to the results of the settlement then made will not be improper. 
I have made it my business to observe those results, and it is 
with pleasure that I now verify the wisdom of the decision at 
Chicago, recognizing and returning the charter to the members 
of No. 8, trusting them to consolidate the union element of that 
jurisdiction. The terms agreed upon were exceeded in liberality 
and within a few weeks one hundred and seventy-five new 
members were added to the rolls. Those who have taken the 
trouble to note the status of affairs in St. Louis need not be told 
that for many years our friends have had uphill work in that 
city and that organized non-unionism has been strong and 
active. I am convinced that this opposition is now confronted 
with a zeal and unity which can not fail to effect material 
advantages in the near future. In the settlement of this diffi- 
culty, in common with all who feel the need of harmony among 
ourselves, I rejoice. 

State Unions — A comprehensive proposition pro- 
viding for the creation of state and provincial unions 
met with little favor at the hands of the convention, being 
defeated by a decisive vote. 

Charters — Charters were reissued during the year to 
Bay City, Mich. ; San Antonio, Tex. ; Eureka, Nev., and 
pressmen's unions were organized in Philadelphia and 
Ottawa. Indianapolis again appeared in the list of unions 
in good standing, although no mention is made of the 
charter being reissued, the same having been surrendered 
in 1877. Two unions (Houston, Tex., and Richmond 
Ind. ) surrendered their charters. 

Delegate to Paris — J. H. Ralston, International dele- 
gate to the Paris Exposition, submitted an interesting 
and comprehensive report of his trip abroad, which was 

3H 



Convention at Washington, 1879 

ordered to be spread upon the minutes and printed in full 
as an appendix to the proceedings. 

Insurance — A proposition presented at the previous 
convention to create a plan of insurance was again laid 
over, with a request to subordinate unions to discuss the 
plan and give utterance to their desires through their 
delegates to the next meeting of the International Union. 

Biennial Conventions — A proposition to hold conven- 
tions of the International biennially, instead of annually, 
was rejected. 

Inception of the A. F. of L. — A resolution was 
adopted instructing the corresponding secretary to open 
communication with the different international labor 
unions in North America, with a view of getting an 
expression regarding the feasibility of forming an inter- 
national amalgamated union, with instructions to lay such 
correspondence before the next convention. 

Arbitration — While the prevailing policy at this 
period of the union's history permitted subordinate unions 
to go on strike without interference by the International, 
the spirit of arbitration was in evidence. A resolution 
was adopted by the convention to the effect that the 
International Typographical Union would recommend 
that when disputes arose between subordinate unions and 
employers, which could not be adjusted after conferences 
between the parties at issue, the matter be then settled by 
arbitration. 

Chicago, 111., was selected as the convention city 
for 1880. 

Officers, 18 j 9 — Samuel Haldeman, Washington, 
D. C, was elected president; William P. Atkinson, Erie, 
Pa., first vice-president; C. W. Bovard, Springfield, 111., 
second vice-president; William White, New York, secre- 
tary-treasurer, and Thomas T. Hurdle, Richmond, Va., 
corresponding secretary. 

315 



History of The Typographical Union 

Visit Tomb of Washington — The delegates to the 
Washington convention visited Mount Vernon on Tues- 
day, June 3, as the guests of Columbia Typographical 
Union and Pressmen's Union No. . I, of Washington. 
While at the tomb the company proceeded to the portico 
of the mansion, where Mr. L. A. Gobright, a printer, 
delivered an oration on the life and character of Wash- 
ington, as follows : 

Gentlemen of the International Typographical 
Union — It is right that men engaged in a vocation that enlight- 
ens the world by a diffusion of intelligence and records the 
products of the mind in permanent form should withdraw for 
a brief season from their usual occupation to visit a place dear 
to every American heart — a place where, during the late civil 
war, no rude soldiery intruded to disturb the holy calm that 
surrounds the scene. This is neutral ground, where all men may 
meet in concord and peace. 

There are three chapters in the life of Washington — mili- 
tary, civil and domestic. The last-named was closed at Mount 
Vernon. He, after the second term of his presidency, returned 
to it in 1797, the haven of repose where, throughout his anxious 
and agitated career, he hoped to pass the remainder of his days. 

The history of his life shows that he reluctantly and timidly 
entered upon the administration of. affairs, but was compelled 
to do so by a sense of public duty and by the importunity of 
friends — patriots imbued with the love of liberty, like himself. 

On the porch of this mansion he had often looked, as we 
do now, at the beautiful Potomac, and at the close of the sum- 
mer day enjoyed the air cooled by the passage over its flow of 
waters. Here he beheld the rising and setting sun that still 
illuminates with undiminished luster this beautiful landscape, 
and here, too, he beheld the glories of the varying seasons, and 
was glad in the possession of "the lines" that had fallen to him 
"in pleasant places" and given to him "a goodly heritage." 

The rougher products of the field, the abundant harvests, 
were not more valued than the flowers that bloomed under his 
cultivating care and spread around him a halo of bloom, with 
fragrance more precious than all the honors that men could 
bestow. 

316 



Convention at Washington, 1879 

We tread the paths of his estate so often trodden by him; 
we pass through the same doors of the mansion. At every turn 
we are reminded of the stately form of him whose fame has 
extended to every portion of the world where true greatness 
is appreciated. 

But he was permitted only a short time to enjoy a rest at 
Mount Vernon. On the 12th day of December, 1799, he was 
seized with inflammation of the throat, which grew worse the 
next day and terminated his life on the 14th of that month, in 
the sixty-eighth year of his age. 

We know from the history of the times of the universal 
gloom the event occasioned and the honors everywhere paid 
to his memory. 

The funeral took place on the 18th of December. At eleven 
o'clock the people of the neighborhood began to assemble. The 
corporation of Alexandria, with the militia and freemasons and 
eleven pieces of artillery, arrived at a later hour. A schooner 
was stationed off Mount Vernon to fire minute guns. At three 
o'clock the procession began to move, passing out at the gate 
at the left wing, proceeding round in front of the lawn, and 
down to the vault on the right wing of the house. The troops, 
horse and foot, formed the escort; next came the clergy, then 
the general's horse, with his saddle, holsters and pistols, led 
by two grooms in black. The body was borne by freemasons and 
military officers. Several members of the family and old friends 
and some of the Fairfaxes followed as chief mourners. The 
corporation of Alexandria and numerous private persons closed 
the procession. The Rev. Mr. Davis read the funeral service at 
the vault and pronounced a short address, after which the free- 
masons performed their ceremonies, when the body was 
deposited in the vault. 

Such were the obsequies of Washington, simple and modest, 
according to his own wishes — all confined to the grounds of 
Mount Vernon, which, after forming the poetic dream of his 
life, had now become the final resting place. 

The senate of the United States, in a communication to 
President Adams, said : "Our country mourns a father. The 
Almighty Disposer of events has taken from us our greatest 
benefactor and ornament. It becomes us to submit with rev- 
erence to Him who maketh dark his pavilion. With patriotic 



317 



History of The Typographical Union 

pride we review the life of Washington, and compare him with 
those of other countries who have been pre-eminent in favor. 
Ancient and modern names are diminished before him. Great- 
ness and guilt have too often been allied, but his fame is whiter 
than it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed at 
the majesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemperance of 
their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. 

"The scene is closed, and we are no longer anxious lest 
misfortune should sully his glory. He has traveled on to the 
end of his journey, and carried with him an increasing weight 
of honor. He has deposited it safely, where misfortune can not 
tarnish it, where malice can not blast it. Favored of heaven, he 
departed without exhibiting the weakness of humanity. Mag- 
nanimous in death, the darkness of the grave could not obscure 
his brightness." 

The president, in response, said that he had attended Wash- 
ington in his "highest elevation and most prosperous felicity, 
with uniform admiration of his wisdom, moderation and con- 
stancy." That "his life could not sutler by a comparison with 
those of other countries who have been most celebrated and 
exalted by fame," and that "the attributes and decorations of 
royalty could only have served to eclipse the majesty of those 
virtues which made him, from being a modest citizen, a most 
resplendent luminary." 

On the 23rd of December congress resolved to erect a 
marble monument at the capital "designed to commemorate the 
great merits of his military and political life." The monument 
is not yet built ; nor does Washington need one, except in the 
hearts of his countrymen, on the base of gratitude, affection and 
veneration. As an ornament to the city which he founded it 
would please the eye, but could add nothing to the appreciation 
of his illustrious character. It may here be appropriately men- 
tioned that when Lafayette, the well-tried friend of Washing- 
ton, visited the tomb, in 1825, he descended alone into the 
vault and was melted into tears ; and, as he was about to depart, 
Mr. Custis (the grandson of Mrs. Washington), who had 
accompanied him to the spot, presented him with a ring con- 
taining some of the hair of his illustrious friend. Lafayette 
examined the mansion with great interest, and among the relics 
discovered the key to the Bastile, which had been sent to Wash- 

318 



Convention at Washington, 1879 

ington many years before by himself. This was the principal 
key of the fortress of despotism which Lafayette had ordered 
to be destroyed. 

So far as other countries are concerned Washington's real 
character was obscure. It could be seen only from a distance, 
in a dim, shadowy outline ; but as the sun slowly lifts at morn 
the hazy blue drapery of the mountains, and exposes them in 
their stateliness, so the brightness of time has dispelled the 
mist that enveloped him, and he now stands forth as a Colossus 
against a clear sky, in full view of the admiring world, in 
resplendent glory. 

Beside him floats the American flag, its stars, like the stellar 
fires of the firmament, never to be dimmed, and after which 
it was fashioned, representing a constellation of states, con- 
stantly increasing in number, illuminating the union field as 
the stars glitter above, where reign harmony and peace. And as 
the natural stars shine for all, so may those upon our banner, 
teaching the lesson of concord, undisturbed by faction, with no 
instrumentalities to rend our starry host. May the national 
ensign ever be the symbol of justice, in all respects whatsoever 
— a joy to all nations, as the glorious light which makes clear 
the path from despotism to freedom. 

From this sacred ground may we bear away a higher appre- 
ciation than heretofore of the character of him whose dust only 
lies in that dim and damp vault, inclosed in the cold and pallid 
sarcophagus, but whose spirit will ever live to warm the hearts 
of the lovers of liberty in association with free institutions, as 
the noiseless rays of the sun warm the generous earth, softened 
by the rain and causing it to yield the treasures of harvest. 

Hither have come visitors from all parts of the world, and 
here trees have been planted by royal hands, in recognition of 
his worth, near the tomb to which his remains were removed 
from their former resting place. 

With veneration and gratitude, standing with uncovered 
heads, we rejoice that we are privileged to see the place where 
lived and died him whom ambition could not divert from the 
path of duty, no influence corrupt, and whose heart was sensitive 
and his intellect active at all times to promote the glory and 
prosperity of the republic of which he was by common con- 



sent recognized as the father. 



319 



History of The Typographical Union 

He has bequeathed to us the legacy of freedom, which it 
should be our duty to preserve, not only to bless our own 
countrymen in succeeding generations, but all mankind. 

May this day, brethren, long be remembered as one of the 
most interesting and instructive of our lives, when all hearts 
throbbed in patriotic unison, with fraternal greeting. 

Convention at Chicago 

[1880] — President Haldeman, in submitting his report 
to the twenty-eighth convention of the International 
Union in Chicago, June 7, 1880, congratulated the 
assembled delegates upon the evidences of "good times 
coming" and also upon the number of new unions added 
to the list during the year. A noticeable increase in the 
number of subordinate unions represented, over the past 
several conventions, was evidenced by the presence of 
sixty-six delegates representing forty-nine local unions. 

The Brotherhood — The chief topic of interest during 
the sessions of the twenty-eighth convention was the 
"Brotherhood of the Union of North America." An 
institution, alleged to exist, with the above title, had 
been the subject of much agitation during the year. The 
first official action dealing with the question was an 
appeal taken by a member of Chicago Union No. 16 from 
the action of that body in passing a resolution providing 
expulsion from the union of members found guilty of 
membership in the Brotherhood. President Haldeman, 
in rendering a decision on the appeal, in a communication 
to Chicago Typographical Union, said : , 

W. G. Kercheval, one of your members, has made an appeal 
to me against the following resolution, which was passed at 
your July meeting : 

"Resolved, That members of this union, or such as may 
become members, either by initiation or card, who may now be 
in, or who may hereafter enter, any organization, combination, 
or ring composed of printers, with intent to influence or control 

320 




SAMUEL HALDEMAN, Washington, D. C. 

President International Typographical Union 

June 5, 1879 -Tune 11, 1880 



Convention at Chicago, 1880 

the action of this body, shall, upon conviction, either by positive 
proof or by strong circumstantial evidence, be summarily and 
forever expelled from membership in Chicago Typographical 
Union No. 16." 

With a view to getting at the merits of this matter, there 
was some delay necessary before giving a decision. I find 
nothing whatever in the constitution of No. 16 conflicting with 
your right to pass such a resolution. It bears evidences, how- 
ever, of being passed under excitement ; as, for instance, the 
words "or card" may lead to conflict of authority. The word 
"forever," I think, on reflection, you will consider rather harsh, 
considering that we are all liable to err. But I shall not dwell 
on that now. 

Before and since the passage of the resolution, your union 
certainly was, and is, the judge of the qualifications of its own 
members. My only wish in regard to this and all other matters 
is that our members will pursue a conservative, conciliatory 
policy, and, instead of making rats, make union men wherever 
possible. I believe, however, that is the "Chicago plan." I 
decide that your right in the matter is unquestioned. 

Following the decision quoted above, a number of 
subordinate unions took action, embodying clauses in the 
obligation prohibiting members from belonging to secret 
organizations for the purpose of influencing the action 
of their unions. The matter was brought directly before 
the convention by the introduction of a resolution which, 
after being considered in secret session on several occa- 
sions, was adopted by a vote of 31 ayes, 28 noes. The 
resolution referred to follows : 

Whereas an organization called the "Brotherhood of the 
Union of North America" has been established, and is now 
believed to exist, within the membership of the subordinates of 
the International Typographical Union, the object of said 
organization being to control the legislation of said Inter- 
national Union and its subordinates, in accordance with the 
wishes of the brotherhood ; and 

Whereas this brotherhood is a secret society, bound together 
by obligations imposed upon its members, and requiring them 

321 



History of The Typographical Union 

to prefer, in all matters relating to union affairs, members of 
the brotherhood to the other members of the union, thus creat- 
ing a distinction between union members ; and 

Whereas this oath-bound, sign, grip, and password using 
organization has, by its secret manipulations of subordinate 
unions, created trouble and made strife in such unions, thus 
defeating the purposes for which the union was established ; and 

Whereas the existence of such an organization within the 
membership of the subordinates of the International Union 
is destructive of that spirit of brotherhood and equality upon 
which the union is founded, and has a tendency to disrupt 
subordinate unions, and destroy the organization, therefore 

Resolved, That it shall be, and is hereby declared to be, 
unlawful for any member of any subordinate typographical 
union to be a member of the Brotherhood of the Union of 
North America, or any other similar organization. 

Resolved, That any member of a subordinate union guilty 
of membership in any such an organization as is referred to in 
the above resolution, shall, upon conviction of the offense, be 
deprived of the right to vote upon any question submitted to, 
and shall be ineligible to any office in, any subordinate union 
holding a charter from this body. 

Resolved, That any member convicted of being connected 
with this alleged organization shall not be eligible to member- 
ship in any subordinate union. 

Resolved, That the penalty in above resolutions outlawing 
members of the Brotherhood shall only govern offenses commit- 
ted since, and not before, the passage of said resolutions. 

The following obligation for delegates, in the nature 
of a general law, was enacted : 

I, , hereby solemnly pledge myself, in the presence 

of Almighty God and those here assembled, that, in the dis- 
charge of my duties as a delegate to the International 
Typographical Union, I will at all times, and under all cir- 
cumstances, act, speak, and vote solely for what I believe to be 
the best interests of the trade generally, of this body, and of the 
union whose representative I am; and that I will not, in 
legislation, election of officers, or otherwise, allow any secret, 
outside or improper means of any kind whatever to influence 
my action. 
322 



Convention at Chicago, 1880 

The convention also adopted the following resolution, 
and recommended it to the various subordinate unions, 
to be made a part of the obligation administered to new 
members : 

I, , hereby solemnly pledge my honor as a man, 

that I will never allow any allegiance that I now or may here- 
after owe to any organization, either social, political, religious, 
secret, or otherwise, to in any manner whatever cause me to 
neglect or refuse to perform my duty toward my fellow-crafts- 
men; and that in the employment of such men unionism will 
be first considered, competency next, and personal or other 
preferences last. 

Continental Federation of Trades — As a result of the 
action of the previous convention, instructing the corre- 
sponding secretary to communicate with various national 
unions of other trades, suggesting the desirability of con- 
sidering the formation of a Continental Federation of 
Trades, the secretary reported that he had addressed 
a copy of the following resolution, adopted at Washing- 
ton the year previous, to all organizations of which he 
had knowledge : 

Resolved, That the corresponding secretary of this Interna- 
tional Typographical Union be, and hereby is, instructed to 
open a correspondence with the different international labor 
unions of North America, with a view to getting impressions 
regarding the feasibility of forming an international amalga- 
mated union, and that he lay such correspondence before the 
next annual meeting of this body. 

The correspondence in the hands of the secretary 
received from the various unions, replying to his com- 
munication on the subject of uniting the unions more 
closely for mutual defense and support, was referred to 
a special committee. This committee submitted its con- 
clusions and recommendations as follows: 

We are satisfied that steps in this direction would result 
more beneficially to our craft at large than to any other. The 

323 



History of The Typographical Union 

fact is apparent that workingmen would thus become educated 
up to use their influence in support of union printing offices, 
which the experience of the different trades assemblies will 
substantiate. The so-called labor journals would also be 
frowned down or compelled to give employment to union 
printers only, and our plain duty would be to support union 
labor in other industries, where we have patronage to bestow. 

We recommend that the corresponding secretary be 
instructed to issue, at the earliest date practicable, to all inter- 
national trades unions, national trades unions, and trades 
assemblies, in the United States, Canada and the British- 
American provinces, invitations to send properly accredited 

delegates to a convention to be held in on .... next, 

for the purpose of organizing a Continental Federation of 
Trades; this federation to meet annually at such time and in 
such place as may be chosen by a majority of the delegates at 
any regular annual session of the federation. 

The functions of this federation to be — 

1. To discuss and examine all questions affecting the inter- 
ests of the working classes which can not be acted upon in 
special trade or labor unions, and to so concentrate labor as to 
enable it to successfully compete with concentrated capital. 

2. To impress upon the various branches of industry the 
importance and necessity of maintaining protective unions. 

3. To devise the best means of adjusting difficulties that may 
arise between employers and employes. 

4. To prepare in legal shape and present for enactment to 
the different governments bills for the removal of statutory 
restrictions of the rights of organized labor, and also for the 
enactment of laws tending to ameliorate the condition and 
promote the welfare of the working classes, and to take steps 
tp urge their passage. * 

5. To encourage productive and distributive co-operation. 

6. To propagate strictly trades-union doctrines wherever 
possible; disseminate arguments in their favor, and generally 
to elevate unionism and obtain for it the respect and recognition 
to which it is entitled at the hands of employers, legislators and 
the general public. 

The recommendations contained in the committee's 
report were concurred in by the convention, and it was 

324 



Convention at Chicago, 1880 

also voted that the incoming corresponding secretary be 
instructed to represent the International Union at the 
convention for the amalgamation of all trade and labor 
organizations, and that he be authorized to fill the blanks 
in the report adopted above. 

Tariff on Paper and Printed Matter — President 
Haldeman, in submitting his annual report to the conven- 
tion, called attention to the exorbitant price of printing 
paper, asserting that there had been an unprecedented 
and unwarranted increase of from 30 to 50 per cent, in the 
price of that article, and also said that this advance had 
not only embarrassed many printing establishments but 
had driven some of them out of existence. The convention 
ordered that the question be left to a special committee 
for investigation. This committee reported that the sub- 
ject required much time and a great deal of investigation 
in order to obtain a true statement of the facts, and sug- 
gested that the officers of the International Union be 
constituted a special committee thoroughly to investigate 
the matter, both in regard to white paper and printed 
matter, in all its phases, and that subordinate unions and 
individual members thereof be requested to furnish all the 
information in their possession to the officers ; that the 
officers report their findings at the next session of the In- 
ternational Union. The special committee also recom- 
mended the adoption of the following resolutions, which 
were concurred in : 

Resolved, That the International Typographical Union 
recommends that subordinate unions and individual members 
of the same use every honorable means to induce the congress 
of the United States to repeal the duty on white paper, and 
on material for making the same, believing that the present 
duty is no protection to the workingmen engaged in its pro- 
duction, but inures solely to the benefit of a combination of 
capitalists. 

Resolved, That subordinate unions urge upon congress the 

325 



History of The Typographical Union 

propriety of levying a reasonable duty on the importation of 
printed matter from foreign countries, in order to enable the 
publishers of America to compete with the cheaper labor of 
Europe, and at the same time to give those employed by them 
reasonable compensation for their services. 

Separate Charter for Job Printers Refused — A prop- 
osition to authorize the formation of separate organiza- 
tions of book and job printers, introduced at the Wash- 
ington convention the year previous, was reported from 
the committee on unfinished business with an unfavorable 
recommendation. The committee, however, offered the 
suggestion that in voting on the scale of prices the mem- 
bers of each of the two classes, viz., book and job, and 
news, should vote only on such portions of the scale as 
affected their class. After an extended discussion of the 
committee's suggestion, it being pointed out that the 
trouble at St. Louis was largely due to a division of 
opinion regarding the feasibility of separate charters for 
book and job printers, the convention adopted the follow- 
ing substitute for the committee's recommendation : 

Resolved, That it is the sense of this union that any altera- 
tion, amendment or modification of section 2, article I, of the 
constitution, is uncalled for and would work prejudicial to the 
best interest of the craft, and that, therefore, all action tending 
to such alteration, amendment or modification of said section 
and article of the constitution be, and the same is, hereby 
indefinitely postponed. 

Insurance Plan Rejected — The insurance plan intro- 
duced at a previous session, which had been referred to 
subordinate unions for consideration, upon being reported 
from the committee on unfinished business with an 
adverse recommendation, was rejected by the delegates. 

Prize for Best Reorganization Plan — Delegate Adair 
of Chicago submitted a resolution authorizing the sum 
of $25 to be appropriated, to be paid to the person pre- 
senting to the International Union at its next annual 

326 



Convention at Toronto, 1 88 1 

meeting the most acceptable plan of reorganization both 
for the International Union and for the subordinate 
unions composing it, the plans to be considered and 
passed upon by a committee to be appointed by the pre- 
siding officer at the next session. The proposition was 
referred to the committee on new business and reported 
back with a favorable recommendation and the conven- 
tion adopted the committee's report. 

Typographies Traveling Cards — The question of 
receiving traveling cards presented by members of the 
German-American Typographia was disposed of by the 
adoption of the following resolution, with the understand- 
ing that subordinate unions be permitted to use their own 
judgment in the matter: 

Resolved j That it is the sense of this union that a traveling 
card presented by a member of a German union working under 
the jurisdiction of the German-American Typographia to a 
subordinate union of this body shall entitle said member to an 
English working card. 

Officers, 1880 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, William P. Atkinson, Erie, 
Pa. ; first vice-president, H. W. Clayton, Memphis ; 
second vice-president, Andrew J. Preall, Washington, 
D. C. ; secretary-treasurer, William H. Trayes, Boston; 
corresponding secretary, Lyman A. Brant, Detroit, Mich. 

Toronto, Ont., was selected as the convention city for 
the following year. 

Convention at Toronto 

[1881] — The twenty-ninth session of tfte International 
Typographical Union was called to order at Toronto, 
Ont, June 6, 1881, by President William P. Atkinson, 
forty subordinate unions being represented by fifty-eight 
delegates. 

Good Times — The president, in submitting his annual 

327 



History of The Typographical Union 

report, congratulated the convention upon the fact that 
the prediction made at Chicago the year previous, by the 
presiding officer, that the "good times coming" was near 
at hand, had been realized to a considerable degree. In 
many jurisdictions where subordinate unions had sur- 
rendered their charters reorganization had been effected. 
Of the fifteen charters issued during the year, eleven were 
renewals, as follows : Titusville, Pa. ; Evansville, Ind. 
Wheeling, W. Va. ; Cumberland, Md. ; Kansas City, Mo. 
Wilmington, Del. ; Houston, Tex. ; St. John, N. B. 
Elmira, N. Y. ; Milwaukee, Wis., and Atchison, Kan. 

Campaign of Education ■ — The president expressed his 
conviction that much of the tardiness in organizing new 
unions arose from entire ignorance or imperfect knowl- 
edge of the aims and objects of the organization. To 
many printers outside the jurisdiction unions and strikes 
were synonymous terms and both were associated with 
distress and violence. The president advised a cam- 
paign of education to disseminate whenever possible 
proper ideas with regard to the purposes of the typo- 
graphical union. 

Federation of Trades — At the previous convention 
the corresponding secretary had been instructed to com- 
municate with the officials of various national and inter- 
national trade organizations, urging the desirability of 
the appointment of delegates to attend a convention for 
the purpose of perfecting a federation of trades. In 
making his report to the convention, the corresponding 
secretary said : 

"It is with profound regret that I have to report the 
almost utter failure of my efforts to promote organization 
in this direction. Soon after my return from the Chicago 
session I prepared and forwarded to the heads of all 
trades organizations a circular setting forth the action 
of this body, and the desirability of the appointment 

328 




WILLIAM P. ATKINSON, Erie, Pa. 

President International Typographical Union 

June ii, 1880 -June 10, 1881 



Convention at Toronto, 1881 

on delegates to attend a convention, the time and place 
of meeting to be arranged thereafter, for the purpose 
of perfecting such federation of trades. Accompanying 
each circular was a personal letter outlining the purposes 
to be attained, and soliciting the individual efforts of the 
party addressed. Among the international organizations 
so appealed to were the Amalgamated Association of 
Iron and Steel Workers, Carpenters and Joiners, Loco- 
motive Engineers, Locomotive Firemen, Cigar Makers, 
Coopers, Granite Cutters, Machinists and Blacksmiths, 
International Labor Union, Iron Moulders, and Miners. 
From several of the gentlemen, addressed (notably Mr. 
Strasser of the Cigar Makers, Mr. Arthur of the Loco- 
motive Engineers, and Mr. Fitzpatrick of the Moulders) 
I received encouraging replies; from some the responses 
were of a contrary nature; and from others I was unable 
to obtain any answer, notwithstanding repeated attempts. 
The result, briefly summed up, is that the Cigar Makers' 
International Union was the only body, so far as I have 
been able to learn, that committed itself by resolution 
to the federation ; and even they, as I was informed by* 
the president, in the hurry attending the closing hours 
of their session, neglected to elect delegates. In conse- 
quence of this state of facts I was of necessity compelled 
to let the matter drop, and simply report failure to achieve 
any progress. But in so reporting, my best judgment 
impels me to recommend to your honorable body that 
action shall be taken at this session which will render 
it impossible for international bodies holding sessions 
during the coming year to overlook this subject, which 
I believe to be the most important one that has ever been 
presented to the consideration of the mechanics of 
America. To this end I suggest that such action be taken 
at this session as will secure the attendance of a delegate 
at the session of each international or national trades 

329 



History of The Typographical Union 

gathering; that it be made the special duty of such dele- 
gate to advocate among the members of such convention 
the desirability of action to further the organization of 
said trades federation ; and that the expenses of such 
delegate be defrayed by this International Union. I 
would further suggest that an invitation be extended 
to the trades councils of the country to participate in the 
preliminary organization of the federation. 

"During the year I have given close attention to this 
subject, and among the documents pertinent thereto which 
I have received was the annual report of the Trades Union 
Congress of Great Britain, held in Dublin in September 
last, at which were assembled 105 delegates, represent- 
ing a constituency of 493,213 mechanics. The proceed- 
ings of that gathering were pregnant with wisdom and 
thought, and have commanded the attention and respect- 
ful consideration of the press, not only of Great Britain, 
but of the continent and America as well. What it is 
possible for the mechanic of that country to achieve, I 
believe possible for those of this land to accomplish. It 
•only requires persistent effort. Already in Chicago, 
St. Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Boston and 
numerous other cities, large and influential trades coun- 
cils are in existence, and I believe the time is now pro- 
pitious to form an international trades council or feder- 
ation which will extend and crystallize the influence of 
these organizations, and stimulate the creation of new 
ones in cities where they are not now established. Vari- 
ous opinions prevail as to the proper character of an in- 
ternational federation ; but I am of opinion that it should 
seek to secure among other reforms such legislation as 
will be to the interest of the laboring class, and endeavor 
to prevent legislation antagonistic to their welfare, as 
well as the regulation of trade matters. In many of the 
states of the union laws unjust and oppressive to the 

330 



Convention at Toronto, 1881 

workingman have been enacted, and they will not be re- 
pealed unless we combine to elect representatives pledged 
to repeal them; and such pledges will not be secured or 
observed unless the parties oppressed have behind them 
an organization powerful enough to counteract the influ- 
ences which are employed by those whose interests are 
antagonistic to the interests of the mechanic. It is fre- 
quently asserted that politics and religion should not be 
discussed in trades gatherings, and that their sole duty is 
to regulate wages, and such matters as pertain more di- 
rectly to the respective trades. As regards the subject of 
religion the assertion is undoubtedly true. Every person 
can settle that matter with his conscience, without the as- 
sistance of his fellows. But in the question of politics, or 
the securing of legislation in the interests of workingmen 
(and that is the only sense in which I use the word), it is 
not true, because it is not a question of conscience, but one 
of judgment; and if we desire certain laws enacted we 
can not secure them without the assistance of our fellows, 
and we must present our cause to them in such a light 
as to convince their judgments of the benefits to be se- 
cured; and as any general law which will benefit one class 
of workingmen will benefit all classes, it follows that the 
interests of all are in this respect identical, and the only 
question left to settle is, What laws will benefit all ? That 
question can only be settled in our trades organizations, 
and it seems to me the trades federation would be the 
tribunal peculiarly fitted for such work. The moral in- 
fluence of such an organization would be very great. It is 
a principle of human nature that mankind respects power, 
and a body of such a character would necessarily present 
an appearance of strength, representing, as it would, the 
mechanics of two great countries — the United States and 
Canada. It would demand the respect of employers, the 
admiration of the public, and the confidence of the work- 

331 



History of The Typographical Union 

ingman. It would be an honor to be enlisted under its 
banner, and would, therefore, draw to its support the best 
minds of both countries. Its edicts would be listened to by 
the whole civilized world, and its influences would tend to 
elevate the workingman to that position which by natural 
right he should occupy. Every argument in favor of 
an international trade union applies in the superlative 
degree to an international federation and it remains for 
this session of the International Typographical Union 
to immortalize itself as the standard bearer of true 
labor reform, if it can by its wise action hasten the 
accomplishment of such glorious aims. 

"In closing this report and brief appeal, I desire to 
record my thanks to Mr. W. H. Foster, for assistance 
rendered through the columns of the 'Exponent' (now 
defunct) ; to Mr. A. Strasser, president Cigar Makers' 
International Union, for hearty co-operation ; and to Mr. 
Josiah B. Dyer, secretary Granite Cutters' International 
Union, for assistance rendered through the columns of the 
journal of that union, and for regular copies of the same." 

This report of the corresponding secretary was referred 
to a committee on president's address and correspond- 
ing secretary's report. The committee recommended the 
following: 

"That such action be taken at this session as will secure 
the attendance of a delegate at the session of each inter- 
national or national trades gathering. That it be made 
the special duty of such delegate to advocate among the 
members of such convention the desirability of action to 
further the organization of said trades federation and 
that the expenses of such delegate be defrayed by this 
International Union. We would further suggest that 
an invitation be extended to the trades councils of the 
country to participate in the preliminary organization 
of the federation." 

332 



Convention at Toronto, 1881 

On the fourth day of the convention, an announcement 
was made that arrangements were being perfected for a 
mass meeting, to be called at Terre Haute, Ind., to effect 
a preliminary organization of an International Amalga- 
mated Union, and, on the day following, the committee 
on federated trades, which had under consideration the 
report of the corresponding secretary regarding the 
proposed formation of a federation of trades, submitted 
a report, which was concurred in, recommending that 
a delegate be sent to the Terre Haute meeting, and L. A. 
Brant, of Detroit, retiring corresponding secretary, 
who had conducted the correspondence with the various 
national and international bodies during the year, was 
chosen as delegate to represent the International Union. 

General Prosperity — The corresponding secretary, in 
submitting his annual report on the condition of trade, 
strikes, etc., announced, with a degree of satisfaction, his 
belief that the craft was in a more prosperous condition 
than at any time since 1869. It was also reported that 
marked improvement had taken place in many of the sub- 
ordinate unions in the management of local affairs. In all 
of the larger unions, with one or two exceptions, a better 
condition of trade existed than for several years past. St. 
Louis Union had gained largely in membership and had 
succeeded in securing a general recognition of its scale 
of prices, all past differences having been buried. Chi- 
cago, Detroit and Cleveland effected an advance in their 
scales during the year. While the general prosperity of 
the organization was apparent, the period had not closed 
without leaving evidences of strife in several subordinate 
unions. 

Reorganization Plans — The offer of a prize of $25 by 
the Chicago convention to the person submitting the best 
plan for reorganization of the International Union re- 
sulted in numerous propositions being presented at the 

333 



History of The Typographical Union 

Toronto convention. The committee on reorganization, to 
which all of these propositions and plans were submitted, 
found it impossible, owing to the mass of schemes and 
resolutions presented on the subject, to give the matter 
that consideration which was deemed necessary. The 
committee reported, however, that only three of the plans 
offered made any pretense to completeness — those sub- 
mitted by Mr. Schley, of Indianapolis, Mr. Jackson, of St. 
Louis, and Mr. Teague, of Ottawa. These proposed plans, 
together with all other propositions and suggestions of- 
fered, were laid over until the next session with the pro- 
viso that a committee composed of officers of the union be 
instructed to consider the subject and report to the next 
session a plan that would more firmly cement the craft. 

Official Organ — Upon the recommendation of Presi- 
dent Atkinson, the convention ordered that an agreement 
be made with the publishers of the American Model 
Printer, of New York, whereby an official organ of the 
craft be issued, devoted to the workings of subordinate 
unions and the official business of the International Union. 

The Brotherhood — The action of the Chicago conven- 
tion in adopting a general law requiring delegates to 
take an obligation before assuming their duties in the 
International body, affirming that they would not be 
influenced in legislation, the election of officers, or other- 
wise, by any secret, oustide, or improper means of any 
kind whatever, was repealed. 

Opening Session With Prayer — The custom of open- 
ing the sessions of the International Union with prayer 
seemed to have created more or less friction. Three 
propositions dealing with the subject were offered, none 
of which, however, seemed to satisfy the delegates. The 
first proposition was as follows : 

Resolved, That all sessions of the present International 
Typographical Union be opened with prayer and that the 

334 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

reception committee be requested to invite some city clergyman 
to be present for the purpose. 

This resolution was laid on the table. Another delegate 
offered the following: 

Resolved, That the practice of opening the sessions of this 
body by appeals to an altogether imaginary or supernatural 
agency (which have been unquestionably and absolutely barren 
of the slightest benefits) is contrary and offensive to the dic- 
tates and teachings of reason and common sense, and therefore 
a practically unqualified absurdity. 

This motion created much indignation among the dele- 
gates and was finally withdrawn. 

As a climax to the action of the convention regarding 
the question of opening its sessions with prayer, another 
delegate offered the following: 

Believing in the "eternal fitness of things," I desire to 
submit a motion that, as the proceedings of this convention 
were opened with an orthodox prayer, it is no more than a just 
regard for consistency that it should be closed by singing an 
orthodox doxology, and I sincerely trust my motion will meet 
with a second and prevail, and be made a part of the record. 

The motion was not adopted. 

St. Louis was selected as the place for holding the con- 
vention of 1882. 

Officers, 188 1 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, George Clark, St. Louis ; 
first vice-president, Thomas Wilson, Toronto, Ont. ; sec- 
ond vice-president, William H. Hovey, Norwich, Conn. ; 
secretary-treasurer, William H. Trayes, Boston, and cor- 
responding secretary, John Schley, Indianapolis. 

Convention at St. Louis 

[1882] — When the thirtieth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order at St. 
Louis, Mo., June 5, 1882, fifty-four subordinate unions 
were represented by sixty-eight delegates. 

335 



History of The Typographical Union 

President Clark, in presenting his annual address, like 
several of his predecessors in office, directed attention to 
his conviction that the system under which the Interna- 
tional Union was organized was lacking in some elements 
of unity and force essential to the proper attainment of 
the objects in view. He attributed the unsatisfactory con- 
ditions to lack of proper organization work and urged the 
necessity of recruiting the ranks of the union from the 
country newspaper office. Lack of effective legislation 
governing apprentices was also believed to be largely re- 
sponsible for flooding the market with incompetent print- 
ers. Almost every convention of the International body 
had considered the apprentice question, but nothing 
effective had been accomplished toward establishing 
suitable regulations. 

Conflicting Laws — A large portion of the president's 
report dealt with the conflicting laws and inconsistencies 
that he had discovered in the constitution, by-laws and 
general laws. Many of these inconsistencies were cor- 
rected by the convention. 

The report of the secretary-treasurer showed a satis- 
factory financial condition, and the report of the corre- 
sponding secretary was an elaborate document, containing 
many items of interest regarding the condition of trade, 
strike statistics and organization work. The report 
showed that of the 196 charters issued since the formation 
of the National Typographical Union, 121 were in active 
affiliation. 

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR 

Federation of Trades Organized — Mr. L. A. Brant, 
the delegate elected at the Toronto session to represent the 
International Union at Terre Haute, Ind., in the forma- 
tion of an International Federation of Trades, submitted 
a comprehensive report which, owing to the fact that 

336 





LYMAN A. BRANT 

(Detroit Typographical Union No. 18) 
Lyman A. Brant, corresponding secretary of the International Typographical 
Union, June 11, 1880 -June 10, 1881, was chairman of the first representative 
body of American mechanics called together for the purpose of forming a fed- 
eration of trade unions. As a result of this initial effort, the American 
Federation of Labor was afterward organized. 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

the meeting at Terre Haute was preliminary to a subse- 
quent meeting held in Pittsburgh the same year, at which 
the American Federation of Labor (as now constituted) 
first saw the light of day, is reproduced herewith, together 
with the declaration of principles, platform and articles of 

organization : 

"Detroit, May 29, 1882. 

"To the Officers and Members of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. 

"Gentlemen : At the preceding session of your hon- 
orable body, I was chosen as its delegate to attend a meet- 
ing called to assemble in the city of Terre Haute, Ind., 
August 2, 1 88 1, for the purpose of perfecting some plan 
whereby the wage-workers of the United States and Can- 
ada could be amalgamated under one general head, or 
federated for common benefits. Concerning my service in 
such capacity, I respectfully submit the following report : 
"No doubt the members of this session of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union who were also present at To- 
ronto will remember that I accepted the highly honorable 
trust confided to me with expressed misgivings as to the 
ability of the delegates who would assemble at the pro- 
posed convention to effect a permanent organization of the 
nature desirable. Nevertheless, I accepted the mission, 
firm in the belief that the call would bring together, from 
different sections of the country and diversified industrial 
interests, a few representative and well-known trade- 
union men, who could then formulate a call for another 
convention at a more convenient time and place, which 
would be entirely successful in drawing the laboring 
classes of the United States into closer bonds of unity for 
mutual and general benefit. 

"Subsequent circumstances seem to have fully justified 
my belief, as will appear by the subjoined record of the 
proceedings of the Terre Haute convention, which assem- 

337 



History of The Typographical Union 

bled at Temperance Hall, on Tuesday, August 2, 1881, at 
10 A. M. Delegates were found to be present, as follows: 

P. J. McGuire, St. Louis, from the Trades Assembly. 

Richard Powers, president Lake Seamen's Union, Chicago. 

Mark L. Crawford, Chicago, from Typographical Union No. 16. 

Thomas Thompson, Dayton, Ohio, from- Iron Moulders' Union No. 181. 

James Pierce, Simon Neale, F. M. Light, Terre Haute, from Coopers' Union 
No. 16. 

George W. Osborne, Springfield, Ohio, from Iron Moulders' Union. 

Mark W. Moore, Terre Haute, from Typographical Union No. 76. 

John E. Coughlin, Chicago, president National Tanners' and Curriers' Union, 
from Trades Assembly. 

Samuel L. Leffingwell, Indianapolis, from Trades Assembly. 

W. C. Pollner, Cleveland, from Trades Assembly. 

Lyman A. Brant, Detroit, from International Typographical Union. 

The Amalgamated Labor Union was represented by J. R. Backus, E. F. 
Pagette, Moses Crapo, John Rupe, jr., and N. A. Murphy, Terre Haute. 

Iron Moulders' Union was represented by John Toit, James Herring and 
Michael Howard, Terre Haute. 

"From the foregoing list it will be seen that but twenty 
delegates were present, twelve of whom were residents 
of the city of Terre Haute, Ind. Fifteen trade or labor 
organizations were represented. In view of this limited 
attendance, especially from points outside of and remote 
from the place of meeting, the gathering was not entitled 
to be called a representative meeting of the trade union- 
ists of the United States and Canada, as was designed it 
should be; and it being apparent that an attempt to pro- 
claim it as such would only subject the movement to the 
ridicule of our enemies of all classes, especially the news- 
paper press, it was at once advocated by the more experi- 
enced and wiser counselors present that an adjournment 
should take place without an attempt at the permanent 
organization of a federation of trades. The advocates of 
this policy were further fortified in their position on the 
second day of the session, when a 'bone of contention' was 
introduced in the form of a crude plan of organization 
submitted by one of the local delegates, the adoption of 
which would have compelled the withdrawal from the 
convention of every representative of a bona fide trade 
union. The nature of said plan may be surmised from 

338 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

the statement that its preamble declared opposition to the 
existing system of trade-union organization, and an 
avowed purpose to force them out of existence, and out of 
the chaos thus created to form another secret society of 
workingmen. Even had the formation of such a body 
been desirable, the plan in question was of so imperfect a 
character as to be wholly impracticable. At least that was 
the opinion of the foreign delegates. But we were con- 
fronted by the seeming fact that the majority of the con- 
vention were inclined to its favorable consideration, and 
apparently the only way in which to prevent its adoption 
was by deferring action. Accordingly, after a somewhat 
protracted debate, on the evening of the second day's ses- 
sion, a motion was adopted to elect a committee of five 
for the purpose of perfecting arrangements for the hold- 
ing of a subsequent convention on November 15, in the 
city of Pittsburgh, Pa. Said committee was constituted as 
follows: Chairman, L. A. Brant; secretary, Mark W. 
Moore; Mark L. Crawford, W. C. Pollner, and P. J. Mc- 
Guire. After which the convention adjourned. 

"The Toronto convention, in choosing me as its repre- 
sentative, as above set forth, took no consideration of the 
possibility of an adjournment of the Terre Haute meeting 
to a later date, and accordingly no stated provision was 
made for representation on behalf of the International 
Typographical Union at Pittsburgh. In the course of cor- 
respondence, however, with the International Typograph- 
ical Union officers, it was stated as the opinion of both the 
president and secretary-treasurer, and subsequently that 
of the chairman of the committee which had the matter 
under consideration, that the necessity for such provision 
was unforeseen, and that it was the manifest sense of the 
International Typographical Union that I should continue 
to represent it at the adjourned meeting. 

"The Pittsburgh Convention — Accordingly, on No- 

339 



History of The Typographical Union 

vember 15, I had the proud honor of calling together in 
Turner Hall, in the city of Pittsburgh, the most numer- 
ously attended and thoroughly representative delegate 
body of American mechanics and laborers which has ever 
assembled. There were present 107 delegates, represent- 
ing the states of California, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New 
York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia 
and Wisconsin. It is impossible to accurately state the 
number of trades represented, owing to the fact that 
many of the delegates were sent from mixed assemblies of 
the Knights of Labor, and hence their calling was not 
manifest by their credentials. The following list will show 
with almost absolute correctness the various trades repre- 
sented, and the number of delegates from each : 

"Boilermakers, 1 ; Bricklayers, 1 ; Brass Finishers, 1 ; 
Bookbinders, 1 ; Boot and Shoemakers, 1 ; Cigar Makers, 
5 ; Carpenters, 5 ; Coopers, 2 ; Engineers, 1 ; Glass Pack- 
ers, 1 ; Grainers, 1 ; Glass Blowers, 6 ; Granite Cutters I ; 
Horseshoers, 1 ; Iron Moulders, 8; Amalgamated Associa- 
tion of Iron and Steel Workers, 10; Lake Seamen, 2; 
Mule Spinners, I ; Marine and Pastry Cooks, I ; Miners, 
4 ; Pattern Makers, 1 ; Plumbers and Gasfitters, 1 ; Paint- 
ers, 1 ; Plasterers, 1 ; Printers, 14; Printers (German), 1 ; 
Stone Cutters, 1 ; Stone Masons, I ; Tailors, I ; Tanners 
and Curriers, 1. 

"The convention began its labors promptly by the elec- 
tion of Mr. John Jarrett of the Amalgamated Association 
of Iron and Steel Workers as temporary chairman, and 
Messrs. Mark L. Crawford, H. H. Bengough, and W. C. 
Pollner as secretaries. The greater portion of the first day 
was consumed in the appointment of the committee on 
credentials, and action upon its report, after the adoption 
of which an animated debate took place on the question of 
excluding from seats on the floor the reporters of the 

340 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

Pittsburgh Leader, Post, and Times, the three 'rat' pa- 
pers of that city. Upon being placed before the house, the 
question was decided in the affirmative by an overwhelm- 
ing majority. 

"On the opening of the second day's session, the first 
business presented was the report of the committee on 
permanent organization. Majority and minority reports 
were presented, both of which were laid upon the table, 
and the temporary officers were elected as the permanent 
ones. A committee of one from each state, on platform of 
principles and resolutions, was appointed, after which 
numerous resolutions were presented and papers read, the 
ideas contained in which are in the main embodied in the 
platform of principles. 

"Resolutions of respect were presented and adopted to 
the memory of Alexander McDonald, M. P., of Great 
Britain, and ordered forwarded to the National Miners' 
Association of that country. The remaining portion of 
the day was taken up with the consideration of the report 
on rules, and that of the secretary of the provisional 
committee. 

"The third day was opened with the adoption of reso- 
lutions exchanging greetings with the parliamentary com- 
mittee of the Trades Union Congress of Great Britain, 
and denouncing the arrest of D. R. Jones, president of the 
Miners' Association of Pittsburgh, under the conspiracy 
laws of Pennsylvania. The committee on plan of organi- 
zation submitted its report, two sections of which — one 
limiting membership in the federation to unions of skilled 
mechanics, the other establishing the basis of future rep- 
resentation — provoked a long and spirited debate. In the 
afternoon the consideration of the report of the commit- 
tee on platform consumed the greater portion of the time, 
and those planks referring to the question of tariff, child 
labor and government supervision of railroads and tele- 

341 



History of The Typographical Union 

graph lines, especially, engaged the serious consideration 
of the congress. 

"On the fourth day resolutions were adopted on the im- 
portation of Chinese cheap labor, authorizing the legis- 
lative committee to publish the proceedings in pamphlet 
form; denouncing the manufacture and sale of tenement- 
house-made cigars; recommending to the favorable con- 
sideration of the congress of the United States a bill for 
the better protection of American seamen ; calling upon 
union men and trade assemblies throughout the country 
to assist in the organization of the brass finishers, painters, 
bookbinders, and other unorganized or partially organ- 
ized trades; opposing the passage of a bill pending in 
congress having for its purpose the transfer of the pub- 
lic domain into the hands of land sharks and capitalists ; 
and tendering thanks to the union press of Pittsburgh 
for the fairness with which they had presented to the pub- 
lic the proceedings of the congress. 

"This was followed by the election of the legislative 
committee of five, as follows : Secretary, W. H. Foster, 
Cincinnati ; Richard Powers, Chicago ; Samuel Gompers, 
New York; Charles F. Burgman, San Francisco; Alexan- 
der C. Rankin, Pittsburgh. Cleveland, Ohio, was selected 
as the place of holding the next congress, after which the 
meeting adjourned. 

"Herewith is submitted a copy of the platform, consti- 
tution and standing orders of the congress : 

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES 

Preamble 

Whereas a struggle is going on in the nations of the civil- 
ized world between the oppressors and the oppressed of all 
countries, a struggle between capital and labor, which must 
grow in intensity from year to year, and work disastrous results 
to the toiling millions of all nations, if not combined for mutual 
protection and benefit. The history of the wageworkers of all 

342 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

countries is but the history of constant struggle and misery 
engendered by ignorance and disunion ; whereas the history of 
the non-producers of all ages proves that a minority, thoroughly 
organized, may work wonders for good or evil. It behooves the 
representatives of the workers of North America, in congress 
assembled, to adopt such measures and disseminate such prin- 
ciples among the people of our country as will unite them, for 
all time to come, to secure the recognition of the rights to which 
they are justly entitled. Conforming to the old adage, "In 
union there is strength," the formation of a federation embrac- 
ing every trade and labor organization in North America, a 
union founded upon a basis as broad as the land we live in, 
is our only hope. The past history of trade unions proves that 
small organizations, well conducted, have accomplished great 
good, but their efforts have not been of that lasting character 
which a thorough unification of all the different branches of 
industrial workers is bound to secure. 

Conforming to the spirit of the times and the necessities of 
the industrial classes, W2 make the following 

PLATFORM 

1. Resolved, That an organization of workingmen into what 
is known as a trade or labor union should have the right to 
the protection of their property in like manner as the property 
of all other persons and societies, and, to accomplish this pur- 
pose, we insist upon the pass'age of laws in the state legislatures 
and in congress for the incorporation of trade unions and 
similar labor organizations. 

2. That we are in favor of the passage of such legislative 
enactments as will enforce, by compulsion, the education of 
children ; that if the state has the right to exact certain com- 
pliance with its demands, then it is also the right of the state 
to educate its people to the proper understanding of such 
demands. 

3. That we are in favor of the passage of laws in the several 
states forbidding the employment of children under the age 
of fourteen years, in any capacity, under penalty of fine and 
imprisonment. 

4. That necessity demands the enactment of uniform 
apprentice laws throughout the country; that the apprentice to 
a mechanical trade may be made to serve a sufficient term of 

343 



History of The Typographical Union 

apprenticeship, from three to five years, and that he be provided 
by his employer, in his progress to maturity, with proper and 
sufficient facilities to finish him as a competent workman. 

5. That the national eight-hour law is one intended to 
benefit labor, and to relieve it partly of its heavy burdens ; that 
the evasion of its true spirit and intent is contrary to the best 
interests of the nation; we therefore demand the enforcement 
of said law in the spirit of its designers. 

6. That it is hereby declared the sense of this congress that 
convict or prison labor, as applied to the contract system in 
several of the states, is a species of slavery in its worst form; 
that it pauperizes labor, demoralizes the honest manufacturer, 
and degrades the very criminal whom it employs ; that, as many 
articles of use and consumption made in our prisons under the 
contract system come directly and detrimentally in competition 
with the products of honest labor, we demand that the laws pro- 
viding for labor under the contract system, herein complained 
of, be repealed so as to discontinue the manufacture of all 
articles which will compete with those of the honest mechanic 
or workingman. 

7. That what is known as the "order," or "truck" system 
of payment, instead of lawful currency, as a value for labor 
performed, is one not only of gross imposition, but of down- 
right swindle to the honest laborer and mechanic, and calls for 
entire abolition; and we recommend that active measures shall 
be enforced to eradicate the evil by the passage of laws impos- 
ing fine and imprisonment upon all individuals, firms or 
corporations who continue to practice the same. 

8. That we favor the passage of such laws as will secure to 
the mechanic and workingman the first lien upon property the 
product of his labor, sufficient in all cases to justify his legal 
and just claims; that proper provisions be made for legally 
recovering the same. 

9. That we demand the repeal and erasure from the statute 
books of all acts known as conspiracy laws, as applied to 
organizations of labor in the regulation of wages and the num- 
ber of hours which shall constitute a day's work. 

10. That we recognize the wholesome effects of a Bureau of 
Labor Statistics, as created in several states, and we urge upon 
our friends in congress the passage of an act establishing a 
national bureau of labor statistics, and recommend for its.man- 

344 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

agement the appointment of a proper person, identified with the 
laboring classes of the country. 

11. That we recommend to the congress of the United 
States the adoption of such laws as shall give to every American 
industry full protection from the cheap labor of foreign 
countries. 

12. That we demand the passage of a law by the United 
States congress to prevent the importation of foreign laborers 
under contract. 

13. That we recommend all trade and labor organizations 
to secure proper representation in all law-making bodies by 
means of the ballot, and to use all honorable measures by which 
this result can be accomplished. 

ORGANIZATION 
Article I — Name 

This association shall be known as "The Federation of 
Organized Trades and Labor Unions of the United States of 
America and Canada," and shall consist of such trade and 
labor unions as shall, after being duly admitted, conform to its 
rules and regulations, and pay all contributions required to 
carry out the objects of this Federation. 

Article II — Objects 

The object of this Federation shall be: 

Section I. The encouragement and formation of trade and 
labor unions. 

Sec. 2. The encouragement and formation of trade and 
labor assemblies or councils. 

Sec. 3. The encouragement and formation of national and 
international trade unions. t 

Sec. 4. To secure the legislation favorable to the interests 
of the industrial classes. 

Article III — Sessions 

The sessions of the Federation shall be held annually, on 
the third Tuesday in November, at such place as the delegates 
have selected at the preceding congress. 

Article IV — Representation 

The basis of representation in the congress of this Federa- 
tion shall be : From national or international unions, for one 

345 



History of The Typographical Union 

thousand members or less, one delegate ; for four thousand, 
two delegates ; for eight thousand, three delegates ; for six- 
teen thousand, four delegates ; for thirty-two thousand, five 
delegates, and so on. From local trade assemblies or councils, 
one delegate. 

Article V — Officers 

At the annual sessions of this Federation the delegates shall 
elect a legislative committee consisting of five delegates, one of 
whom shall be the Federation secretary, and who shall be 
elected separately. 

Article VI — Duties 

Section i. The duties of the legislative committee shall 
be to exercise a supervision over the organization, and the 
execution of its laws, and to carry out such instructions as may, 
from time to time, be given them at the sessions of this 
Federation. 

Sec. 2. The legislative committee shall choose from among 
themselves a chairman, first and second vice-chairman, and 
treasurer, for the ensuing year. 

Article VII — Revenue 

The revenue of this Federation shall be derived from a 
capitation tax of three cents per member annually from each 
trade and labor union, trade assembly or council affiliated with 
this Federation, which shall be paid quarterly in advance. 

Article VIII — Accounts 

The accounts of the year shall be closed fourteen days prior 
to the assembling of the congress, and a balance sheet duly 
certified and presented to the same. 

Article IX — Remuneration 

The remuneration for loss of time by the legislative com- 
mittee shall be at the rate of three dollars per diem, traveling 
and incidental expenses to be also defrayed. 

STANDING ORDERS 

1. The annual meeting of this Federation shall be held on 
the third Tuesday in November, at such place as the delegates 
to the preceding congress may have selected. 

2. The time of meeting shall be as follows : On the first 
day, to assemble at noon ; on all other days, at 9 A. m. ; adjourn 

346 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

at 12:30: reassemble at 1 130 and adjourn at 5 p. m. each day. 

3. At the opening of the congress, the chairman of the 
legislative committee shall take the chair until the congress 
has elected its own president, which shall be its first business. 
The congress shall then elect a vice-president, two secretaries, 
two auditors, a doorkeeper and a messenger. 

4. A standing order committee shall then be elected, to 
whom shall be remitted the whole business of the congress, the 
discussions, together with the whole financial arrangements of 
the congress. 

5. The congress having been formally opened by the 
president, the legislative committee shall present their report 
for the last year, which shall be read by the secretary and shall 
be laid upon the table for discussion by the congress ; said 
report shall contain a list of the committee meetings, with dates 
and names of those present. 

6. The reader of a paper shall be allowed twenty minutes; 
the mover of a resolution, fifteen minutes ; succeeding speakers 
ten minutes each. No one to speak more than once on any 
subject. 

7. No second amendment to an original proposition shall 
be put to a vote until the amendment is disposed of. 

8. No papers shall be read except those which are required 
for legislative purposes ; no member to read more than one 
paper. 

9. All papers shall be sent to the secretary of the legislative 
committee at least two weeks before the meeting of the ensuing 
congress, the same to be read and arranged by the committee, 
to facilitate the business of the congress. 

10. The secretary, who shall also be secretary of the legis- 
lative committee, shall be elected at the annual congress. 
Should a vacancy occur between the annual meetings of the 
congress, the legislative committee shall have power to fill 
the vacancy. 

11. The duties of the legislative committee shall be to watch 
legislative measures directly affecting the question of labor; 
to initiate, whenever necessary, such legislative action as the 
congress may direct, or as the exigencies of the time and cir- 
cumstances may demand. 

12. No candidate shall be elected on the legislative com- 
mittee unless he is a delegate from his own trade society, or 

347 



History of The Typographical Union 

represents a trade council, and the body so represented must 
have contributed its capitation tax during the year previous to 
his nomination. In no case shall two members of one trade 
be elected on the committee. 

13. All surplus moneys, after the payment of the expenses 
of the congress, shall be handed over to the treasurer of the 
legislative committee, for the general purposes of such 
committee. 

14. The legislative committee shall assist and co-operate 
with the local committee of the city where the next congress 
is to be held for the purpose of making the arrangements as 
complete as possible, and preparing the questions to be dis- 
cussed, and together to take such joint action as the business or 
other special circumstances of the time may render necessary 
or desirable. 

15. A sub-committee of the legislative committee shall meet 
a week before the meeting of each congress, to arrange matters 
for the congress. 

16. That in the case of any amendment of the standing 
orders of the congress being desired by any society or delegate, 
it shall be necessary for every such proposed amendment to be 
forwarded to the legislative committee at least one month before 
the meeting of the congress. 

17. The legislative committee shall be members of the suc- 
ceeding congress from which they have been credited, but 
without a vote. 

"In making the foregoing brief abstract of the proceed- 
ings, I have been actuated by a desire to avoid, as far as 
practicable, trenching upon your valuable time, and 
hence have passed by with mere mention those matters 
which I believe were not of almost universal interest. This 
course I have been the more readily impelled to, in view 
of the fact that the legislative committee have published 
the full proceedings in pamphlet form, a copy of which 
may be obtained bv forwarding ten cents to any member 
thereof. 

"The desirability of intelligent action on the question 
of affiliation with the federation demands a full knowl- 
edge of the declaration of principles, constitution, and 

348 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

standing orders — hence their embodiment in this report 
to the convention. 

"Thus ended the first congress of the Federation of 
Trade and Labor Unions, and its deliberations, without 
doubt, have attracted more universal attention at the 
hands of press and public throughout the country than 
has been accorded to any similar gathering. Its trans- 
actions, while perhaps not entirely free from those mis- 
takes which might reasonably be attributed to want of 
experience, were, taken as a whole, characterized by that 
wisdom and earnestness of purpose which augurs well for 
the long-continued annual recurrence of similar sessions, 
and increasing efficiency in their work. Another signifi- 
cant and cheering indication in this, direction was the 
number of encouraging letters and telegrams received 
from societies not represented, accompanied by pledges 
of support and assurances that they would have repre- 
sentation at the Cleveland session. Hence, it is safe to 
predict that the second congress will be more thoroughly 
a representative one than the first. 

"Results of the Pittsburgh Congress — While the re- 
sults of the Pittsburgh congress have, perhaps, not been 
so plainly marked as those which may be reasonably ex- 
pected to follow the assembling of future congresses, the 
stimulus given by that gathering to industrial organiza- 
tions in many sections has been very marked. Several 
trades, which heretofore had banded together in but few 
localities, have been enabled, through the interest aroused 
at Pittsburgh, to make wonderful progress in bringing 
within the folds of unionism the brethren of their respec- 
tive callings, and as a result the year 1882 will probably 
witness the formation of at least half-a-dozen national or 
international unions, and a greater number of trades as- 
semblies. In addition, the influence of the legislative com- 
mittee has been felt in the national legislature in the 

349 



History of The Typographical Union 

interest of the lake seamen against an act for their out- 
rageous oppression ; and in various state legislatures in 
measures for the compulsory education of children, the 
repeal of oppressive conspiracy laws, and the abolishment 
of convict labor and the 'truck' system. In addition, and 
possessing, perhaps, a more direct interest to the members 
of our trade, I am informed by the secretary that he has 
been placed in direct communication with Mr. Henry 
Slatter, president of the London Typographical Society, 
and that out of such relations may come mutual benefit 
to members of the craft on both sides of the Atlantic. 
This work, too, has been accomplished in face of the fact 
that the committee has been seriously embarrassed by lack 
of funds. This obstacle will be gradually removed upon 
the assembling of the various international and national 
unions during the present year, several of which, al- 
though maintaining a position of indifference toward the 
federation in the past, will be forced into line through 
the influence of sympathizing and interested subordinate 
bodies under their jurisdiction. 

''These movements for the reform of public grievances, 
and which, perhaps, have no visible direct bearing upon 
the printing fraternity, may possess but little interest for 
the masses of our craft; but our representative men at 
least must keep in mind the fact that if we would materi- 
ally improve our condition as a distinctive trade, we must 
keep abreast of the advancing wave of industrial emanci- 
pation, and stand ever ready to assist our brethren of 
other trades, to the end that we in our time of adversity 
may be in a position to turn to them for like encourage- 
ment and assistance. 

"Expense of Representation — Should the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union conclude, as I am persuaded 
it will, to affiliate with the federation, the chief expense 

350 






Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

to which it will be subject will be the payment of a per 
capita tax of three cents per annum (payable in quarterly 
instalments) on each member in good standing within its 
jurisdiction. It will be entitled to at least two delegates, 
but, as they could be selected from some point contiguous 
to the place of meeting, their expenses would not be bur- 
densome to the treasury. I feel confident that, even this 
outlay will not be necessary after the Cleveland conven- 
tion, as the experience of a year will have doubtless dem- 
onstrated that a far better system of collecting revenue 
would be that adopted by the Trade Union Congress of 
Great Britain, of allowing representation from subordi- 
nate unions at a merely nominal entrance fee, relying 
upon voluntary contributions from the various trade and 
labor societies to meet the necessities of the parliamentary 
committee. 

"In conclusion, I can not refrain from referring with 
proud satisfaction to the fact that our craft, which has 
been the pioneer and constant champion of this movement 
so auspiciously set under way, was more numerously rep- 
resented at the late congress than any other trade, and 
that body, conceding to the International Typographical 
Union the right to an honorable recognition, elevated to 
the most responsible and honorable position within its 
gift (the secretaryship of the legislative committee) 
Brother W. H. Foster, a permanent member of this body, 
and a gentleman of sterling ability for the duties of the 
position. 

"Finally, gentlemen of the thirtieth session of the In- 
ternational Typographical Union, permit me to assure 
you that I have honestly endeavored, during my delegate- 
ship, to discharge the highly honorable trust confided to 
me in such a manner as it seemed would best conduce to 
the material advancement of the craft to which I belong, 

351 



History of The Typographical Union 

and especially of the organization whose past welfare 

and future prosperity has been, and will be, my fondest 

hope. 

"Respectfully submitted, 

"L. A. Brant." 
Work of the Convention 

Reorganization Plans — The committee on plans of re- 
organization, authorized by resolution on the last day of 
the Toronto session, submitted a report to the effect that 
under the terms of the resolution creating the committee 
it had been found impossible to perform the arduous task 
of preparing a suitable plan of reorganization because of 
the fact that no appropriation had been made to allow the 
members of the committee to get together during the year, 
and that not until the week of the present convention had 
they been able to meet, when it was found that the differ- 
ences of opinion existing in the minds of members of the 
committee rendered it impossible to accomplish anything 
definite. It was therefore ordered that a special committee 
of five be appointed to undertake the work of revising the 
old constitution and by-laws, with instructions to present 
a report before adjournment of the convention. Through 
the efforts of this committee the delegates were enabled to 
partially revise the laws of the organization. Several 
paragraphs dealing with questions of minor importance 
were acted upon, but no changes were made that in any 
way affected the autonomy of local unions. Perhaps the 
most important addition to the laws was the adoption of 
a provision authorizing the appointment of state deputy 
organizers. 

Sub-Lists — The beginning of the end of the "sub- 
list" system was foreshadowed by the adoption of the 
following resolutions : 

Whereas the "sub-list" system, as enforced in many of the 
leading daily offices of the country, has always met with much 

352 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

disfavor among both the "regulars," as a class, and the "sub- 
stitutes," who are the parties most affected by its restrictions; 
and 

Whereas competency and fairness of the workman should 
be the only true standard of recommendation for the one apply- 
ing for work; and 

Whereas efforts should be made to relieve the craft of all 
forms and practices which in themselves bring dissatisfaction 
and discontent, and which act almost universally to the detri- 
ment and loss of a large and honorable membership in our 
craft; therefore 

Resolved, That this International Union appreciates fully 
the injuries inflicted from a radical enforcement of what is 
known as the "sub-list" system, and is solicitous for a reform in 
that direction. 

Resolved, That the subordinate unions in this jurisdiction 
shall be directed to adopt such measures, where practicable, as 
will abolish the sub-list, and make the standard of privilege to 
work that the workman shall be a fair man, and competent to 
do the work' for which he applies. 

French-Canadians — The following petition was re- 
ceived from Montreal Typographical Union : 

The petition of Montreal Typographical Union No. 176, 
respectfully sheweth : 

That after a trial of six years we find it impossible to con- 
tinue as one union in the city of Montreal. 

That there are in the city over three hundred printers, not 
one-half of whom are now members of the union, in conse- 
quence of the difference of language and the great difficulty 
in conducting our proceedings. 

That at least one-half the printers are French-Canadians, 
and it is an injustice to them to force them to belong to a 
union whose proceedings they can not take part in without 
great inconvenience, and the absolute necessity of translating 
speeches, reports, minutes, resolutions, etc. 

That but few of the English members understand or speak 
the French language and that but few of the French members 
understand or speak the English language. 

That at the regular monthly meeting of this union, held on 
the 6th of May instant, it was resolved, in the best interests of 

, 353 



History of The Typographical Union 

the union, and for the welfare of the craft, that every effort 
should be made to obtain two charters for the city of Montreal. 
We, therefore, pray you to restore Jacques Cartier Typo- 
graphical Union No. 145 its charter, in order that peace and 
harmony may prevail, and that the printers of Montreal may 
all become active union men. 

The petition was referred to the president of the Inter- 
national Union, with instructions to grant the request 
contained therein if satisfactory evidence was produced 
showing that the petition met with the approval of a ma- 
jority of the members of Montreal Union. 

Secret Organizations — The following resolution, in- 
troduced by Delegate Franey, of Buffalo, was defeated 
by a vote of 36 ayes, 30 noes : 

Whereas caucusing and organized conferences of delegates 
to this union, for the purpose of nominating candidates for 
offices within its gift, tends to subvert the selection of the best 
men for such offices, and does not allow a thorough freedom 
of action and an honest expression of the ballot ; and 

Whereas the consideration of measures in caucuses, or con- 
ferences, or organizations, before or after their presentation to 
this body, is detrimental to true unionism ; therefore be it 

Resolved, That it shall be considered a misdemeanor, pun- 
ishable by fine, expulsion, or censure, as the convention shall 
decide, for any delegate to be a party to the selection of candi- 
dates in any caucus, organized conference, or society, or to bind 
themselves to the support or non-support of any measures prior 
to or after their presentation to this convention ; and 

Resolved, That any person or persons who shall accept the 
nomination of a caucus, or conference, or organized body, and 
which acceptance shall be proven by competent witnesses, the 
name of such person, or persons, shall be printed in a black 
list, with an appropriate heading, in the proceedings of all 
subsequent International Typographical Union conventions. 

After the defeat of the above resolution, the following 
was adopted by a vote of 43 ayes, 3 noes : 

Whereas the best interests of this organization demand that 
unity of purpose and fraternal feeling shall exist among its 

354 



Convention at St. Louis, 1882 

members, and that all cause of distrust shall be removed as 
to the methods of legislation or the selection of officers ; 
therefore 

Resolved, That the discussion of measures to be introduced 
in this body, and all interchange of opinion as to the character 
or qualification of candidates for office, should be conducted in 
a free and open manner, and that this International Union 
deprecates and condemns all meetings of a secret character, 
held for such purposes, under any form or under any name. 

Union Printers Home — Delegate Dodge, of Washing- 
ton, D. C, presented the following resolution which was 
adopted : 

Resolved, That a committee, consisting of the newly-elected 
officers of the International Union, be appointed to take into 
consideration the feasibility of devising means for the estab- 
lishment and maintenance of a home for disabled printers, and 
report at the next annual meeting of this union ; said home to 
be conducted on the principle of the various soldiers' homes 
throughout the country. 

Pressmen — The following appeal to the pressmen was 
issued by the pressmen delegates to the convention : 

For the protection of pressmen as well as employers, we 
appeal to our brothers of the craft throughout the country to 
organize and form pressmen's unions wherever possible. 

Whatever tends to the interest of employers must of necessity 
benefit ourselves, and by thorough organization our art is ad- 
vanced, friendship cemented and knowledge disseminated, 
apprenticeship more faithfully enforced, and the moral and 
intellectual standing of our craft is recognized and appreciated. 

No antagonism need exist between pressmen and employers ; 
on the contrary, organization prevents unjust discrimination 
and tends to harmonize discordant elements, and bring all 
under proper and judicious restraint. 

At present nine pressmen's unions exist, and in every instance 
have proved beneficial. Members have improved their condi- 
tion, and earned greater respect for our calling ; so much so 
the International Union conferred the distinguished honor upon 
us of electing the vice-president from our ranks. Let us show 
by our zeal the confidence thus reposed in us is not misplaced. 

355 



History of The Typographical .Union 

Cincinnati was selected as the meeting place for the 
convention in 1883. 

Officers, 1882 — Officers for the ensuing term were 
elected, as follows : President, George Clark, St. Louis ; 
first vice-president, John F. Clarkson, Washington, D. C. ; 
second vice-president, T. A. Fowler, Houston, Tex. ; sec- 
retary-treasurer, Mark L. Crawford, Chicago, and cor- 
responding secretary, John R. Haldeman, Philadelphia. 
Frank K. Foster, of Cambridge, Mass., was elected dele- 
gate to the federation of trades. 

State Deputies — At this session the constitution was 
amended requiring the president to appoint a deputy for 
each state, territory and province, in which subordinate 
unions existed, whose duty it was to correspond with each 
town or place in the state, where printers were employed, 
with the view of encouraging them to embrace unionism. 
The deputy appointed by the president was authorized 
and directed to select an assistant in each city or town, 
empowered with authority to administer the union obli- 
gation, with the understanding that all persons so obli- 
gated should be assigned to membership in the nearest 
subordinate union within the state. The member thus 
obligated was relieved from payment of local dues and 
assessments but was required to pay the International per 
capita tax. The first list of state deputies follows : 

Alabama, Michael O'Rourke, Mobile; Arizona, E. S. Penwell, Tombstone; 
Arkansas, J. M. Wade, Little Rock; California, S. W. Jenner, San Francisco; 
Colorado, H. M. Biden, Denver; Connecticut, J. F. Busche, jr., New Haven; 
Delaware, D. S. Shields, Wilmington; Dakota, M. J. Meehan, Fargo; Idaho, 
C. J. Copp, Hailey; Illinois, Robert A. Lowry, Quincy; Indiana, John Schley, 
Indianapolis; Iowa, T. J. Collins, Sioux City; Kentucky, W. E. Riley, Louis- 
ville; Kansas, James M. Jones, Atchison; Louisiana, P. T. McDermott, New Or- 
leans; Manitoba, P. Considine, Winnipeg; Maryland, James W. Rodgers, Balti- 
more; Massachusetts, D. N. McMullin, Boston; Minnesota, J. T. Mannix, 
Minneapolis; Mississippi, A. J. McCallum, Vicksburg; Michigan, Judson Gre- 
nell, Detroit; Missouri, M. Lawlor, St. Joseph; Nevada, S. M. Stenhouse, Vir- 
ginia City; North Carolina, J. C. Birdsong, Raleigh; Nebraska, L. C. Hay, 
Omaha; New York, F. F. Donovan, New York city; New Jersey, Samuel Mel- 
lor, jr., Trenton; New Mexico, N. S. Belden, Las Vegas; Ohio, David P. Boyer, 
Columbus; Ontario, John Armstrong, Toronto; Pennsylvania, Thomas Brennan, 
Pittsburgh; Prince Edward Island, Richard Walsh, Charlottetown; Quebec, P. 

356 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1883 

Hughes, Montreal; New Brunswick, James Berry, St. John; South Carolina, N. 
Stuart Marks, Columbia; Texas, George S. Smith, Austin; Tennessee, Thomas 
Irwin, Nashville; Utah, Henry McEwan, Salt Lake City; Virginia, J. H. O'Ban- 
non, Richmond; West Virginia, W. S. McCurdy, Wheeling; Wisconsin, Charles 
H. Hubbard, Milwaukee; Wyoming, A. R. Johnson, Cheyenne. 

Convention at Cincinnati 

[1883] — The thirty-first annual convention of the In- 
ternational Union was called to order by President Clark 
in Cincinnati, June 4, 1883, sixty-eight unions being rep- 
resented by eighty-four delegates. 

President's Address — In his annual address to the 
convention, President Clark said that during the year 
much had been accomplished. While there had been no 
particular demonstration, a constant and healthy growth 
was manifest throughout the jurisdiction. This assertion 
was fully borne out by the increase of new unions, which 
was unparalleled in the history of the organization. Ap- 
parently, the craft generally had prospered and had be- 
come stronger and more united. Another evidence of the 
prosperity being enjoyed was the fact that few lapses had 
occurred during the year and the spirit of distrust which 
had for several years previously threatened to mar the 
usefulness of the International body had to a great degree 
been dispelled. It was apparent that the cause of labor 
generally had received new impetus by movements lead- 
ing to greater unity and a better understanding among the 
various trades. 

Organization Work — President Clark recommended 
additional legislation providing an extension of the or- 
ganization work. Without criticizing the results obtained 
through state organizers, it was recommended that the 
union should provide for a permanent organizer, vested 
with proper power as an officer, who should be paid a 
stated salary and devote his entire time and energy to the 
work, with instructions to co-operate with the state depu- 
ties. No action was taken on the recommendation. 

357 



History of The Typographical Union 

French-Canadian Union — Acting upon the instruc- 
tions of the previous convention regarding, the petition 
presented by Montreal Union, praying that the charter 
of Jacques Cartier Union be restored, the president 
reported that he had issued to the French printers 
of Montreal a charter, under their old number and 
name. While this action was not in strict accord with the 
letter of the law which provided that not more than one 
charter should be issued in the same city, the peculiar con- 
ditions existing in Montreal seemed to require that two 
subordinate unions be chartered in that jurisdiction. 

Charters — The following list of charters issued, and 
those reissued and surrendered, is given : Pressmen's — 
New York city, Toronto, Ont, and Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Reissued — Jacques Cartier, Montreal, Can. ; Springfield, 
Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Montgomery, Ala.; Atlanta, 
Ga. ; Shreveport, La.; Dubuque, Iowa; Oil City, Pa.; 
Knoxville, Tenn. ; Portland, Ore.; Chattanooga, Tenn. ; 
Rochester, N. Y. ; Santa Fe, N. M. ; Halifax, N. S. ; Ot- 
tawa, Can. ; Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Providence, R. I. ; Stockton, 
Cal. ; Dallas and Austin, Tex. New charters — Tomb- 
stone, Ariz. ; Fort Worth, Tex. ; Youngstown, Ohio ; 
Zanesville, Ohio; Hailey, Ida.; Seattle, Wash.; Council 
Bluffs, Iowa; Miles City, Mont; Jamestown, N. Y. ; Se- 
dalia, Mo.; Newark, Ohio; Albuquerque, N. M. ; Lincoln, 
Neb.; Tucson, Ariz.; Oshkosh, Wis.; Hornellsville, N. 
Y. ; Lowell, Mass.; Lake Charles, La., and Decatur, 111. 
Surrendered — Portland, Me.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Lex- 
ington, Ky. ; Vicksburg, Miss. ; Worcester, Mass., and Las 
Vegas, N. M. 

Strikes — The report of the corresponding secretary 
gave evidence of a revival of trade in all sections of the 
country, although a number of strikes took place during 
the year. Differences had occurred in New York, Boston, 
Dubuque, Minneapolis, Montreal, New Haven, Atlanta, 

358 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1883 

Portland, Ore.; Cambridge, Mass.; Toronto, Can.; 
Springfield and Joliet, 111. Settlements were made in all 
these disputes favorable to the union. Unsuccessful 
strikes had occurred in St. Paul, Toledo, Erie, Atlanta, 
Kansas City, Topeka, Montreal and Winnipeg. 

Federation of Trades — Frank K. Foster, delegate to 
the Federation of Trades, submitted a report covering the 
sessions of that body held in Cleveland. The report 
showed that in addition to the various local bodies repre- 
sented eight national and international unions had sent 
delegates. Samuel L. Leffingwell, of Indianapolis, repre- 
senting the Trades Assembly of that city, and a member 
of Typographical Union No. 1, was elected president. 
Samuel Gompers, of the Cigar Makers' International 
Union, was elected vice-president, and W. H. Foster, Cin- 
cinnati Trades Assembly ; T. H. Murch, Granite Cutters' 
National Union, and Hugo Miller, German-American 
Typographia, were elected secretaries. 

The report showed that while considerable progress 
had been made during the year in the way of organization 
and legislative action, yet the financial returns from the 
organizations represented at the Pittsburgh session had 
not been sufficiently large to permit of the active cam- 
paign anticipated by friends of the federation. Efforts 
to secure places on congressional committees for friends 
of labor; the anti-Chinese demonstrations in aid of the 
passage of an exclusion act; the presentation of a bill 
in congress for the better protection of the rights and 
health of seamen; of another to the New York legislature 
for the abolition of tenement-house cigar makers, and an 
appeal to the Ohio legislature for the abolition of prison 
contract labor, were among the especial matters that had 
engaged the attention of the legislative committee. 

While the second session of the federation, in point of 
numbers, did not meet the expectations of its more en- 

359 



History of The Typographical Union 

thusiastic friends, yet in many ways it was a notable 
success. 

At the Pittsburgh convention a plank had been inserted 
in the platform endorsing a high protective tariff. This 
plank was stricken out at the Cleveland convention. An 
additional plank was added by the insertion of a demand 
for an employers' liability act; the order of precedence 
was changed so as to give the enforcement of a national 
eight-hour law first place in the order of arrangement. 

Union Printers Home — A special committee appointed 
at the previous convention to consider the feasibility of 
devising means for the establishment of a home for dis- 
abled printers submitted the following report. The rec- 
ommendation contained in the report, however, was not 
concurred in. 

In regard to the proposition, your committee beg leave to 
state that, while they heartily approve the principle embodied 
in the resolution, and believe that the establishment of such a' 
home would be a most creditable feature of our unionism, com- 
mending our organization to the favorable opinion of a benevo- 
lent public, yet, aware of the magnitude of the undertaking 
financially, we would not recommend its adoption unless aid can 
be obtained from outside sources. With such help we believe 
the plan entirely feasible. Prominent publishers, as we are 
informed, have in the past given their approval to similar propo- 
sitions and signified their willingness to extend substantial aid. 
Such aid secured, an additional handsome sum could be realized 
by the levying of a small monthly assessment on the members of 
local unions. An assessment of 15 cents per month would yield 
an annual income, of, say, about twenty thousand dollars a 
year. This could be reduced one-third, or even two-thirds, after 
the establishment of the home, and the tax would be so light 
that it would not be regarded as a burden. Fully aware that 
to many of our members the project may seem visionary, yet, 
in order that the matter may be given a practical test, your 
committee respectfully recommend the adoption of the follow- 
ing resolution : 

Resolved, That the proposition to establish a home for dis- 

360 




GEORGE CLARK, St. Louis 

President International Typographical Union 

Tune io, 1 88 1 -June 8, 1883 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1883 

abled printers be referred to a committee consisting of the 
newly-elected officers of the International Union, with instruc- 
tions to open a correspondence, under the seal of the Inter- 
national Union, with the employing printers throughout the 
jurisdiction, in order to ascertain the views of said employers 
on the subject; and then, should the matter be regarded by 
said committee as feasible, that they be instructed to prepare 
and report at the next session of this International Union a 
bill looking to the establishment of the said home. 

Official Organ — "Our Organette," a trade publication 
issued at Indianapolis, having received the endorsement 
of a previous convention, had become, practically, the 
official organ of the International Union, and, upon the 
recommendation of the committee on miscellaneous busi- 
ness, it was ordered that the secretary-treasurer, instead 
of issuing quarterly circulars, should publish all matters 
necessary for the information of subordinate unions in 
"Our Organette," to be paid for at the usual advertising 
rates, and to subscribe for a sufficient number of copies of 
the paper to provide one for each subordinate union. 

Membership — The report of the committee on returns 
and finance showed that the finances were in a satisfactory 
condition and the total membership was 12,273. 

Per Capita — The per capita tax for the ensuing year 
was fixed at 20 cents. 

Sub-Lists — The death blow to "sub-lists" was dealt 
Dy the delegates to the thirty-first convention, and an 
assertion of real authority by the International organiza- 
tion was contained in the following resolution adopted 
by a vote of 62 ayes, 12 noes : 

Whereas it is the opinion of this International Union that 
every union man is entitled to the privilege of working in union 
offices until he gives cause to be discharged or prohibited ; 
therefore 

Resolved, That all subordinate unions are hereby instructed 
to abolish sub-lists on or before the 1st of September, 1883, 
under penalty of having their charters revoked. 

361 



History of The Typographical Union 

Government Printing Office — The following interest- 
ing resolutions, introduced by Delegate Briggs, of Wash- 
ington, D. C, were adopted by a rising vote of the 
delegates : 

Whereas certain senators of United States did, at the last 
session of congress, by their prompt and unsolicited action, 
defeat legislation directly detrimental to the interests of Colum- 
bia Typographical Union No. ioi, Pressmen's Union No. I, 
both of Washington, D. C, and to trade organizations gener- 
ally, and did by their utterances show themselves to have a true 
understanding and appreciation of the cause of labor ; therefore 

Be it resolved, That a vote of thanks be, and is hereby, 
tendered by this International Union of North America to the 
Honorable Senators D. W. Voorhees of Indiana, and Omar D. 
Conger of Michigan, and the other senators who favored us on 
that occasion; and 

Be it further resolved, That the officers of this body are here- 
by instructed to acquaint by telegraph the senators designated of 
our action. 

The remarks of Senators Voorhees and Conger in the 
United States senate, February 24, 1883, referred to in 
the above resolutions, set forth so clearly the aims and ob- 
jects of the trade union movement, as interpreted by the 
typographical union, that the following excerpts from the 
debate in the senate on that occasion are reproduced : 

Mr. Voorhees — Mr. President, I want to submit a few 
words on behalf of the printers. It seems that only one side of 
this question has been heard on this floor. * * * It would 
seem from the debate the last half hour here as if they were 
a very dangerous class of people. From the unbroken strain 
of amazed and indignant talk on this subject it would seem 
that this government had been outraged and plundered by them. 
That is not my understanding. My understanding is that a 
more painstaking, conscientious, hard-working class of people 
does not live than the printers who are now in question. If 
they have committed any abuse on any public interest, I should 
like to have it pointed out. I should like to know what they 
have done. Have they received too much pay for their work? 
I should like to see a senator who will rise here and say so. 

362 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1883 

Mr. Plumb — Will the senator from Indiana permit me to 
direct his attention to one point? I want simply to state the 
abuse I speak of. While they want to labor for themselves, and 
do good labor, and valuable labor, they insist that nobody else 
shall labor except at their beck. 

Mr. Voorhees — I will come to that directly. Let us take 
things as they are presented ; I want to settle some points as I 
go along. I do not understand that anybody pretends that these 
men get too much pay for their work. I want to settle another 
point : I do not understand that anybody pretends that they do 
not do their work well. So we have two great propositions in 
employment and labor ; one is that the work is done well, and 
the other is that they do not get too much pay for it. Then I 
should like to know what the trouble is? The senator from 
Kansas says the trouble is that they are associated together so 
that their wages shall not be reduced by somebody coming in 
and working for less. That is about the plain statement. 

Mr. Plumb — No, I did not state it that way. 

Mr. Voorhees — I will correct myself, then. Of course I 
meant that the senator said so simply in substance. I repeat 
it, the senator from Kansas said that they would not allow other 
people to work in so many words. That is not true and he will 
have to 1 correct his statement a little as well as I shall have to 
correct mine. The senator said they were associated so as not 
to allow men to come in and underwork them and thus reduce 
their wages. 

Mr. Plumb — No, that is not the statement I made. 

Mr. Voorhees — I did not say it was the statement. I say 
that is what you meant. 

Mr. Plumb — It is not what I meant. 

Mr. Voorhees — Then what did you mean? 

Mr. Plumb — My meaning is that they will not let any per- 
son work unless he first joins their association and subscribes 
to their rules. 

Mr. Voorhees— And work at the same wages. 

Mr. Plumb — But it is more than a question of wages. It is 
general direction and control in the relation of labor. 

Mr. Voorhees — I do not remember how the senator from 
Kansas voted on the Chinese question, but I know that the idea 
of protecting American labor from the competition of cheap 
Chinese labor swayed this entire congress, both the senate and 

363 



History of The Typographical Union 

the house. I believe, in fact, as I turn my eye to the chair as 
it is now occupied, that about the only conspicuous and dis- 
tinguished opponent of that idea is now in the chair. I do 
not remember the eloquence of the senator from Kansas or 
anybody else's particularly, except that of the senator from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Hoar) now in the chair against the propo- 
sition which we were then putting in the form of a law that 
labor in this country should not be brought in contact with 
cheap labor from China. 

I said I intended to say something for the printer. I want 
to talk on his side for a little' while. The way he reasons is 
this : He has as much right to protect himself in the wages that 
will give him bread and shelter' and clothing as other people 
have to protect themselves. Is it wrong that they are associated 
together? To hear the senator from Maine (Mr. Hale) and 
other senators it would seem as if there was a sort of Cataline 
conspiracy. There is not an association in the world, either of 
talent, or labor, or capital, that does not do exactly the same 
thing. 

A medical association fixes the fees, and if one of their num- 
ber comes and administers quinine for less than the agreed fee 
he will be expelled from that association. It is the same prin- 
ciple exactly with the Typographical Union. They say a man 
must work at particular wages. The physicians of the country 
say the same thing, and if one is employed, at less than the 
agreed price, those who are already employed will walk away 
from the bedside of sickness and leave you to die. In many 
places the bar have their associations and agreements also. 
Going still further, take up the great industries of the country. 
Take the Wool Growers' Association, the Iron Mongers' Asso- 
ciation, the Steel Workers' Association, the Spinners' Associa- 
tion, Liquor Dealers' Association, to say nothing of that master 
of all associated strength, the National Banking Association. 
No words of reproach for them ; no outcry ; no danger ; but the 
Typographical Union, those men who work day and night at 
their printers' cases, seem to alarm senators. They do not 
alarm me. I am much more alarmed at the National Banking 
Association, which meets every year at Saratoga, to have their 
annual congress, when the champagne corks pop, and the ter- 
rapin is good, and they lay down lines of financial policy agreed 
upon in luxury and splendor and come down here and dictate to 

364 



Convention at Cincinnati 



this congress from end to end of this capitol, and every senator 
knows it. 

These typos are not dictating here. The senator from Kansas 
is alarmed ; other senators are alarmed, and they say this thing 
had better be met on the threshold. Let us meet it upon the 
threshold, but let us not have a tempest in a teapot on the 
threshold. Talk about congress being dictated to — it has been 
and will continue to be until the end of time dictated to by 
associated capital, associated talent ; but less than on any other 
subject will it be dictated to by government printers. 

Sir, associated talent, associated wealth, associated labor 
have governed the world at all times, and they will continue 
to do so. It is just as legitimate and just as innocent and harm- 
less, and more so, for these people who toil with their hands 
and make their associations to protect them in their rights as 
it is to those who are more powerful. 

I presented a paper here this morning from an association 
known as workers in iron and steel in my state, and I want 
them to have their voice heard. It is an association of men who 
delve in the earth and who work in the blast furnaces, and all 
that. I believe they have as much right to be heard here as the 
National Association of Banks. Yet how different would have 
been the reception of a memorial of the annual National Bank- 
ing Association held at Saratoga from that which was given to 
those workers in iron and steel, and how differently we would 
speak of something the National Banking Association was 
doing from that w T hich we speak of the poor government 
printers down here with no voice on this floor. 

Mr. President, I can generally be counted on that side which 
is not here to speak for itself. It seems to me that there are 
plenty to speak on the other side. It seems to me there are 
plenty to get up here a sort of fictitious alarm about the gov- 
ernment printers who do work and get none too much pay, and 
who do not want to be underworked by others. We have had 
the most eloquent appeals here about the protection of Ameri- 
can labor. That is just what these Typographical Unions are 
doing — they are protecting American labor in their own profes- 
sion and calling. 

Mr. Conger — I do not understand from anything that has 
been said that this association undertook to dictate at all to 
the public printer whom he should employ or whom he should 

365 



History of The Typographical Union 

not employ, otherwise than to say that they will not work there 
if certain persons are employed. I have heard this question 
discussed at one time and another for the last few years, and I 
never yet have heard that the printers' association ever under- 
took to control or dictate any terms to the public printer or 
the government, except so far as to say that they have, for 
mutual benefit and mutual protection, organized all over the 
United States, to protect themselves, as every other class of 
people can and may and do do. They say if the government 
will take one class of men, if it is better for the government to 
employ one set of men who do not feel an interest in joining 
together with them for mutual protection, they will go else- 
where. Who is to condemn them for that proposition? Can 
the government get along just as well without them? If it can, 
let it do so; that is all they say. They' are bound up in this 
association all over the United States. The printers for their 
mutual protection, for their mutual improvement, to see to It 
that everybody who belongs to the craft is educated in the craft, 
is capable of performing the duties of a printer, as I believe 
for elevating the standard of skill and of labor and of education 
and support, and for all the things that these associations are 
formed for, for mutual benefit, for supporting their sick, for 
burying their dead. They are scattered all over the United 
States in every town and village, a mutual benefit society. The 
object of that is good, as I understand it; it is beneficial to 
the printer, and is good for the art, and is good for the com- 
munity, and is elevating. 

All I have ever heard anybody assert that they say is that 
if those who do not belong to this association, if those who are 
willing to cut under wages are employed in the government 
printing office, they do not desire to be employed ; they will 
leave. The government can not afford that. Sir, it would stop 
the action of both houses of congress tomorrow, if that printing 
should stop one day, and we all know it. It may be that some 
preliminary steps may be taken to organize printers into a 
class of employes like those in other departments, to give them 
appointments and give them salaries. I know of no other way 
to meet this without doing injustice to the printers belonging 
to this association, as I suppose probably four-fifths and per- 
haps nine-tenths of all the printers in the United States do 
belong to it. I do not know why congress should commence 

366 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1883 

with a threat against this class of men. Unfortunately or 
fortunately, as it may be, congress and the country would suffer 
without their services today and every day. If the men belonging 
to the association throughout the United States were to leave 
the different offices where they are employed at any one day 
the entire circulation of newspapers, the entire working of the 
presses, the entire business of setting of type would stop as if 
an earthquake had stopped their business. 

Those are facts that we must look at. It is a condition of 
the country, not only in Washington, but in every city in the 
union. I do not know that it is desirable to threaten, as has 
been done here, that every member of a printers' association, a 
benevolent relief society as it virtually is, should be threatened 
on the floor of the senate with being turned out of position 
under the government because he belonged to such an associa- 
tion, which has nothing wrong in it, but everything that tends 
to elevate that class of American citizens, any more than any 
other class you have legislated against or condemned on this 
floor. 

Mr. Hawley — The public printer would have no right to 
say, no citizen would have a right to say, of any person seeking 
employment that he should not belong to any voluntary asso- 
ciation. I do not think he would have a right to do that. 
He would have a perfect right to say, however, "these are all 
the wages I have to give, all I ought to give, and I will employ 
nobody except at these wages and on these terms." But the 
employer has a right to say what he will' give, whether the 
person belongs to an association outside or any association in 
the trade, or anything of that sort. 

Mr. Conger — There is no denial of that by any member of 
the association. All that they say to the printer or all that they 
say to the government, or in the hearing of the country is, that 
if the government or the public printer does not see fit to 
accede to those terms, they will leave. They have a right to 
do that, in my judgment. The government can supply their 
places by wandering printers who belong to no association and 
will belong to no association, for I understand all may join 
this and the fee is very small; the dues are small. All who 
desire to promote the order and the efficiency of the printer of 
their class and the well being of their families may unite 
together in this ; and the only penalty for appointing that class 

367 



History of The Typographical Union 

of men is that the printers of these relief associations say that 
they will not work under certain conditions, and will leave 
the government free to get its men where it can. 

Revision of Laws — A special committee on constitu- 
tional amendments, to which was referred all proposed 
legislation pertaining to the constitution and by-laws, was 
appointed, with instructions to make such revision and al- 
terations in the organic laws as might be deemed needful 
to the improvement of the same. This committee sub- 
mitted a report which was accepted, ordered to be printed 
in the proceedings, and laid over for final action at the 
next session. 

New Orleans was chosen as the meeting place for the 
thirty-second annual convention. 

Officers, i88j — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, Mark L. Crawford, Chi- 
cago; first vice-president, I. N. Jones, Pittsburgh; second 
vice-president, M. W. Mathasz, Cincinnati ; secretary- 
treasurer, William Briggs, Washington, D. C, and cor- 
responding secretary, W. A. Wilkinson, Galveston. 

The president was authorized to appoint three dele- 
gates to the convention of the Federation of Trades. 

State Deputies — In conformity with the requirements 
of the constitution, the president appointed state, provin- 
cial and territorial deputies for the year, as follows : 

Arizona, E. S. Penwell, Tombstone; Arkansas, J. M. Wade, Little Rock; 
California, S. W. Jenner, San Francisco; Colorado, Frank W. Bradley, Denver; 
Connecticut, J. F. Busche, jr., New Haven; Delaware, D. S. Shields, Wilming- 
ton; Dakota, J. P. Daily, Fargo; Florida, Bryce P. Smith, Jacksonville; Georgia, 
James G. Woodward, Atlanta; Illinois, H. S. Street, Chicago; Indiana, L. P. 
McCormack, Indianapolis; Iowa, C. W. Cormeny, Council Bluffs; Kentucky, 
Sam S. Green, Louisville; Kansas, James M. Jones, Atchison; Louisiana, P. T. 
McDermott, New Orleans; Manitoba, Archie King, Winnipeg; Maryland, N. B. 
Talbott, Baltimore; Minnesota, Chris T. Kelly, Minneapolis; Michigan, Judson 
Grenell, Detroit; Missouri, Al S. Ferguson, Jefferson City; Montana, William 
Trowbridge, Miles City; Nebraska, J. R. Lewis, Omaha; Nevada, J. R. Lam 
son, Eureka; New Brunswick, James Berry, St. John; New York, F. F. Donovan 
New York city; New Jersey, Harry W. McClurg, Trenton; North Carolina, J 
R. Ray, Raleigh; Ohio, David P. Boyer, Columbus; Ontario, John Armstrong 
Toronto; Oregon, C. H. Humphrey, Portland; Pennsylvania, Thomas Brennan 
Pittsburgh; Prince Edward Island, R. Walsh, Charlottetown; Quebec, M. D. J 

368 



Convention at New Orleans, 1884 

Kenyon, Montreal; South Carolina, N. Stuart Mark, Columbia; Texas, George 
S. Smith, Austin; Tennessee, Thomas Irwin, Nashville; Utah, Henry McEwan, 
Salt Lake City; Virginia, A. K. Henry, Richmond; West Virginia, Hage Shively, 
Wheeling; Wyoming, H. W. Moore, Cheyenne. 

Convention at New Orleans 

[1884] — The thirty-second convention of the Interna- 
tional Union was called to order by President Crawford 
at New Orleans on June 2, 1884, fifty-five unions being 
represented by seventy-three delegates. 

Relations With Knights of Labor — The annual report 
of the president was an interesting and comprehensive 
document, containing numerous suggestions to the dele- 
gates regarding needed legislation. This convention of 
the International Union was held at a period when the 
organization known as the "Knights of Labor" had 
reached the high-water mark in its history. Many mem- 
bers of the typographical union had joined the Knights 
of Labor and strong pressure was brought to bear in 
some jurisdictions to bring about amalgamation with the 
new organization. Of this, President Crawford said : 

Much has been said and written since our last session with 
regard to merging our International body into a district 
assembly of the Knights of Labor. It has been more thoroughly 
discussed through our official organ, "The Craftsman," than 
expediency would permit me to do at this time, finding as it did 
earnest advocates on both sides. Being a member of and an 
enthusiastic supporter of the principles and objects of that 
noble and grand organization, I would not say or do anything 
that would tend to cripple its usefulness or retard its wonder- 
ful growth ; but the careful reasoner can not but agree with me 
that to merge an organization that has battled for almost half 
a century in prosperity and adversity, and today commands the 
respect and esteem of thinking people — her battle-flag still 
floating from the mast, around which muster fifteen thousand 
intelligent tradesmen — into another organization that has not 
yet passed through the fire that we have, acknowledging 
allegiance and bowing obedience to a new grand commander, or 
otherwise receiving no more consideration that we now do, by 

369 



History of The Typographical Union 

the friendly feeling existing between us, would be suicidal in 
the extreme. An army, no matter how grand its objects, can be 
too great to handle. Besides, the success of our cause depends 
almost wholly on unity; and to march into a friendly camp, 
as we would have to, an army demoralized by thus confess- 
ing our inability to take our part in the great fight to estab- 
lish justice among men, would unquestionably injure our 
friendly co-workers more than do them or us good. It would 
sow the seeds of discord, so fatal to our cause, among them, and 
we would soon behold a large army of demoralized men, whose 
commanders would be unable to hold them. There are many 
other reasons why such a course should not be adopted ; but 
believing that no such move will be taken at this session, I do 
not care to take up your time by further dwelling upon it. 
However, I would respectfully and earnestly urge that a bet- 
ter understanding be arrived at between us. Complaints have 
constantly come to me that in cities where assemblies of the 
Knights of Labor are organized, wholly composed of printers, 
a card authorized by our body is treated secondary to one issued 
by such assemblies; that these assemblies pass upon all legis- 
lation before it is introduced in the local union; that they 
admit as members men who have not served sufficient appren- 
ticeship, as well as men who have "ratted" in our own organiza- 
tion ; that men who hold working cards are compelled to work 
side by side with notorious "rats" in offices that are called union 
offices. This is all wrong and contrary to the principles and 
policy of the Knights of Labor, as well as our own. I would 
recommend that the president of the International Typograph- 
ical Union be instructed to confer with the grand master work- 
man of the Knights of Labor, with a view of arriving at a 
better understanding in this matter. We can not afford to be 
anything else than friends; we are aiming at the same object, 
and we should court the good will of the Knights of Labor, 
as they are a power in our time of need — ever ready to extend 
a helping hand. 

The recommendation of President Crawford that a 
conference be had between the president of the Interna- 
tional Union and the grand master workman of the 
Knights of Labor, with a view to arriving at a better 
understanding, was concurred in. 

370 



Convention at New Orleans, 1884 

Chief Organizer — The growth of the International 
Union, together with the fact that the subordinate unions 
reached from coast to coast, and to the gulf, made it 
necessary that some systematic method of furthering the 
work of organization be adopted. It was apparent that, 
through lack of funds, the state deputy system had failed 
to accomplish all that had been expected of it. While 
here and there a state deputy was found who covered his 
territory in a satisfactory manner, the great majority of 
these officers failed to make a showing. 

Following the suggestion of President Crawford, the 
convention created the office of chief organizer, with 
a fixed salary and an expense account. The chief 
organizer was authorized to appoint a deputy for each 
state, and the deputy so appointed was authorized to 
select a representative in each jurisdiction in the state. 

Official Organ — At the previous convention a resolu- 
tion had been adopted requiring the officers of the Inter- 
national to recognize "Our Organette" as the semi-official 
organ in which to publish all circulars and such other 
matter as might be necessary for the information of sub- 
ordinate unions. Shortly after the convention had 
adjourned, "Our Organette" ceased to exist. After some 
little time, the management of "The Craftsman," pub- 
lished at Washington, D. C, obtained the subscription 
books of "Our Organette," and by arrangement with the 
International officials carried out the obligations of the 
editor of the late publication. "The Craftsman" was 
made the official organ of the union. 

Charters — Thirty-four charters were issued during the 
year, many of which were renewals. Eight charters were 
surrendered. In reissuing charters, in many instances, 
the old number was disregarded, the purpose being to fill 
in the discontinued numbers accordingly as applications 
were received; thus Hartford, Conn., which had surren- 

37i 



History of The Typographical Union 

dered charter No. 72, was rechartered as No. 127, which 
number it still retains, and Birmingham, Ala., was char- 
tered as No. 72. The list of charters issued and surren- 
dered follows: Issued — Galveston, Tex. (pressmen), No. 
12; Syracuse, N. Y., No. 55; Walla Walla, Wash., 
No. 51; Jacksonville, Fla., No. 162; Helena, Mont., No. 
95; Bismarck, N. Dak., No. 140; El Paso, Tex., No. 44; 
La Crosse, Wis., No. 97; Vicksburg, Miss., No. 105; 
Hastings, Neb., No. 83; Pittsburgh, Pa. (pressmen), No. 
13; Tacoma, Wash., No. 170; Charleston, W. Va., No. 
146; Butte City, Mont., No. 126; Hartford, Conn., 
No. 127; St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn, (pressmen), 
No. 14; Blue Grass (Lexington, Ky.), No. 189; Pough- 
keepsie, N. Y., No. 93 ; Augusta, Ga., No. 41 ; Harrisburg, 
Pa., No. 14; Leavenworth, Kan., No. 45; Bloomington, 
111., No. 124; Wilkes-Barre, Pa., No. 187; Ottumwa, 
Iowa, No. 73; Palatka, Fla., No. 135; Creston, Iowa, 
No. 131; Birmingham, Ala., No. 72; Circleville, Ohio, 
No. 36; South Bend, Ind., No. 128; Lawrence, Kan., 
No. 24; New Orleans (pressmen), No. 15; Baton Rouge, 
La., No. 25 ; Ann Arbor, Mich., No. 154; Victoria, B. C, 
No. 201. Charters surrendered — Las Vegas, N. M., No. 
195; Hartford, Conn., No. J2\ Titusville, Pa., No. 144; 
Santa Fe, N. M., No. 143; Miles City, Mont, No. 204; 
Eureka, Nev., No. 178; Wood River (Bellevue, Ida.), 
No. 201 ; Birmingham, Ala., No. 72. 

Female Labor — The convention gave further expres- 
sion of the position of the International Union regarding 
female labor. A general law was enacted requiring that 
subordinate unions, foremen of offices, and chapels, 
should make no distinction on account of sex in persons 
holding membership. It was declared that female com- 
positors were entitled to all the privileges and benefits 
conferred by subordinate unions, and that this fact must 
be recognized. 

372 



Convention at New Orleans, 1884 

Agreement With Typo graphia — By a formal request 
of the German-American Typographia, contained in a 
communication addressed to the convention, a working 
agreement in the form of a treaty was adopted by the 
convention. The agreement follows : 

The International Typographical Union recognizes the 
certificates of the German-American Typographia, and the 
latter recognizes the cards of the International Typographical 
Union. This recognition shall entitle the members of either 
union to join the other without paying initiation fees, and gives 
them the privilege to work in any office, controlled either by the 
English or German unions, without being obliged to join both 
unions. In cases where the validity of a certificate of member- 
ship is doubtful, an acknowledgment of the same from the 
secretary of the union to which the member belongs shall be 
furnished. Members of either organization that have left or 
wish to leave their union to join a union of the other organiza- 
tion must pay their dues to the union they leave, up to the date 
of their withdrawal. 

Where there is a German department in an English union 
office, or single members of a German union are working, or 
vice versa, where there is an English department in a German 
union office, or single members of the English union are em- 
ployed, the members of both unions shall act in unity in all 
disputes about wages or possible strikes, after having reported 
the case to their respective unions and having obtained the per- 
mission of the authorized officers, as the constitutions of both 
organizations may provide. 

If a strike results from such action, and it becomes necessary 
to pay relief money to members, the following maxim shall 
prevail : The union which orders a strike shall also pay the 
relief t6 the members of the sister union it orders out. 

In reference to chapel organizations, the following rule 
shall be binding on both parties : Those members of a union 
that are in a minority in an establishment shall subordinate 
themselves to the majority of the other union in all matters 
pertaining to the common interest of union members there 
employed. If there is a separate department for the members 
of the unions, they may, even if they are in the minority, have 
a separate chapel, but they must adopt such rules and regula- 

373 



History of The Typographical Union 

tions that unity of action is insured in, all cases where the 
common interest is at stake. 

It shall be the rule that German compositors, not yet be- 
longing to either union, setting German in an office controlled 
by the English unions, shall be compelled by the chairman to 
join the German union. English compositors in a German 
union office, not yet belonging to either union, shall be com- 
pelled to join the English union. 

Arbitration — An amendment to the general laws was 
adopted requiring that every possible effort be made to 
settle all differences by arbitration before resorting 
to strikes. The law as amended reads as follows : 

The International Union regards a resort to strike as inex- 
pedient, except where the rules or principles of the Interna- 
tional or a subordinate union may have been violated. Recog- 
nizing strikes as detrimental to the better interests of the craft, 
it directs subordinate unions not to order a strike without at 
least a three-quarter vote of the union (all the members being 
constitutionally notified of the meeting), and that no member 
shall vote on such questions unless having belonged to the 
subordinate union interested at least six months; but no strike 
shall be entered into or authorized until every possible effort 
has been made to settle the difficulty by arbitration. 

Membership — The report of the secretary-treasurer 
showed a total membership above 16,000, including the 
members of fourteen pressmen's unions. 

Per Capita Tax — The financial condition of the 
organization was satisfactory, but in order to carry on 
the work of organization under the direction of a salaried 
chief organizer and to provide sufficient remuneration for 
the officers of the union whose work had increased pro- 
portionately with the growth of the organization, the per 
capita tax for the year 1 884- 1885 was ^ xe d at 40 cents, 
and it was arranged that the tax should be paid quarterly. 

Endowment Fund — At the Cincinnati convention, 
1883, a committee was appointed to formulate and pre- 
sent to the New Orleans convention a plan of death 

374 



Convention at New Orleans, 1884 

benefits. William C. Root, a member of the committee, 
submitted a plan proposing to create an endowment fund, 
which was referred to the committee on unfinished busi- 
ness for investigation. The plan submitted by Mr. Root 
found favor with many of the delegates, but was finally 
disposed of by reference to subordinate unions. By a 
resolution, approved by the convention, subordinate 
unions were requested to provide local burial benefits. 

Strikes — While the reports of officers at the New 
Orleans convention were most encouraging, and the state 
of trade, generally, was prosperous, a marked increase 
in the number of strikes was reported, most of which 
had been unsuccessful. These disputes had occurred in 
Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Boston, New Orleans, 
Detroit, Nashville, San Francisco, Dubuque, Milwaukee, 
Galveston, Peoria, Leavenworth, New Haven, Troy, 
Utica, Bloomington, Austin, Bismarck, Oil City, Fargo, 
Omaha, Zanesville, Youngstown, Jamestown, Albuquer- 
que, Lowell, and Springfield, 111. 

Boycott — An interesting paragraph is contained in 
the report of Corresponding Secretary Wilkinson : 

I wish to direct the earnest attention of the members of this 
International body to a new element which has entered into the 
struggles of combined labor to sustain itself against the on- 
slaughts of capitalistic cupidity. I refer to what is generally 
known as "boycotting." Within a few years past this force 
has achieved great and decisive victories for our craft, and 
numerous instances might be cited wherein, if dependence were 
placed entirely upon our own resources and without the aid 
of others, our cause would have been utterly lost. In many 
strikes, lockouts, etc., mentioned in the first part of this report, 
the power of boycotting has been brought to bear, and almost 
invariably, when properly conducted and persisted in, with 
telling effect for the benefit of our craft and workingmen in 
general. Never was the spirit of organization so strong among 
the working class as it is today, and the imperative need of 
thorough organization was never more manifest. The success 

375 



History of The Typographical Union 

of boycotting must depend upon the justice of the cause, its 
thoroughness and persistency. With these points to start with, 
active, zealous, and powerful auxiliaries have ever been found 
in the Knights of Labor, trades and labor assemblies, and or- 
ganized labor in general. In fact, it may be said that the 
co-operation of these kindred societies is absolutely indispen- 
sable to the successful carrying on of boycotting. We should 
therefore co-operate with and cultivate the good wishes of other 
associations, as much as possible for mutual benefit, as nothing 
is truer than that "the injury of one is the concern of all." 

Federation of Trades — Following the instructions of 
the Cincinnati convention, 1883, President Crawford 
appointed E. M. Slack, Columbus, Ohio ; L. P. McCor- 
mack, Indianapolis, and A. H. Jones, Washington, D. C, 
as representatives of the International Union at the con- 
vention of the Federation of Trades, held in New York 
city in August, 1883. The report of the delegates on the 
proceedings of the convention of the Federation of Trades 
was interesting, for many reasons. It was at this session 
that Samuel Gompers was first elected president of the 
organization since known as the American Federation of 
Labor, succeeding Samuel Leffingwell of Indianapolis. 

State Deputies — At this session of the International 
Union the constitution was amended, requiring the con- 
vention to elect a chief organizer, to have charge of the 
entire subject of organization, with a compensation of 
$1,500 per annum and traveling expenses not to exceed 
$1,000. The organizer was required to devote his entire 
time to the duties of his office. The chief organizer 
was also empowered to appoint state deputies under the 
same conditions, practically, that these officers had for- 
merly been appointed by the president. No record is con- 
tained in the minutes of the conventions following this 
date of the members appointed to be state deputies. 
Mark L. Crawford, Chicago, was unanimously elected to 
the office of chief organizer. 

376 




X 






MARK L. CRAWFORD, Chicago 

President International Typographical Union 

June 8, 1883 -June 3, 1884 



Convention at New York, 1885 

New York city was chosen as the meeting place for 
the next annual convention. 

Officers, 1884 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, M. R. H. Witter, St. Louis ; 
first vice-president, Richard F. Sullivan, Chicago; second 
vice-president, P. T. McDermott, New Orleans; secre- 
tary-treasurer, William Briggs, Washington, D. C. ; cor- 
responding secretary, W. A. Wilkinson, Galveston, Tex., 
and chief organizer, Mark L. Crawford, Chicago. Dele- 
gates to the Federation of Trades — John F. Hogan, 
Brooklyn; William J. Hammond, New Orleans, and 
August Donath, Washington, D. C. 

Convention at New York 

[1885] — When the thirty-third annual convention of 
the International Union was called to order by President 
Witter in New York, June I, 1885, seventy-four unions 
were represented by 103 delegates, including ten repre- 
sentatives from nine unions of pressmen. 

Structural Errors — Not unlike the reports of his pred- 
ecessors, the annual address of President Witter was a 
document devoted chiefly to calling attention of the dele- 
gates to the weakness and lack of authority of the Interna- 
tional organization. While the fact that the International 
failed in many respects to meet the wants of the craft 
was undisputed, the nature of its shortcomings was such 
that a wide difference of opinion existed as to the proper 
remedy. While the assumption by the constitution of 
inherent and exclusive jurisdiction was valid in theory, 
as a matter of fact the International exercised only lim- 
ited control over subordinate unions, and while it was 
generally admitted that local unions should continue to be 
supreme in matters affecting alone their own interests, 
the progress and development of the entire organization 
was apparently being retarded by acts of insubordination 

377 



History of The Typographical Union 

and by failure to repose in the International body final 
authority to settle all questions, without undue encroach- 
ment upon the prerogatives of subordinates, thus insur- 
ing a legitimate field for the exercise of authority by the 
body claiming to be supreme. Just how to bring the 
organization to a point where the International could 
exercise the authority and powers of a supreme body, 
vested with inherent and exclusive jurisdiction, and place 
it in a position at all times to protect the interests of 
subordinate unions chartered under that authority, had 
received the earnest attention of many previous admin- 
istrations. President Oberly, at the Memphis session in 
1867, na cl sought a solution of this vexed question through 
the creation of an International strike fund. The proposi- 
tion was defeated at that time, and subsequent conven- 
tions, after having the matter under consideration, had 
uniformly negatived the proposal. Notwithstanding this 
fact, President Witter again referred to and suggested the 
creation of an International fund. It was urged that the 
institution of such a fund, the disposal and distribution 
of which should be entrusted to the officials of the Inter- 
national, would in a measure subject subordinate unions 
to the advice of such officials and thus reduce to a min- 
imum the number of unsuccessful strikes. 

Growth Retarded — The action of the previous con- 
vention in creating the office of chief organizer had not 
met with the success anticipated, although there was no 
criticism directed at the organizer; and, while his efforts 
were heartily approved and endorsed, the fact was not 
concealed that since the permanent organization of the 
International Typographical Union the number of subor- 
dinates having lapsed was about equal to the number still 
in existence. That something was wrong ; that some inher- 
ent weakness existed that continually retarded the growth 
of the organization was apparent to all. It was even 

378 



Convention at New York, 1885 

charged that the printers, generally looked upon as an 
intelligent body of men, were tolerating a fossilized sys- 
tem, a distinctively one-idea concern — the maintenance 
of a scale of prices being almost the solitary binding tie — 
whereas other and more modern organizations, besides 
maintaining fixed scales of prices, had other features, 
such as life insurance, sick and disability funds, etc., 
thereby creating benefits by which members were in- 
fluenced to refrain from disloyalty to their organization. 

Strengthening Influences — Notwithstanding the fact 
that the organization was sadly in need at that time of 
some strengthening influences, the delegates, in extreme 
conservatism, and consumed with a desire to retain the 
long-cherished power of local autonomy, failed to 
respond by legislation of a general character designed 
to place the International Union in a more advanced 
position. While many amendments and new laws were 
proposed, little was accomplished tending to effect a real 
reorganization. 

Strike Fund — The various recommendations contained 
in the reports of officers were considered by the committee 
on president's address and corresponding secretary's 
report. This committee submitted for the consideration 
of the convention a strike fund law, by the terms of which 
it was proposed to empower the executive council to pay 
certain weekly benefits to members on strike. In order 
to create the fund necessary to carry out this proposition, 
it was ordered that a per capita assessment of 25 cents 
be levied, the money thus raised to be set aside by sub- 
ordinate unions in a separate account to be known as a 
strike fund, subject to the order of the executive council 
for strike purposes only. This law, while intended to 
carry out the recommendations of President Witter, 
in line with the suggestions of many of his predecessors 
in office, was vitiated by its penalty clause, by the terms 

379 



History of The Typographical Union 

of which subordinate unions failing to honor the draft 
of the executive council from the local strike fund, within 
thirty days from the date thereof, should forfeit their 
right to benefits. Thus it will be seen that any subor- 
dinate union failing to levy the assessment, and refusing 
to respond to a call for assistance from the executive 
council, could still defy the authority of the International 
Union, the only penalty being that the local body thus 
offending could not expect to receive outside assistance 
in case of trouble. 

Pressmen — On an appeal from the pressmen members 
of the body, the constitution was so amended that the 
office of second vice-president should be filled by a prac- 
tical pressman, and the duties of that officer were ampli- 
fied. It was required that he should decide all questions 
arising between pressmen and pressmen's unions, subject 
to the approval of the president of the International. He 
was also charged with the organization of pressmen's 
unions, giving his personal attention to that work, with 
authority to appoint a representative in cases where dis- 
tance would not warrant his personal attendance. 

Forerunner of Priority Law — The following resolu- 
tion, introduced by Delegate O'Brien of Minneapolis, is 
the first recorded instance of a protest against giving out 
situations in composing rooms by foremen who were 
influenced by bonds of personal friendship or other con- 
siderations, and the resolution was a forerunner of legis- 
lation culminating in the enactment of the priority law : 

Whereas there are times when a foreman and one or more 
subs of an office become members of other organizations besides 
that of the subordinate union to which they may belong, there- 
by, naturally enough, often placing the foreman in an unenvi- 
able position when choosing a member from a number of subs 
to fill the position of caseholder, for to some he is then under 
the bond of at least a double obligation and to others only a 
single ; therefore 

380 



Convention at New York, 1885 

Resolved, That the bond of friendship may be equal, and 
only equal, so far as organization is concerned, and further- 
more, that it is the sense of the International Union that only 
one obligation be recognized by any foreman in the different 
subordinate union offices when it comes to choosing between 
subs for a regular situation — the obligation to the union to 
which he may belong. 

Federation of Trades — The minutes of the proceed- 
ings of the thirty-third session of the International Union 
contain only a three-line paragraph to the effect that 
Mr. Hogan, a delegate to the Federation of Trades 
convention held in Chicago, reported verbally that the 
revenue law had been amended making the amount of per 
capita tax 2 cents per member. 

Sub-Lists — Numerous resolutions were offered for the 
purpose of abolishing the sub-list. All of these proposi- 
tions were referred back from committee with an 
unfavorable recommendation. A long discussion followed 
the report and a yea and nay vote was finally ordered 
on the question. This vote effectually disposed of the 
sub-list, its revival being defeated by 78 noes, 6 ayes. 

Insurance Plan — On the last day of the convention, 
under suspension of the rules, and apparently without 
serious consideration, the delegates adopted a resolution 
directing that the president and corresponding secretary 
be constituted a board for the purpose of establishing an 
insurance plan whereby each member, in good health, 
belonging to a subordinate union within the jurisdiction 
of the International Union, be insured, should they 
desire. The sum of $50 was appropriated for creating 
such a plan. 

Pittsburgh was chosen as the convention city for 1886. 

Officers, 1885 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, M. R. H. Witter, St. Louis ; 
first vice-president, Thomas J. Lacey, Ottawa, Can. ; sec- 
ond vice-president, Charles Gamewell, Philadelphia ; 

381 



History of The Typographical Union 

secretary-treasurer, E. S. Mcintosh, Philadelphia; cor- 
responding secretary, H. Thomas Elder, Boston, Mass. ; 
chief organizer, David P. Boyer, Columbus, Ohio. Dele- 
gates to the Federation of Trades — W. J. Hammond, New 
Orleans; William Graydon, New York, and Samuel S. 
Green, Louisville. 

Convention at Pittsburgh 

[1886] — The thirty-fourth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order in Pitts- 
burgh, June 7, 1886, by President Witter, 120 delegates 
being present, representing 92 unions. 

The Hon. John M. Farquhar, ex-president of the Inter- 
national, and representative in congress from the thirty- 
second district of New York, was a visitor, and was 
invited to address the convention. During his remarks 
Mr. Farquhar took occasion to counsel the delegates to 
preserve the individuality of the International Typo- 
graphical Union as against all other labor organizations. 
This advice was no doubt due to the tremendous growth 
of the Knights of Labor at this period, its purpose at that 
time being to absorb all other trade union bodies. 

Organizing — The work of organizing the craft during 
the year had been prosecuted with unusual success, char- 
ters having been issued to 42 typographical unions, 10 
pressmen's unions and 2 unions of stereotypers and elec- 
trotypers, making a total of 54 unions. It was apparent 
also that not alone in the organization of new unions had 
there been unprecedented success but the older organiza- 
tions had been strengthened materially. 

Strike Fund — The operation of the strike fund law, 
passed at the previous session, had been unsuccessful. 
The president, in his report, took the position that the 
whole question of strikes should be placed under the 
control of the executive officers, otherwise the law should 

382 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1886 

be repealed. The supposition that the approval of a 
strike by the executive officers before the fund was 
available would place the subject matter sufficiently under 
control, had been disproved. In many instances local 
unions had taken steps leading up to strikes from which 
retreat was impossible, and when in this position the 
executive officers were notified of the condition. At the 
suggestion of the executive officers, the strike fund law 
was amended and strengthened, providing that approval 
of the executive officers must be had before strikes were 
authorized and that any union inaugurating strikes with- 
out such approval should receive no benefit from the 
strike fund. The collection and payment of the strike 
fund assessment was made mandatory. 

Knights of Labor and Federation of Trades — The 
growth and aggressive policy of the Knights of Labor 
were treated at length in the address of President Witter. 
Dealing with the Question from the standpoint of trade 
autonomy, and viewing with misgivings the possible effect 
on the trade union movement of the policies pursued by 
the Knights of Labor, the president said : 

To secure co-operation between bodies of organized labor 
for common purposes has for many years been the high purpose 
of the ablest of labor's advocates. The advantages to be de- 
rived by such policy were so obvious that its adoption only 
awaited the presentation of a practical method. The appear- 
ance of the Order of the Knights of Labor seemed to present 
both the method and the occasion. It will not be disputed that 
it was this motive that led leading members of all the trade 
unions into the order, and I believe it is also true that the 
trade unions were for a number of years the order's chief 
support. No one will deny that the labor cause has derived 
great benefit from the movement. By it all classes of working- 
men have been brought into concert, and it remains but to 
continue and improve the mutual understanding established 
through this medium to achieve the highest success possible to 
laboring men under the wage system. It is therefore clearly not 

383 



History of The Typographical Union 

to the interest of any class of labor that the order should be 
disintegrated or its strength be impaired. Its prestige has often 
been the shield of persecuted unions, and under its protection 
they have risen when prostrate. Its renown has revived hope 
where reverses had produced almost despair. I would not dim 
its record by a word of disparagement. That record was made 
through the co-operation of trade unionists, and is therefore 
in part their property. But there has at length risen to influence 
in the councils of the great order an element which, should it 
at any time attain supremacy, threatens the destruction of all 
distinct trade unions. Starting upon the false theory that there 
exists no individual interests or rights not subject to regulation 
by the whole mass of labor, they proceed to the conclusion that 
organizations charged with the duty of protecting such rights 
are obstacles to the common welfare. Their order, having 
risen to influence by the assistance of trade unions, they would 
now, had they the power, destroy its earliest and best friends. 
Ignoring the variety of interests and the difference in skill and 
intelligence existing in all ranks, and the subdivision of society 
to conform to all conditions, they would make labor organiza- 
tion the only exception to a rule established by experience. 
Now, if it can be shown that the Order of Knights of Labor 
is founded upon principles different from and superior to those 
which underlie trade unionism; that it has avoided the errors 
into which the unions have fallen; that it has by independent 
action achieved success not attainable by co-operation of 
trade bodies; that a program for the benefit of all labor 
can be proposed by it which is unattainable by trade unionism, 
then I shall be prepared to recommend that with the adjourn- 
ment of the thirty-fourth session of the International Typo- 
graphical Union, the organization which has proudly stood the 
test of more than a third of a century of trial, be abandoned and 
its membership be merged into the Knights of Labor. Mani- 
festly, no such demonstration can be made. I challenge an expo- 
sition of the policy which would justify the desertion of an 
organization whose influence and usefulness has steadily in- 
creased. I challenge the detractors of trade unionism to point 
out the shortcomings inherent in that system which do not also 
characterize the Knights of Labor. I maintain that the control 
by independent bodies of distinct interests is a necessary check 
upon hasty and unwise legislation. 

384 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1886 

Labor organizations in America have now reached a point 
where an intelligent understanding is necessary if disaster is to 
be averted. Danger exists not alone in the aggressions of 
capital, but in crude theories and impracticable enterprises on 
the part of labor. To abolish all lines and merge all trades into 
one organization would, in the present state of development of 
the labor movement, greatly increase the danger; and, in any 
view, would add nothing to the effective results of co-operation. 

President Witter presented the report of the delegates 
to the Federation of Trades, as follows : 

Scranton, Pa v June 5, 1886. 
To the Officers and Members of the International Typograph- 
ical Union. 

As chairman of the delegation to represent the International 
Typographical Union in the Federated Trades and Labor 
Congress I have the honor to make the following report: 

In accordance with a resolution adopted by the Inter- 
national body at its last annual session, your delegates, Mr. 
William Hammond of New Orleans, Mr. William Graydon, 
jr., of New York, and myself visited Scranton/Pa., immediately 
after the sine die adjournment of the body, for the purpose 
of laying before T. V. Powderly, general master workman of 
the Knights of Labor, complaints in regard to the action of 
certain assemblies of that organization which had been brought 
to the attention of the International Typographical Union by 
local unions. Mr. Powderly received your delegates courte- 
ously and listened attentively to the statement of grievances. 
After a full and somewhat lengthy discussion of the matter, 
Mr. Powderly promised compliance with the wishes of the 
body, represented in the persons of your delegates, stating that 
a law for the government of the Knights of Labor was then in 
preparation — and which he had no doubt would soon be adopted 
by the order in general — which would in the future cause an 
avoidance of all cause of complaint in regard to the interference 
of the Knights of Labor in the affairs of trade unions without 
the consent of the latter. Whether or not such law has ever 
been adopted by the Knights of Labor your delegates are not 
informed, but that the cause of complaint which induced the 
International body to send its delegates to lay the same before 
Mr. Powderly exists to a greater degree at the present time 

385 



History of The Typographical Union 

late events have clearly shown; and also shown that Mr. Pow- 
derly either did not keep the promise made to your representa- 
tives, or that he is unable to control the organization of which 
he is the head in its attempted raids upon the rights of trade 
unions. 

Two of your delegates, Mr. William Graydon, jr., and 
myself, attended the meeting of the Federated Trades and 
Labor Congress held at Washington, D. C, last December. 
As the proceedings of that body are too long to embrace in 
a report, I respectfully refer your honorable body to the printed 
proceedings for the result of its deliberations ; but as a propo- 
sition to increase the per capita tax of all bodies represented 
in the congress will require your vote for its acceptance or 
rejection, I respectfully call your attention to the same. • 
Respectfully submitted, 

S. S. Green, Chairman Delegation. 

During the afternoon of the fourth day's session, a 
communication was received from T. V. Powderly, grand 
master workman of the Knights of Labor, requesting that 
Isaac Cline of the Window Glass Workers, and A. M. 
Dewey, representing the Knights of Labor, be allowed 
the privilege of the floor. Messrs. Cline and Dewey each 
addressed the convention, consuming about an hour's 
time, after which the delegates went into executive session, 
permitting the representatives of the Knights of Labor 
to remain in the hall. Before the close of the executive 
session a committee was appointed to prepare an address 
defining the position of the International Typographical 
Union. The report of this committee, subsequently pre- 
sented, was unanimously adopted, as follows : 

Your committee appointed to draft a paper stating the 
relations of the International Typographical Union to the 
Knights of Labor beg leave to present the following report : 

The International Typographical Union of North America, 
believing that a house divided against itself can not stand, 
knowing that in union alone is lasting strength, has deemed 
proper to put forth a statement of its position with regard to 
the noble order of the Knights of Labor, in order that all the 

386 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1886 

world may see how little difference, if any, exists between the 
two organizations, when looked at in the light of truth and 
justice by .proud and honorable men. 

The efforts of the Knights of Labor to secure for the wage- 
workers of the land an equitable portion of the fruits of their 
toil challenge the warmest admiration and command our 
enthusiastic support. The activity of the order in this respect, 
the fidelity of the leaders to that object, may w r ell stand as an 
eternal monument to intelligence, energy, and pure motives, as 
exercised in behalf of the millions of unorganized toilers who, 
until lately, had neither conception of their power nor the 
knowledge how to use it. The Knights of Labor have per- 
formed wonders for the cause which is also ours — the eleva- 
tion of the masses, securing to the creator of wealth a fair share 
of his creation. This being the aim and purpose of both organ- 
izations, there is no reason why a conflict should arise between 
the International Typographical Union and the Knights of 
Labor. 

We ask at their hands that — 

First. They will not attempt to dictate the course of action 
of distinctive trades. 

Second. That they will not cover with the shield of the 
order — an order which all of us are proud and glad to be 
members of — any man who has been found unworthy to mingle 
with us as a fellow-craftsman in good standing. 

This is all we ask of the Knights of Labor. We ask it 
kindly, we ask it firmly. It being just and fair, we see not why 
it should be denied. There is but little to divide us. Why 
should we divide on it? We are with the Knights of Labor 
hand and heart. Their fight is ours, as they have made our 
cause their own in countless instances. All the power, all the 
influence, all the aid which we can exert in furtherance of the 
noble aims of the order is cheerfully, unhesitatingly pledged. 
We ask in return a brotherly interest in the objects of our union, 
and the countenance and support of the order, where it can be 
exerted, fof the common welfare. We stand ready now, as 
heretofore, to pair our forces in every possible manner, short 
of a surrender of our long-established right. or an impairment 
of the integrity of this union, and in this sign we shall conquer. 

Federation of Trades — Speaking of the report of the 
delegates to the Federation of Trades, the president called 

387 



History of The Typographical Union 

attention to a proposed increase of per capita tax to be 
imposed by the federation. Attention was directed to the 
fact that the Federation of Trades as constituted at that 
time was little more than an informal conference of labor 
representatives, and the proposed increase of taxes was 
deemed unwise by the president, at least until such time as 
the body adopted more practical business methods. It was 
suggested that the delegates to the next congress of the 
trades support measures having in view the proposition of 
making the federation a more direct channel of communi- 
cation between labor organizations. In this connection, 
attention was called to the character of some of the dele- 
gations admitted to the deliberations of the federation. 
Concluding this portion of his report, President Witter 
said : "It is all important that in the present uninformed 
state of public opinion upon the purposes of labor organ- 
izations that workingmen should not be compromised by 
affiliation, in any degree, with that class of irreconcilable 
agitators who, failing to appreciate the opportunities 
afforded by free institutions, advocate principles and 
methods foreign to trade unionism. " It was earnestly 
recommended that representatives of the International 
at the next convention of the Federation of Trades be 
instructed to oppose the admission of representatives from 
any but recognized bodies of organized labor. The con- 
vention heartily concurred in this recommendation of the 
president. 

Relations With Pressmen — The constitutional amend- 
ment passed at the previous session providing that the 
second vice-president should be a pressman, who should 
have active charge of the interests of pressrnen, appar- 
ently had had a most salutary effect. It had greatly 
stimulated organization of pressmen's unions and had 
allayed jealousies between the two classes of members. 
The entire delegation of pressmen in the convention, with 

388 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1886 

the second vice-president as their chairman, constituted 
the committee on legislation for pressmen's unions, and 
the consideration of such legislation as the pressmen saw 
fit to present to the convention was made a special order 
of business, with the advantage of having first received 
consideration at the hands of the pressmen delegates. 

Childs-Drexel Gift — On the second day of the con- 
vention, the president announced that James J. Dailey, 
of Philadelphia, an ex-delegate, and foreman of the 
Public Ledger, desired the attention of the convention 
for a few moments, and, on motion, the privilege was 
granted him. Mr. Dailey then addressed the convention 
as follows : 

I have been delegated by Mr. George W. Childs to present 
to you a letter, the nature of which will appear upon reading it. 
As you are well aware, Mr. Childs takes a deep interest in the 
welfare of workingmen, but his intimate relations with the 
typographical fraternity makes them more particularly the 
object of his attention. In all matters tending to the elevation 
of the craft he is always ready and willing to extend to them 
the weight of his name and influence. The friendly recognition 
he gave to the International Typographical Union at its last 
session has had a good effect in our own city, and from the 
number of new unions that have been organized and old 
charters re-issued I think the effect has been salutary elsewhere. 
The Ledger has given close attention to the labor question, 
and it has materially assisted in giving to it a prominence in 
Philadelphia that it would hardly have obtained — except after 
years of agitation. Mr. Childs has shown himself to be a warm 
friend of organized labor, when wisely conducted. The number 
of years this organization has been in existence, the wisdom and 
moderation which have marked its legislation, and the proud 
position which it occupies today before the people of this coun- 
try, have compelled general approval, and to emphasize his 
appreciation of its course he has sent this letter to you to place 
more strongly on record his sympathy with the objects of your 
labors. 

In this letter also appears the name of Mr. Anthony J. 
Drexel. Mr. Drexel is not so well known to you as Mr. Childs, 

389 



History of The Typographical Union 

but his name in our city is always to be found bracketed with 
that of Mr. Childs in all matters pertaining to the public good. 
He is the head of the great banking house of Drexel & Co., 
one of the best known in the world. In all good and worthy 
objects that have for their aim the elevation of man and the 
amelioration of his condition, the names of Anthony J. Drexel 
and George W. Childs will always be found coupled together. 
Mr. Drexel also takes a deep interest in the typographical fra- 
ternity and the accompanying letter shows that he does it in 
no uncertain way. All credit to such men. They do honor to 
mankind. 

The following is the letter referred to : 

Philadelphia, June 5, 1886. 
To the President and Members of the International Typograph- 
ical Union. 

With this letter is an enclosure which it was intended should 
be handed you by Mr. James J. Dailey with a verbal message 
of good wishes; but at his suggestion it is accompanied by a 
written communication. It is known to some of your members 
that I feel a warm interest in what concerns the welfare of all 
who work for wages, and in the wise management of the trade 
unions and other kindred organizations it has become advisable 
for them to establish for the promotion of their true interests. 
This feeling being especially strong toward the printers' 
unions, with whose members I have had close and very satis- 
factory business relations for many years, it is my earnest 
desire— a desire in which I am heartily joined by my friend, 
Mr. A. J. Drexel — to extend to the time-honored International 
Typographical Union, as the representative of the united craft 
in North America, some expression more substantial than words. 
How to do this in a way that may produce lasting good has en- 
gaged the thoughts of both Mr. Drexel and myself ; and we 
conclude that your union, or such trustees as you may select for 
the purpose, will know better than ourselves how that good can 
be best accomplished. 

We therefore send to you herewith, by the hands of Mr. 
Dailey, foreman in the Public Ledger office, our check for the 
amount of ten thousand dollars — five thousand from Mr. 
Drexel, who is now in Europe, and five thousand from the 

390 






Convention at Pittsburgh, 1886 

undersigned — without consideration or suggestion of any kind, 
as an absolute gift, in full confidence that the sagacious and 
conservative counselors of your union will make or order wise 
use of it for the good of the union. 

Very respectfully and heartily, yours, 

George W. Childs. 

Gift Accepted — On motion, the gift of Messrs. Childs 
and Drexel was accepted, and a rising vote taken. After- 
ward, upon the suggestion of one of the delegates, three 
hearty cheers were given for the donors. 

The following resolution was then adopted : 

Resolved, That the disposition of this munificent gift of 
Messrs. George W. Childs and Anthony J. Drexel, of Phila- 
delphia, be referred to a special committee of five members of 
this body. 

Disposition of Gift — The committee to which the 
above resolution was referred submitted the following 
report, which was agreed to by the convention : 

Your committee to devise a plan for the disposition of the 
munificent gift of $10,000 from Messrs. George W. Childs 
and Anthony J. Drexel, of Philadelphia, Pa., beg leave to re- 
port that, after a patient investigation of the merits of the 
several propositions placed before them by members of your 
honorable body, they are unanimously of the opinion that the 
best use to which this large sum could be put would be to place 
it on deposit in some safe banking institution for the time 
being, and thus give opportunity to the several subordinate 
unions under our jurisdiction to digest and eventually formu- 
late the manner of its ultimate disposition. We therefore 
recommend the adoption of the following resolutions: 

First. That Messrs. James J. Dailey, of Philadelphia, Pa. ; 
August Donath, of Washington, D. C, and Frank S. Pelton, of 
Chicago, 111., be, and they are hereby, constituted a board of 
trustees for the term of five years for the safekeeping and 
investment of the said sum of $10,000. 

Second. That as an evidence of appreciation of the motive 
of Messrs. Childs and Drexel, the International Typographical 
Union of North America recommends and urges that, on the 

391 



History of The Typographical Union 

anniversary of the birthday of Mr. Childs during the next five 
years — May 12th — each and every union compositor under its 
jurisdiction east of the Mississippi river contribute the amount 
received by him for one thousand ems on said date and every 
stereotyper, electrotyper and pressman on the same date con- 
tribute the amount received for one hour's work; and that on 
the anniversary of the birthday of Mr. Drexel — September 
13th — like contributions be recommended and urged from each 
and every person under our jurisdiction west of the Missis- 
sippi river. 

Union Label — The following resolution authorizing 
and instructing the executive council to prepare a suitable 
design for a union label and arrange for its use by various 
union offices, was passed : 

Resolved, That the executive council be, and it is hereby, 
authorized and instructed to prepare, as soon as possible, a seal 
of suitable design, to be used on all printed matter where it is 
desired by the publisher, and also to regulate the use of the 
same, so that the product of union labor may be readily known 
by purchasers, and the demand for publications friendly to the 
cause of organized workingmen be encouraged. 

Official Organ — Several resolutions were introduced 
regarding the official organ of the union (The Crafts- 
man), and it was finally agreed that the International 
Union would subscribe for a sufficient number of copies 
to supply the entire membership. The agreement was 
contained in the following resolution, adopted by the 
convention : 

Whereas the International Typographical Union of North 
America believes that education should keep pace with the 
work of organizing the members of our craft ; and 

Whereas in the opinion of this body the education of union 
men in union matters can best be accomplished by the perusal 
of journals disseminating union principles, and 

Whereas The Craftsman, the official organ of this body, 
has consistently and ably continued since its foundation in the 
good work of unionizing the printers of the land ; therefore 

392 




M. R. II. WITTER, St. Louis 

President International Typographical Unioi 

June 3, 1884 -June 8, 1886 



Convention at Pittsburgh, 1886 

Resolved, That a copy of The Craftsman be furnished to 
each member in good standing of each subordinate union at 
the expense of this body, the paper to be mailed to the member's 
address, which is to be furnished by the secretaries of subor- 
dinate unions. 

Resolved further, That there be levied a quarterly assess- 
ment of ten cents per capita on each member in good standing, 
to be collected a9 the per capita tax is now collected, and that 
this quarterly assessment of ten cents on each member shall be 
in full payment of the subscription herein provided for. 

Resolved further, That the accounts of The Craftsman and 
the International Typographical Union, on account of the sub- 
scriptions hereby ordered, shall be audited by a committee of 
three members of Columbia Union No. 101, to be appointed 
by the president of this body. 

Insurance Feature — The special committee, appointed 
by the previous convention to draft a plan of insurance, 
made an elaborate report, presenting a plan in detail, 
which was adopted by the convention, including the selec- 
tion of a secretarj^-treasurer of insurance. It was pro- 
vided that all members of subordinate unions should be 
eligible to membership after passing the necessary 
examination. It was also provided that dues should be 
25 cents on the death of a member for the first three 
months after instituting the plan. After that date the 
rate of insurance was fixed at 25 cents per capita for 
members from 18 to 25 years of age; 30 cents for those 
from 25 to 30; 35 cents for those from 30 to 35 ; 45 cents 
for those from 35 to 40, and 50 cents for all above 40 
years of age. The action of the convention in adopting 
this insurance plan was largely experimental. It was not 
required that members should be compelled to take out 
insurance, the proposition being entirely voluntary. 

The office of corresponding secretary was abolished by 
the Pittsburgh convention. 

Buffalo was selected as the convention city for 1887. 

393 



History of The Typographical Union 

Officers, 1886 — Officers were elected for the ensuing 
year, as follows : President, William Aimison, Nashville ; 
first vice-president, Joseph F. Rymer, New York; second 
vice-president, Charles Gamewell, Washington, D. C. ; 
secretary-treasurer, D. M. Pascoe, Philadelphia; chief 
organizer, David P. Boyer, Columbus, Ohio; secretary- 
treasurer of insurance, H. Thomas Elder, Boston. Trus- 
tees Childs-Drexel fund — August Donath, Washington, 
D. C. ; James J. Dailey, Philadelphia; Frank S. Pelton, 
Chicago. Delegates to Federation of Trades — John R. 
Winders, San Francisco; Julian L. Wright, Washington, 
D. C. ; John Scott, Toronto. 

Convention at Buffalo 

[1887] — When the thirty-fifth convention of the Inter- 
national Union was called to order at Buffalo, June 6, 
1887, by President Aimison, the largest gathering of 
delegates in the history of the organization up to that 
time was present, 129 subordinate unions having elected 
172 representatives. 

Pascoe Defalcation — What promised to be one of the 
most successful gatherings in the history of the body was 
marred by an unfortunate incident — the defalcation of 
the secretary-treasurer, D. M. Pascoe. The report of this 
officer was presented to the convention on the second day 
and referred to the committee on returns and finance. 
Before this committee had examined the report, the elec- 
tion of officers had taken place and Mr. Pascoe was 
re-elected. The committee found itself unable in the 
short time allotted for its work to render a full and com- 
plete account. The report of the secretary-treasurer 
being in such incomplete and unsatisfactory condition, and 
the vouchers necessary to effect a balance being missing, 
the committee resigned, and, after an executive session. 

394 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

held to consider the affairs of the secretary- 
treasurer and the condition of the business in his office, 
Mr. Pascoe resigned, and W. S. McClevey of Chicago was 
elected to fill the vacancy. It was ordered that the effects 
of the secretary-treasurer's office, including books, papers, 
vouchers, bills and all other documents, be referred to a 
committee of ex-delegates, composed of Mark L. Craw- 
ford, William A. Hutchinson and James B. Fullerton, 
all of Chicago, with instructions to audit, arrange and 
settle the accounts and report to Secretary-Treasurer 
McClevey, he to issue a circular to all subordinate unions 
containing the report of this special committee. In a 
note appended to the proceedings of the Buffalo conven- 
tion, the secretary -treasurer says : 

The secretary-treasurer was elected toward the close of the 
session, and previous to his election he had no connection with 
the minutes, which, at the time he assumed the duties of the 
office, were in such confusion that the convention authorized 
the president to appoint a committee to remain in Buffalo and 
assist him in restoring order to the mass of papers in his 
possession. After completing their labors, the committee pre- 
pared the following report : 

"The committee appointed to arrange the minutes and 
papers connected therewith begs to state that it found the same 
in such disorder that a proper arrangement seemed impossible ; 
but, by the exercise of diligence and great care, we are confident 
that the arrangement is as nearly correct as it is possible to 
make it. We beg the indulgence of the craft at large, on behalf 
of ourselves and the secretary-treasurer, if any errors or omis- 
sions are discovered, being able to codify onlv what was 
before us." 

The delay in publishing this report has been caused by the 
confusion which existed, a vast amount of correspondence being 
necessary before the copy could be placed in the hands of the 
printer with any degree of accuracy. 

Strike Fund Law — The report of President Aimison 
contained many interesting suggestions, chief among 

395 



History of The Typographical Union 

which was the dissatisfaction following the creation and 
enforcement of the strike fund law. Instead of having 
a tendency to restrain subordinate unions from insti- 
tuting strikes, the creation of the fund had apparently 
influenced many jurisdictions to go on strike, the result 
being that the executive officers were compelled to with- 
hold assistance in many cases because of the inadequacy 
of the fund and the apparent reluctance of many sub- 
ordinate unions to make the payments required by law. 
In many instances strikes had occurred and the trouble 
was ended before the International could collect the strike 
fund and render the assistance expected. The laxity of 
many subordinate unions in enforcing the strike fund law 
apparently placed the International ^body in a position 
where members on strike, not receiving benefits regularly, 
complained that it did not entertain a proper regard for 
them, the result being that instead of reliance on the 
power and ability of the International a feeling quite 
the reverse had spread among the members. The presi- 
dent gave as his opinion that all subordinate unions 
should be compelled to respect the strike fund law, or 
that this law should be repealed. Responding to this 
suggestion, the convention amended the general laws, 
making it compulsory on the part of every union to honor 
the draft of the executive council within thirty days after 
the issuance thereof. 

Organization — The work of organization had pro- 
ceeded satisfactorily during the year, 42 new charters 
having been issued, making a total of 95 new unions 
organized during the administration of Chief Organizer 
Boyer and the deputies appointed under him. Only one 
charter was surrendered during the year, and a total of 
266 subordinate unions were in active operation under the 
jurisdiction of the International Union, and recognizing 

396 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

its authority. Among the 266 local organizations were 
31 unions of pressmen, 5 unions of stereotypers and elec- 
trotypers, 1 union of pressfeeders, I union of bookbinders 
and 2 unions of mailers. 

RELATIONS WITH KNIGHTS OF LABOR AND 
THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR 

The convention of the International Union at Buffalo 
marked the passing of the International Union's amicable 
relations with the Knights of Labor and the report of the 
delegates to the Federation of Trades described the 
merging of that body into the American Federation of 
Labor. In view of the historical importance attached 
to this action, the majority and minority reports of the 
delegates to the Federation of Trades and to the Ameri- 
can Federation of Labor, and subsequent action of the 
convention thereon, are herewith reproduced : 

[Majority Report.] 

To the President^ Officers and Members of the Thirty-fifth 
Session International Typographical Union. 

Gentlemen : Your delegates elected at the thirty-fourth 
session, held at Pittsburgh, Pa., June 7-10, 1886, to the Fed- 
eration of Organized Trades and Labor Unions of the United 
States and Canada, and subsequently appointed by the president 
of the International Typographical Union, with Chief Organ- 
izer David P. Boyer, to attend the convention called by officers 
of national and international trade unions, submit the follow- 
ing report : 

The federation met in Columbus, Ohio, December 7-10, 
1886 (instead of St. Louis, Mo., December 14, the change in 
time and place having been made for the purpose of meeting 
the conferees of the trade unions), and the sessions were held 
with open doors. 

In their report, the legislative committee announced the 
death of our fellow-craftsman, W. H. Foster, and paid the 
following tribute to his memory. 

397 



History of The Typographical Union 

"His devotion to duty, under the trying circumstances of an 
incurable disease, challenges our admiration for a courage that 
the shadow of death even could not daunt. Born in England, 
and educated in that school of trade unionism, he naturally, on 
adopting this country as his permanent home, took an active 
part in the labor movement, filling the most prominent posi- 
tions with credit to his craft and his alma mater." 

They reported "that quite a number of national unions have 
been organized within the past year," but failed to give any 
further information on the subject other than that they were 
not represented because the expenditure necessary was "im- 
practical." 

They also reported the passage by congress of an act for the 
incorporation of trade unions in the District of Columbia and 
the territories of the United States, thereby securing the 
recognition of the "principle of the lawful character of trade 
unions." 

Of the eight-hour movement, the committee said: "The 
federation forced the subject before the public. * * * 
While we are not able to record the general adoption of eight 
hours, * * * we nevertheless claim that the eight-hour agi- 
tation was the means of reducing the daily working time of no 
less than two hundred thousand workers." 

They also reported "a general advancement in the interests 
of wage-workers by means of labor legislation in the several 
states," and recommended political action by organized labor to 
secure its "just rights." 

The federation endorsed the resolutions adopted by the 
International Typographical Union relative to making the 
government printing office at Washington, D. C, a bureau, and 
urged congress to enact the necessary legislation to accomplish 
that purpose, besides pronouncing in favor of an indentured 
apprenticeship system. 

The following report, which is self-explanatory, was 
adopted : 

"Your committee, acting as a conference committee with a 
like one from the trade unions, beg leave to report that we 
have met, and agree upon the following : 

"First. The trade union conference has formed an organ- 
ization to be known as the American Federation of Labor, with 
a constitution better protecting the interests of trade unions. 

398 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

"Second. We have agreed that all moneys, papers, and ef- 
fects of the old federation be turned over to the officers of the 
new organization, and that all per capita tax due the old 
federation be collected by the new federation. 

"Third. That new organization agrees to print and publish 
the proceedings and reports of this federation in the official 
proceedings. 

"Your committee recommends further, that the Federation 
of Organized Trade and Labor Unions of the United States 
and Canada do now merge into the American Federation of 
Labor, and requests all affiliated bodies to do likewise." 

[By the adoption of the foregoing report of the legis- 
lative committee, the merger was accomplished, the dele- 
gates to the convention of the Federation of Organized 
Trades and Labor Unions being recognized as delegates 
to the American Federation of Labor. Forty-two 
persons claiming to represent a membership of 
316,469 constituted the convention of the American 
Federation of Labor. The organizations represented 
were as follows : International Typographical Union, 
Iron Moulders' National Union, German- American 
Typographia, Granite Cutters' National Union, New 
England Lasters' National Union, Furniture Work- 
ers' National Union, Journeyman Tailors' National 
Union, Journeyman Bakers' National Union, Metal 
Workers' National Union, Brotherhood of Carpenters 
and Joiners of America, Cigar Makers' International 
Union, National Federation of Miners and Mine Labor- 
ers; Bricklayers' Union No. I, Cincinnati; The United 
Order of Carpenters, New York city; New York Stereo- 
typers' Union, New York Mutual Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Society of Operative Painters ; Waiters' Union No. 
I, New York city; Journeymen Barbers' Protective 
Union, New York city; International Boatmen's Union 
No. 1, New York city; United German Trades Union, 
New York city; Baltimore Federation of Labor; Central 

399 



History of The Typographical Union 

Labor Union, Philadelphia; Chicago Trades Assembly; 
Essex County, N. J., Trades Assembly, and St. Louis 
Trades Assembly. — Ed.] 

In the foregoing enumeration, out of twenty-five bodies 
represented, will be found eleven national and international 
unions. The carpenters were represented by four delegates from 
the national body and one delegate from an independent local 
organization; the Bricklayers' 'National Union was not repre- 
sented, but a local union which had withdrawn from that body 
was recognized; and New York Stereotypers' Union was ad- 
mitted to representation. 

Immediately after effecting an organization, a resolution was 
adopted excluding the press, binding the delegates to secrecy, 
and providing that the secretary should furnish the reporters an 
official transcript twice daily. 

Resolutions were adopted endorsing independent political 
action by workingmen; requesting congress to prohibit United 
States soldiers from competing with citizens of any trade or 
calling; demanding the enforcement of existing laws to pro- 
hibit Chinese immigration, and the passage of such further 
laws as may be necessary; pronouncing in favor of nine hours 
for a day's work ; denouncing the Knights of Labor ; condemn- 
ing blacklisting and the Pinkerton detectives; favoring com- 
pulsory indenture laws ; discountenancing indiscriminate appro- 
priations of money for strikes, and recognizing union labels 
and trade-marks. 

The standing trade union committee, appointed at the 
trades union conference at Philadelphia, made an extended 
report as to its efforts in endeavoring to effect an agreement 
with the Knights of Labor. It related to its various visits, first 
to the general assembly Knights of Labor at Cleveland, Ohio, 
and secondly, to the Knights of Labor executive board, in 
Philadelphia. At the Cleveland meeting a treaty was presented 
and finally rejected by the Knights of Labor. At the Phila- 
delphia meeting definite promises were made, but nothing 
definite was done by the general assembly at Richmond. The 
treaty that was rejected reads as follows: 

"i. That in any branch of labor having a national or inter- 
national organization, the Knights of Labor shall not initiate 
any person or form any assembly of persons following said 

400 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

organized craft or calling without the consent of the nearest 
national or international union affected. 

"2. That no person shall be admitted to the Knights of 
Labor who works for less than the regular scale of wages fixed 
by the union of his craft, and none shall be admitted to mem- 
bership in the Knights of Labor who has ever been convicted 
of scabbing, ratting, embezzlement, or any other offense against 
the union of his trade or calling, until exonerated by the same. 

"3. That the charter of any Knights of Labor assembly of 
any trade having a national or international union shall be 
revoked, and the members of the same be requested to join a 
mixed assembly, or form a local union, under the jurisdiction 
of their respective national or international trade union. 

"4. That any organizer of the Knights of Labor who en- 
deavors to induce trade unions to disband, or tampers with their 
growth or privileges, shall have his commission forthwith 
revoked. 

"5. That whenever a strike or lockout of any trade union 
is in progress, no assembly or district assembly of the Knights 
of Labor shall interfere until settled to the satisfaction of the 
trade union affected. 

"6. That the Knights of Labor shall not establish or issue 
any trade-mark or label in competition with any trade-mark or 
label now issued, or that may hereafter be issued, by any 
national or international trade union." 

A committee representing the executive of the Knights of 
Labor was at Columbus, whose mission, Mr. Powderly stated 
in his letter of introduction, was to adjust present differences 
and pave the way for the avoidance of future ones. No amicable 
adjustment of the differences then existing between the trade 
unionists and the Knights of Labor was arrived at between the 
committee appointed by the convention and Mr. Powderly's 
representatives, the latter stating that they were not empowered 
to take any action on matters that had already been acted on 
by the general assembly, and the former stating they had nothing 
new to offer. 

Your delegates regret that matters remain in the same 
condition as before the convention at Columbus in December 
last, and express the hope that, having the same objects in 
view, both bodies will in future work harmoniously. There is 
room and work enough for both. 

401 



History of The Typographical Union 

Before adjourning. Baltimore, Md., and December 13, 1887, 
were selected as the place and time of the next session. 

A copy of the constitution adopted is herewith submitted. 

It is the desire of the federation that all subordinate bodies 
represented act on the constitution at the earliest possible 
moment, as it is desired to get the federation in working order 
at once. The delegates present at the meeting were a fair 
representative body of trade unionists, strongly inclined to 
conservatism. It was the prevailing sentiment that the dispute 
between the Knights of Labor and trade unions was unfortunate 
and liable to work injury to both concerned, as the capitalist 
and monopolist were always ready to take advantage of any 
division in the ranks of labor. 

In all matters the representatives showed a desire to legis- 
late for the best interests and welfare of all wage-workers. 
They represented the thoughtful men and the brain-users of all 
trades and callings, and if it were only in the interchange of 
ideas the meeting of the federation has accomplished good. 

As the delegation from the International Typographical 
Union have never discussed the federation, its objects and con- 
stitution, we are not prepared to make any recommendations. . 

John R. Winders, 
John Scott. 

[Minority Report.] 

While endorsing the major portion of the report signed by 
my colleagues, holding the convictions I do, I can not affix my 
name with theirs without first calling your attention to several 
matters of sufficient importance and concern to the International 
Typographical Union to command careful examination. 

By reference to the proceedings of the Pittsburgh session 
it will be seen that the report of the special committee on the 
contesting stereotypers' organizations for representation in the 
International Typographical Union was adopted. The organ- 
ization making the contest, it appears, was not satisfied with the 
action of the International Typographical Union and presented 
themselves at the door of the American Federation of Labor. 
Despite the fact that the action of the International Typograph- 
ical Union in the premises was read to the federation, the New 
York Stereotypers' Union, with its handful of members, was 
admitted to representation, casting one vote to the four of the 

402 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

International Typographical Union, with its thousands of 
members. 

The resolution to exclude the press was not passed until 
after a protracted and somewhat acrimonious debate, and 
called forth- considerable adverse criticism from the local press, 
pointed hints being made as to the motives controlling the 
majority, eventually giving tongue to charges of individual 
cases of double-dealing and bribery. 

The constitution adopted is a remarkable instrument — one so 
elastic that it may be stretched by the executive council therein 
provided for to cover any possible emergency arising during 
the interval between one session and another, and yet so 
rebounding that, if confronted with an obstacle created by this 
elasticity, like a ball skilfully handled, it can be made to jump 
over it or away from it at the will of the manipulator. 

Article ii declares the objects to be, among others, "the 
preservation of local trade and labor unions and central trade 
and labor unions in every city; * * * the establishment of 
national and international trade unions, and an American feder- 
ation of all national and international trade unions." Under 
this article the International Typographical Union will receive 
a charter, and derive its authority from the federation. 

By article iv the apportionment of representation is such 
that local organizations in a single large city could be so 
strongly represented as to outnumber all the duly accredited 
delegates from distinctive national and international bodies. 

While section 2 of article ii declares for the autonomy of 
each trade, section 3 of article vi makes even voluntary finan- 
cial assistance, in case of a strike or lockout, dependent on the 
"complaisant sweet will" and due approval of the executive 
council. 

Section 1 of article vi fixes the per capita tax at six cents 
a year, payable monthly. This would make the amount to be 
paid by the International Typographical Union between $1,200 
and $1,500. Should it be deemed wise to withdraw from 
further affiliation with the federation, this could be effected by 
the passage of a formal resolution directing the secretary- 
treasurer not to pay the per capita tax, as, under the operation 
of section 3 of the same article, "any organization not paying 
for three months will be suspended." 

403 



History of The Typographical Union 

Article viii appears to be directed against the Knights of 
Labor. 

A study of the bodies represented in the federation, together 
with a dispassionate investigation of the scheme of representa- 
tion and the powers arrogated, forces the question.: Is repre- 
sentation desirable? The position has ever been held by the 
International Typographical Union that it derived its powers 
from its subordinates, and is amenable for its acts to its cre- 
ators alone, and that under authority thus invested it is the 
ultimate tribunal of appeal in all matters typographical. Will 
it, after so many years of usefulness and honest endeavor, sur- 
render its prerogatives to the American Federation of Labor 
by accepting a charter from that body? It has heretofore been 
emphatically understood that the powers of any organization 
in which the International Typographical Union might be 
represented by delegates should be advisory only. Do the 
necessities of the hour warrant a departure from this rule? 
Indeed, under existing circumstances, can the International 
Typographical Union continue representation in the federa- 
tion without submitting the question to the subordinate unions? 

Julian L. Wright. 

The majority and minority reports of the delegates 
were referred to the committee on unfinished business, 
which submitted the following report, outlining the posi- 
tion of the typographical union in its relations with the 
American Federation of Labor : 

To the Officers and Members of the International Typograph- 
ical Union. 

Gentlemen : Your committee on unfinished business begs 
leave to submit the following in regard to the reports of dele- 
gates to the American Federation of Trades : 

1. That the individuality of the International Typograph- 
ical Union shall be maintained. 

2. That the International Typographical Union shall not 
take a charter and be subordinate to any organization. 

3. That the International Typographical Union shall not 
pay a per capita tax to any organization to which it may send 
representatives, believing that the calling together of repre- 
sentatives of trade organizations is for the purpose of consulta- 

404 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

tion as to the best methods of strengthening their respective 
unions, and that all actual expenses of such meetings should 
be paid in equal part by the unions there represented. 
Respectfully submitted, 

Joseph A. Jackson, 
Charles C. Williams, 
William Perdew, 
Charles Beattie, 
W. F. Speer. 
Insurance — The committee appointed to examine 
the condition of affairs of the insurance secretary reported 
that the total amount of business for the year had barely 
exceeded $1,000 receipts, and expenses had been nearly 
that amount. Apparently the insurance branch had not 
appealed to the membership, yet it was continued. 

Reorganization — The following resolution contem- 
plating a practical method of effecting reorganization 
was adopted : 

Whereas the subject of reorganization has been repeatedly 
introduced to the attention of the International Typographical 
Union for a number of years; and 

Whereas it is impossible in the short session of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union to perfect and adopt a compre- 
hensive plan of reorganization ; therefore 

Resolved, That a committee of three from some one subor- 
dinate union be appointed to take the whole matter into con- 
sideration; that all persons having views on the subject be 
requested to transmit them in writing to the committee. 

That the committee's report, when finally adopted by the 
committee, shall be submitted to the executive council, and if 
approved by them, shall be published at length in the official 
medium of communication between the officers of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union and the subordinate unions, two 
months before the meeting of the next annual convention. 

Complying with the terms of the resolution, George M. 
Depue, A. P. Marston and William F. Dunn, all of 
Washington, D. C, were appointed a committee on 
reorganization. 

405 



History of The Typographical Union 

Childs-Drexel Fund — The trustees of the Childs- 
Drexel fund submitted a report to the convention to the 
effect that the $10,000 donated by Messrs. Childs and 
Drexel had been deposited with the banking house of 
Drexel & Co., Philadelphia; that, following the instruc- 
tions given the trustees by the previous convention, the 
subordinate unions west of the Mississippi river had con- 
tributed the sum of $1,000 on the birthday of Mr. Drexel ; 
that unions east of the Mississippi had made liberal con- 
tributions on the birthday of Mr. Childs, but full returns 
had not been received. The report of the board of trus- 
tees was referred to a special committee of five. That 
committee submitted the following recommendations to 
the convention, which were concurred in : 

Your committee, to whom was referred the report of the 
Childs-Drexel trustees, reports as follows : 

Having examined the certificates of deposit in possession of 
the trustees, we find them corresponding to the statements made 
in their report, and recommend that their action in depositing 
the same with Drexel & Co. be approved. 

In order that the recommendations of the board of trustees 
may be carried out, and that the claims of' this fund may be 
placed plainly before the members of our subordinate unions, 
we recommend the repeal of all present laws bearing upon this 
subject, and the enactment of the following as an addition to 
the general laws: 

Childs-Drexel Fund 

Section i. Messrs. August Donath, of Washington, D. C. ; 
James J. Dailey, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Frank S. Pelton, of 
Chicago, 111., are hereby constituted a board of trustees for 
four years from June I, 1887 (or until their successors shall 
qualify), for the care and management of the Childs-Drexel 
fund. 

Sec. 2. That said board of trustees shall be required to give 
bond in the sum of $30,000, in this wise: Each trustee shall 
give a bond in the sum of $10,000 to the individual occupying 
the office of president of the International Typographical 
Union, said bond to be approved by the president of the 
trustee's local union, to be acceptable to the president of the 

406 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

International Typographical Union, and to be renewed when- 
ever a change occurs in the office of president of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union. 

Sec. 3. In case of a vacancy on the board, caused by death 
or resignation, said vacancy shall be filled by the president of 
the International Typographical Union. 

Sec. 4. That the fund may be further increased, the Inter- 
national Typographical Union of North America recommends 
and urges that on the anniversary of the birthday of Mr. Childs 
during the next four years — May 12 — each and every union 
compositor under its jurisdiction east of the Mississippi river 
contribute the amount received by him for one thousand ems 
on said date, and that each and every stereotyper, electrotyper 
and pressman on the same date contribute the amount received 
for one hour's work; and that on the anniversary of the birth- 
day of Mr. Drexel — September 13 — like contributions be 
recommended and urged from each and every person under 
our jurisdiction west of the Mississippi river. 

Sec. 5. The secretaries of subordinate unions shall remit 
contributions to the fund directly to the treasurer of the board, 
and notice of such remittance shall be sent at the same time to 
the other members of the board; the treasurer, in turn, to 
furnish the board with monthly statements of receipts. 

Sec. 6. That trustees shall, as soon as practicable after the 
completion of the collections provided for in section 4 of this 
article of general laws, issue to subordinate unions a> circular 
giving detailed results of such collections, together with a 
full statement of funds on hand. 

Sec. 7. The board of trustees shall adopt some measure for 
providing each individual contributor to the fund with a receipt, 
to be retained by him (if he desires) as an evidence of his 
interest in the matter. 

We further recommend that the secretary-treasurer of the 
International Typographical Union, in publishing the names of 
the trustees of this fund in the report of the proceedings, shall 
attach to each his title of office, for the information of those 
having business with the board. 

Printers Home — Delegate S. J. Triplett (Austin) sub- 
mitted the following preamble and resolutions : 

Whereas the time has arrived when we believe it expedient, 

407 



History of The Typographical Union 

and also for the good and welfare of the printers of America, 
that there should be a permanent home for the indigent and 
decrepit printers, therefore 

Resolved, That it is the sense of the convention that such 
a home is necessary, and should be established without delay. 

In connection with the foregoing, Mr. Triplett sub- 
mitted the following communication from the mayor of 
Austin, Tex. : 

Whereas it has been made known to this body that the 
Typographical Union of printers of the United States will, at 
their next annual meeting, soon to convene in Buffalo, N. Y., 
consider the question of the establishment of a home for indi- 
gent and sick printers, and 

Whereas our beautiful city, located as it is, in the south- 
western part of the United States, free, as the history of Austin 
will show, from malignant epidemic diseases of all kinds, 
having already restored many cases of consumption and other 
diseases usually relieved by a mild and equable climate, and 
possessing, as it does, railroad and other facilities tending to 
favor the maintenance of such an institution ; and 

Whereas it is in our power to not only invite the establish- 
ment of this charitable enterprise in our vicinity, but we have 
also a beautiful plat of land, containing about seven acres, 
located adjacent to Fairview Park, in South Austin, said plat 
of land being on an elevated position, nicely drained, and 
commanding a view of the city, and adapted for the purpose 
offered ; therefore 

Be it resolved (by the city council of the city of Austin) : 

First. That the Typographical Union of the United 
States is hereby invited to locate the contemplated home in the 
southern part of our city; and, further that lot I E, in 
Swisher's subdivision, Decker League, in South Austin, is 
hereby tendered for the purpose specified., 

Second. That the city of Austin is ready, and hereby binds 
its mayor and legal representatives to make a legal deed to said 
tract of land, whenever it is decided by the Typographical 
Union to use it for the purpose of the erection and establish- 
ment of a home for the sick and indigent printers of their 
order. 

Third. That these resolutions be placed in the hands of 
local representatives of the typographical union of this city, 

408 




WILLIAM AIMISON, Nashville 

President International Typographical Union 

Tune 8, 1886 -June 14, 1888 



Convention at Buffalo, 1887 

to be conveyed and placed before that honorable body at its 
annual meeting. 

Provided, That the "resolution providing for donating land 
for printers' home" be amended by adding to section 2 the 
following words : "Provided, nevertheless, that this resolution 
shall be null and void, unless permanent improvements shall be 
commenced within two years from its passage." 

The committee to which the matter was referred 
reported as follows, the convention concurring: 

Your committee, appointed to consider the resolution offered 
by Mr. Triplett, of Austin, Tex., relative to the establishment 
of a home for the indigent and decrepit printers of our unions, 
would report that: 

In our judgment it is advisable to establish such a home, 
provided it can be demonstrated to be feasible, and as it is 
impossible for your committee to arrive at any satisfactory con- 
clusion in the limited time given, we would recommend that a 
committee of three be appointed to take under advisement the 
desirability of establishing such a home ; 

That they correspond with the various unions located in the 
southern and western states which are afflicted with the care of 
the sick and the burial of our deceased members ; 

That they take under consideration and investigate the sub- 
joined offer of the city council of Austin, Tex., relative to 
donating some seven or eight acres of ground for the erection 
of such a home, and that they be instructed to report back the 
whole matter submitted to them at the next session of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, at Kansas City, June next. 

Unfinished Business — After the convention had 
adjourned, the committee appointed to assist the secretary 
in straightening out the minutes discovered several im- 
portant committee reports not acted on, among them the 
report of the committee on general laws and a supple- 
mentary report of the committee on subordinate unions. 
In addition to the propositions referred to these com- 
mittees, some forty-odd resolutions and amendments to 
the laws had been left over without action. 

Nine-Hour Day — A general law was adopted making 

409 



History of The Typographical Union 

nine hours a day's work, except on morning and evening 
newspapers. Subordinate unions were required to give 
at least sixty days' notice to proprietors affected by this 
change. It was also stipulated that the law be in full 
force and effect after November I, 1887, but that it should 
apply only to unions having a membership of more than 
sixty. 

Kansas City was selected as the meeting place for the 
convention of 1888. 

Officers, i88j — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, William Aimison, Nash- 
ville; first vice-president, Edward T. Plank, San Fran- 
cisco ; second vice-president, Charles Gamewell, Wash- 
ington, D. C. ; secretary-treasurer, W. S. McClevey, 
Chicago; chief organizer, David P. Boyer, Columbus, 
Ohio; secretary-treasurer of insurance, H. Thomas 
Elder, Boston. Trustees Childs-Drexel fund— August 
Donath, Washington, D. C. ; James J. Dailey, Phila- 
delphia; Frank S. Pelton, Chicago. Delegates to Ameri- 
can Federation of Labor — L. W. McDaniel, Indianapolis; 
Frank G. Koken (pressman), St. Louis; Harry M. Og- 
den, Cincinnati. 

Convention at Kansas City 

[1888] — The thirty-sixth convention of the Interna- 
tional Union was called to order in Kansas City, Mo., 
Monday, June 1 1, 1888, 120 unions being represented by 
159 delegates. 

New Constitution — This convention of the Interna- 
tional Union marked the passing of the old constitution, 
under which the National and International Typograph- 
ical Unions had operated since 1852. The instrument had 
been amended from time to time, but still retained most 
of its original features. 

The new constitution, adopted at Kansas City, con- 

410 



Convention at Kansas City, 1888 

tained many radical changes, including provisions for 
biennial conventions of the organization ; the election of 
officers for a term of two years; permanent headquarters 
for the officers; a division of the International jurisdiction 
into seven geographical districts, with an organizer for 
each, such organizers to be members of the executive 
council. The several districts created were as follows : 

First District. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, 
Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, 
and New Brunswick. 

Second District. Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, 
Iowa, Wisconsin and Indian Territory. 

Third District. New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and 
Tennessee. 

Fourth District. Michigan, Indiana, Maryland, Ken- 
tucky, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, 
District of Columbia, Illinois and North Carolina. 

Fifth District. All of Canada except New Brunswick, 
Manitoba and British Columbia. 

Sixth District. California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington 
Territory, Arizona, British Columbia and Hawaiian Islands. 

Seventh District. Wyoming, Dakota, Minnesota, Utah, 
Idaho, Manitoba, the Northwest territories and Montana. 

The office of chief organizer was abolished. 

The reorganization plan included provisions for a sick 
benefit fund and a burial fund; also a clause providing 
for defraying the expenses of delegates to annual conven- 
tions. The vote on the final adoption of the new constitu- 
tion and laws was taken after an understanding had been 
reached that the three features above enumerated should 
be submitted to the referendum. The remainder of the 
constitution was adopted. The vote taken by the member- 
ship on the three propositions resulted in the defeat of all 
of them. 

Headquarters Established — According to the new 
plan of organization, Indianapolis, Ind., was selected as 

411 



History of The Typographical Union 

the headquarters of the International, where the officers 
were required to have their official residence, and where 
all official business, together with books, accounts, records, 
etc., should be kept. 

Executive Council Created — It was also provided that 
there should be an executive council, consisting of the 
president, the vice-presidents, the secretary-treasurer and 
organizers, such body to have the power of enacting 
temporary legislation in the interim between sessions of 
the International Union, should the necessities of the craft 
and the welfare of the organization require such action. 
The salaries of the president and secretary-treasurer were 
fixed at $1,400 per annum, second vice-president, $600 
per annum, with the proviso that the president and second 
vice-president be allowed traveling expenses ; the salaries 
of the third vice-president and organizers were fixed at 
an amount for time lost equal to their regular rate of 
wages, together with necessary traveling expenses. 

Per Capita Tax — The per capita tax due the Interna- 
tional from subordinate unions, payable monthly, was 
fixed at 10 cents. 

Committee on Laws — A committee on laws was also 
created, and it was provided that this committee should 
be appointed at least thirty days before the meeting of 
each annual convention and should be called together at 
the convention city at least three days before the begin- 
ning of the sessions of the International body, with 
instructions to consider all propositions presented and 
submit a printed report to the convention. 

Official Circular — Another feature of the new consti- 
tution was the provision made for the publication, 
monthly, of an official circular. It was ordered that the 
circular contain the official decisions of the president, the 
report of the auditing committee, the balancing of the 
monthly bank account, receipts and disbursements, official 

412 



Convention at Kansas City, 1888 

orders, charters granted and revoked, and such other data 
as might be of interest to the membership. 

Defense Fund — Under the terms of the new constitu- 
tion 60 per cent, ^of the per capita tax was ordered set 
aside by the secretary-treasurer for a defense fund. This 
fund was safeguarded by provisions requiring officers of 
local unions to notify the organizer for the district of any 
impending trouble, and such organizer, in turn, was 
required to apprise the executive council of all the circum- 
stances, when a strike might be ordered by a majority 
of the council. 

Organizing — The report of Chief Organizer Boyer 
was a brief but interesting paper. In addition to 21 
unions of compositors chartered during the term, 5 press- 
men's unions, 3 pressfeeders' unions, 4 stereotypers' 
unions, 2 bookbinders' unions and 1 union of mailers had 
been organized. Two charters had been surrendered 
during the year — Hastings, Neb., and San Francisco 
Bookbinders. The report showed a grand total of 302 
chartered organizations at the close of the fiscal year. 

Insurance — The insurance branch instituted at the 
Pittsburgh convention had not proved successful. The 
insurance secretary was not in attendance at the conven- 
tion, but sent in a letter of resignation, together with a 
financial statement which was referred to a committee 
for investigation. This committee reported that it was 
impracticable to continue the insurance branch under the 
existing system and recommended that the same be dis- 
continued and that an appropriation of $280.96 be made 
from the general fund to pay accrued benefits. 

Nine-Hour Day — At the session held in Buffalo, leg- 
islation was had looking to the establishment of nine 
hours as a day's work, and setting apart November 1, 
1887, as the date on which it should go into effect. 

In order that the history of the nine-hour movement 

413 



History of The Typographical Union 

may be accurately traced in this volume, the following 
excerpts from the address of President Aimison are 
given : 

In the interval between the adjournment, of that convention 
and the 1st of October, your executive officer received so many 
letters from different officers and members of local unions as to 
the probable results in their respective localities that he became 
profoundly impressed that without united action and a full 
treasury the movement would be unsuccessful. In order that 
the contest might be entered knowingly, and that a full and 
frank expression might be had, he issued, on September 10, 
1887, a circular, calling upon the subordinate unions to give an 
expression as to the probable success of the proposed nine-hour 
law in their separate bodies, dividing the International territory 
into divisions, each division having an appointee, to whom 
reports should be made. These appointees were as follows: 
Jacob Cobb, of Cincinnati; Everett Glaekin, of New York 
city; R. A. Britton, Charleston; J. N. Armour, Nashville; O. 
L. Smith, Denver; E. T. Plank, San Francisco; H. S. Streat, 
Chicago ; George Clark, St. Louis ; A. P. Marston, Washing- 
ton, and Mathew Ryan, Toronto, Canada. A majority of these 
gentlemen met in Cincinnati, in conjunction with the executive 
council, and, after a thorough examination and full considera- 
tion, they passed a resolution requesting the executive council 
to suspend the operations of the law. This was done and the 
committee was empowered to meet at Chicago, and consult with 
the typothetae, and, if possible, make some arrangement by 
which a joint understanding could be had. They met a com- 
mittee from said organization, but were unable to agree upon 
any proposition. Our committee then adopted a resolution 
recommending that it be left optional with unions as to whether 
they should enforce the nine-hour law. It was my individual 
opinion then, as it is my opinion now, that the law should have 
been entirely suspended until the present meeting, so that a 
full investigation could have been made as to the unity of 
action, the probability of success, the financial resources neces- 
sary to carry on the contest, and the effect of the sudden change 
of old established usage; thus preventing the failures that 
subsequently occurred. The lesson taught in the adoption of 
that measure (being governed by the subsequent action of the 

414 



Convention at Kansas City, 1888 

unions) was, that it had not been thoroughly digested nor 
determinedly resolved by the subordinate unions before taking 
action thereon. Under this state of things, and without that 
mature deliberation which should have entered into it, a great 
many instructed their delegates to vote for its adoption. After 
adjournment, when discussed, they began to realize that it 
would meet with an almost unanimous opposition on the part 
of the employers; that it would change old methods, disturb 
plants, interfere with contracts, and in some cases actual in- 
justice would be the result ; that it would necessitate the having 
of a fund with which to meet the emergency — the lack of which 
w T as painfully apparent — and without which it would have been 
an illusion to have expected success. These facts forced them- 
selves on the minds of a majority of the craft of the country, 
and which realization caused them to pause and consider that 
they had not moved with that wisdom and patience that all 
great movements require. What other deductions could be 
drawn but the foregoing, when we come to scan their subse- 
quent action? 

Therefore, as the time approached for the enforcement of 
the law, a change came over the spirit of their dreams. The 
fact stared them in the face that they should have made 
haste slowly; that they were not, as yet, prepared for the con- 
test either in a financial or business sense; and that this 
movement should be thoroughly ventilated and studied in all 
its phases before action was taken. Under this reaction, your 
executive officer was compelled to take the course pursued by 
him, and which course was endorsed by the committee appointed 
to meet at Cincinnati, after a thorough inquiry into the matter. 

Difficulties arose during the past year, of which we had no 
conception at the meeting at Buffalo, and which, if anticipated, 
would have, no doubt, been provided for. Under the condition 
of affairs growing out of the nine-hour law, and a hostile 
demonstration of a new organization, we found ourselves 
engaged in a conflict, without, so to speak, a dollar in our 
pockets. The per capita tax had been exhausted as rapidly as 
received by demands made upon it by the different unions in 
conflict prior to November I, 1887. Placed in this peculiar 
position — with an enemy determined at the outset to break 
down, if possible, our organization — it became our duty, in the 
maintenance of men who were engaged in the struggle, and the 

415 



History of The Typographical Union 

preservation of the union from the threatened dissolution — as 
expressed by themselves — to exhaust every means by which our 
men should be able to meet the contest. Realizing that this was 
an occasion where prompt action was necessary to strengthen 
the unions and uphold their hands, and knowing that if a 
determined stand was not taken, it would have an effect national 
in its character, a circular was issued by the executive council 
calling upon subordinate unions to voluntarily contribute such 
amounts as their membership, would permit. To this circular 
I am sorry to say that the amount received was as a .drop in 
the bucket. While some unions responded, the greater number 
did not, and the amount was a mere pittance in comparison 
with the necessities. In this dilemma, finding that voluntary 
action was a broken reed to rely upon when want was clamoring 
for relief, the council endeavored to borrow money from the 
subordinate unions, so as to meet the pressing importunities. 
To this appeal a few unions responded, and a few hundred 
dollars was the result. Standing upon the verge of defeat, and 
having exhausted every available means under the law to help 
our unfortunate brethren, the cry came up to us, from Louis- 
ville, Chicago, St. Louis, Portland, Rochester, and other places, 
"Help us, or we perish," and praying us to make an assessment 
as the only means by which financial aid could be extended to 
those suffering for the necessities of life in the defense of a 
principle, and which fight had much to do in keeping the 
struggle from the door of every union in the country. And 
here let me say that if those unions that responded so nobly 
had failed to do so, a blow would have been struck at our 
organization which would have been paralyzing in its effect. 
The members of those unions involved would not have been 
strongly impressed with the motto, "An injury to one is the 
concern of all," and a feeling of distrust and a want of faith 
would have been the result, which would have been calamitous 
to us and reassuring to our opponents. 

Feeling that the cry of these unions should be heard, your 
executive council believed that there was a higher law — the 
law of self-preservation — and issued a circular, calling upon 
subordinate unions to assess their members $1 each. A great 
many unions nobly responded upon the instant, not stopping to 
discuss the legality of the assessment, but knowing that these 
unions were in pressing need and that their necessities demanded 

416 



Convention at Kansas City, 1888 

an immediate and a liberal response. A great many who had 
been unfortunately involved in contests were unable to respond, 
and in such cases were exempted. The Pacific coast was allowed 
to keep its assessment, applying it to that section of the country. 
Some protested and refused to assess themselves. But in a 
great measure, the necessities of those unions were met and 
relieved. Your executive council feel the comforting assurance 
that their action has not only been good for the craft, but that 
it has been productive of a confidence in our organization which 
would not have been accomplished had it not been for the 
prompt manner in which the local unions responded to the call, 
and the assistance received from that assessment went far 
toward making the typothetae (or the leading spirits) pause 
and consider the magnitude and the danger of attempting to go 
too far in their efforts in making war upon our organization; 
and at the same time awakened us to the important fact that 
not only should we be prepared for emergencies, but that our 
actions should be controlled by a careful consideration in com- 
mencing hostilities ; that we should study the situation as to the 
probabilities of success; that we should coolly and calmly 
weigh our demands in the scales of justice; that it is no child's 
play to engage in strife without the exercise of prudence and 
wisdom; that it is a two-edged sword, cutting right and left; 
and that the experience of the past year, which has caused 
such an expense and estrangement to both, will awaken a 
mutual respect and conservative course; and that it will be a 
means whereby this body will legislate so as to prevent, in the 
future, strikes that occur without being founded upon fore- 
thought. These, therefore, are some of the reasons which 
actuated the executive council in the making of the assessment. 
They feel satisfied that the dangers which threatened this 
organization were averted by their action, and whether their 
course is approved or not, they can lay the flattering unction to 
their souls, they left no means untried, when the cry of distress 
was heard, to alleviate the condition of those who were helpless 
financially. We are willing to take the responsibility, be it 
what it may, with the consciousness that, had we not pursued 
this course, the International Typographical Union today 
would be in a more discontented condition, and your officers 
would have received more blame for not doing what they did 
than for what they have done. 

417 



History of The Typographical Union 

Pascoe Dejalcation — The committee appointed at the 
Buffalo session, in 1887, to audit the books of former 
Secretary Pascoe, submitted a report in accordance with 
the terms of the resolution authorizing their appoint- 
ment. The committee reported an apparent shortage of 
$2,239.98. The report of the auditing committee was 
referred to a special committee of three and this latter 
committee submitted the following resolutions to the con- 
vention : 

First. That the president of the International Typograph- 
ical Union be authorized and instructed to appoint a member of 
Philadelphia Union No. 2, who shall be a citizen of the city 
of Philadelphia, to prosecute the said David M. Pascoe to the 
full extent of the law, in a court of criminal jurisdiction. 

Second. That the name of David M. Pascoe be dropped 
from the list of permanent members of the International Typo- 
graphical Union and placed among the list of those expelled. 

Third. That said David M. Pascoe be immediately expelled 
from the subordinate union of which he is now a member, and 
that he shall not again be eligible to membership in any union 
under the jurisdiction of this International body, and that the 
financial secretary of Philadelphia Union is hereby positively 
instructed to refuse the said David M. Pascoe a working or 
traveling card. 

Fourth. That the sum of $51.24 be appropriated from the 
general fund of the International Typographical Union and 
paid over to the trustees of the Childs-Drexel fund to make up 
the deficiency caused by the defalcation of the said David M. 
Pascoe. 

Fifth. Your committee recommends further that in view of 
the apparent impossibility of straightening out the accounts of 
subordinate unions with the International Typographical 
Union, relating to the strike fund, the entire apparent indebted- 
ness of the former to the latter l>e cancelled and charged to 
profit and loss. 

Childs-Drexel Fund — The board of trustees of the 
Childs-Drexel fund submitted a report of their steward- 
ship. They reported information to the effect that the 

418 



Convention at Kansas City, 1888 

plan being followed of making contributions on the birth- 
days of Messrs. Childs and Drexel had increased the fund 
to a total of more than $16,000. 

Printers Home — A special committee on location for 
a home for indigent and decrepit printers, appointed 
at the Buffalo session, had not accomplished anything 
in the way of investigation of the proposed sites during 
the year — in fact, the committee had not met. A letter 
from John D. Vaughan, a member of the committee, 
addressed to the convention, is herewith reproduced : 

As one of the special committee to whom was referred the 
resolution of "locating a home for indigent and decrepit 
printers," I have the honor to submit the following, which may 
be appended to any report on the subject, having been unable to 
confer with Messrs. Triplett and Wilkins, the other members 
of the committee. 

There are many advantageous locations for such an insti- 
tution, particularly in western Texas, southern California and 
throughout Colorado. From personal observation and reliable 
information, I may be justified in calling attention in particular 
to Austin, Los Angeles and Denver as health resorts embracing 
favorably known sanitary conditions. In addition to being 
centrally located on the continent, Denver possesses the desir- 
able advantage of more salubrious climate. Located on an 
elevated plain, surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery, 
Denver is blessed with clear skies, pure air and water, warm 
sunshine and delightful breezes to cheer, invigorate and 
strengthen the invalid. Unequaled summer seasons and mild 
and pleasant winters have given Denver the distinction of being 
the sanitarium of the world. The invigorating air and limpid 
waters of the mountain streams and artesian wells can not be 
duplicated outside of Colorado, which contains within her 
limits more natural health resorts and curative mineral waters 
than are to be found elsewhere in the world. 

The establishment of a home for indigent printers of 
America by the International Typographical Union, is at this 
time impracticable, in my opinion. To found and maintain 
such an institution would require the fortune of a Childs or a 
Drexel, or an immense revenue to be derived only by heavy 

419 



History of The Typographical Union 

annual per capita assessments. The former is not available, the 
latter plainly inexpedient and unjust. 

In lieu of the establishment of such a home, or the invest- 
ment of the Childs-Drexel fund in the erection of a typograph- 
ical hall or monument, it may be advisable to suggest that the 
fund be disposed of in the endowment of a hospital at Los 
Angeles, Austin or Denver, where a ward may be assigned for 
invalid printers. The execution of a scheme of this description 
may be accomplished through the fund now on deposit in Phila- 
delphia, and it would not only afford relief to many worthy 
and needy printers, but it would also relieve the unions at 
sanitary resorts of the heavy, unequal and constant burden of 
caring for the sick of sister unions. 

Also a communication from C. G. Wilkins of the com- 
mittee : 

As the junior member of the committee on permanent loca- 
tion for a home for indigent printers, I have endeavored to find 
the chairman of that committee (Mr. Triplett) by communica- 
tion and otherwise, calling in the assistance of President Aimi- 
son in my efforts, which have been futile. President Aimison, 
however, will perhaps be able to give your body information 
in the premises. For this reason, and also that no assistance has 
been rendered by the officers of the International Typographical 
Union in helping the committee or any part thereof, I am 
reluctantly compelled to say that as far as any report from the 
undersigned is concerned none can be given. 

American Federation of Labor- — The report of the 
delegates to the convention of the American Federation 
of Labor, held in the city of Baltimore, December 13-17, 
1887, contained the information that 57 delegates were 
in attendance, representing 40 organizations, with 2,450 
subordinate unions or branches, and a total membership 
of 600,340 in good standing. The credentials of two 
delegates from the Washington (D. C. ) Federation of 
Labor were rejected, after a favorable report of the 
committee on credentials, for the alleged reason that the 
Washington Federation, being composed of 16 assemblies 
of Knights of Labor and but 3 trades unions, was not in 

420 






Convention at Kansas City, 1888 

sympathy with the trade union movement. One of the 
rejected delegates from Washington, E. W. Oyster, being 
a member of Columbia Typographical Union No. 101, 
was later appointed by President Aimison to fill a vacancy 
in the delegation from the International Union. This 
appointment, however, was virtually rejected by the con- 
vention, a motion being made and carried to defer action 
until receipt of credentials signed and sealed in proper 
form by the president and secretary-treasurer of the 
International Union. 

The following paragraph from the report of the dele- 
gates to the convention of the federation will be of 
interest : 

The report of the committee appointed to revise the consti- 
tution, as adopted, either leaves out or modifies almost all of 
the objectionable features of the old constitution. At the last 
meeting of the International Typographical Union consider- 
able opposition was manifested to a' provision in the old law 
requiring national and international unions to apply for a 
charter before they could be represented in the federation. A 
feeling seemed to prevail that to do so would be to acknowledge 
the supremacy of another organization, which a majority were 
decidedly averse to doing. Being in sympathy with this feeling, 
and believing that we expressed the minds of union printers 
generally on this question, we, while on the floor of the federa- 
tion, gave that body to understand that the International Typo- 
graphical Union would acknowledge allegiance to, or recognize 
the supremacy of, no other organization, nor would she apply 
for, or receive, a charter from that or any other body. This 
resulted in having this clause so changed that any national 
organization can become a member of the American Federation 
without compromising herself or lowering her dignity in the 
least. A fair .construction of the constitution on this subject, 
as it now stands, is that bodies represented have allied, affili- 
ated or federated themselves together for certain purposes in 
which all are supposed to have an equal interest, and each is 
to receive a "certificate of affiliation" as evidence of such fact, 
it being specifically set forth in the constitution that each is to 
remain supreme in the control of its own trade affairs. 

421 



History of The Typographical Union 

Through being able to inaugurate concerted effort to secure 
legislation in the interest of trade unionists and laboring people 
generally, this organization can be made of great benefit if 
properly managed. Benefit will also result from bringing 
together, annually, representative men from the various national 
and international trade unions, where opinions may be ex- 
changed, and the proper management and discipline of trade 
organizations discussed. Such meetings will result in all the 
participants gaining new and practical ideas, which will be 
especially valuable if each organization will adopt the plan of 
sending its executive officers as its representatives. Almost every 
national union has some feature of special excellence, and any 
one adopting the good points of all will become more perfect, 
and no better place can be found for becoming conversant with 
these good points than at meetings of this kind ; hence, in recom- 
mending, as we do, that the International Typographical Union 
continue to affiliate with the various organizations comprising 
the American Federation of Labor, we would suggest that the 
president and two members of the executive council, but more 
especially the president, be sent as delegates to the next annual 
convention, which meets in St. Louis, Mo., December 10, 1888, 
for the reason that those officers are in better position to put 
in force anything of practical benefit they may be able to 
observe. 

Executive Council Meeting — The sessions of the con- 
vention having extended over a period of six days, and 
the delegates being anxious to return to their homes, 
a resolution was passed that all unfinished business on the 
secretary's desk at the hour of final adjournment 
be referred to the executive council, which met immedi- 
ately following adjournment. Several propositions of 
minor importance were passed upon at this meeting of 
the executive council, while others were laid over to be 
considered at a later date. 

The Brotherhood — Three of the resolutions postponed 
were as follows : 

By Messrs. Mansfield and Bushnell (San Francisco), by in- 
structions of San Francisco Typographical Union No. 21 : 

Resolved, That any member of a subordinate union who shall 

422 



Convention at Kansas City, 1888 

be convicted, after due and regular trial, of being a member of 
any organization which demands as a qualification for member- 
ship that the applicant shall hold membership in the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, or any union subordinate thereto, 
unless such organization has been authorized by the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, shall be expelled, provided, that 
nothing in this resolution shall be construed to apply to the 
Union Printers Mutual Aid Society of San Francisco, an asso- 
ciation of printers formed for the purpose of caring for the sick 
and burying the dead. 

By Mr. Nolle (Washington) : 

Resolved, That subordinate unions be instructed to incorpo- 
rate in their by-laws the following : It shall be unlawful for a 
member to associate himself with any society or combination 
composed exclusively of printers having for their object the 
manipulation or giving out of positions, the shaping of legisla- 
tion, or the controlling of the offices of the union. Any member 
found guilty of such an offense shall be expelled. 

By Mr. Hays (Minneapolis) : 

Resolved, That should any organization be found to exist, 
and be proven to be in existence at any time, whose members are 
composed of union printers and whose object is to take advan- 
tage of any union printer who is not a member, or to in any way 
affect or control the legislation of the International Typograph- 
ical Union, each and every person found to belong to such 
organization shall be declared unfair, and published in the list 
of unfair men. 

Denver, Colo., was chosen as the convention city 
for 1889. 

Officers, 1888 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, Edward T. Plank, San 
Francisco ; first vice-president, L. C. Hay, Leavenworth, 
Kan. ; second vice-president, Columbus Hall, Washing- 
ton, D. C. ; third vice-president, P. J. Weldon, Chicago; 
secretary-treasurer, W. S. McClevey, Chicago. Trustees 
Childs-Drexel fund — August Donath, Chester, Pa.; 
James J. Dailey, Philadelphia; Frank S. Pelton, Chicago. 
District Organizers — -Michael J. Nolan, Albany; O. R. 
Lake, St. Louis; John C. Hook, Memphis; J. J. Jones, 

423 



History of The Typographical Union 

Pittsburgh; J. F. Keefer, St. Catharines, Ont. ; John R. 
Winders, San Francisco; Charles W. Hills, Minneapolis. 
Delegates to American Federation of Labor — John B. 
Lawlor, Columbus, Ohio; Robert Y. Ogg, Detroit; James 
Pym, Boston; E. C. Ives, St. Paul. 



424 




s 






h V 







\Y. S. AIcCLEVEY, Chicago 

Secretary-Treasurer International Typographical Union 

June 10, 1887 -January 28, 1853 



Conventions of the 

International Typographical Union 

from 1889 to 1900 

(inclusive) 

THIS chapter includes the conventions held at Den- 
ver, 1889; Atlanta, 1890; Boston, 1891 ; Philadel- 
phia, 1892; Chicago, 1893; Louisville, 1894; Colorado 
Springs, 1896; Syracuse, 1898; Detroit, 1899, and Mil- 
waukee, 1900, covering the administrations of Presidents 
Edward T. Plank, William B. Prescott and Samuel B. 
Donnelly. This period covers the intermediate history 
of the International Typographical Union and includes 
the work of reorganization following the Kansas City 
convention of 1888, the period of the introduction of the 
typesetting machine into the printing industry, together 
with the erection and early development of the Union 
Printers Home, publication of the Typographical Jour- 
nal, the creation of a burial fund, the six-day law, the 
referendum and other interesting and important data. 

Convention at Denver 

[1889] — The attendance at the International conven- 
tion in Kansas City, 1888, encouraged the delegates from 
western states to insist that the next session be held at 
Denver. A few years prior to this period such a proposi- 
tion would have been considered impossible of accom- 
plishment, but the gradual growth in numbers of the 
organization, the many new charters issued in the west 
and middle west, encouraged the belief that a convention 
in that section was not only quite possible but altogether 
desirable. That the judgment of the delegates attending 
the Kansas City convention in choosing Denver as the 

425 



History of The Typographical Union 

next convention city was well-timed is evidenced by the 
fact that when the first session of the thirty-seventh con- 
vention was called to order by President Plank 94 subor- 
dinate unions were represented by 129 delegates. 

Reorganization — Following the lead of the Kansas 
City convention, the delegates at Denver proceeded with 
the task of completing the thorough reorganization of the 
union. Numerous amendments to the constitution and 
general laws were offered, many of which stand as part 
of the organic law of the present time. It was at this 
convention that the Typographical Journal, the official 
paper of the union, was created, the first issue of that 
publication bearing date of Indianapolis, July 15, 1889. 

Union Printers Home — Perhaps the most important 
action of the convention was the acceptance of a proposi- 
tion offered by the Board of Trade of Colorado Springs, 
donating a site for the Union Printers Home. The follow- 
ing suggestions bearing on the subject were received by 
the convention : 

The Albany, Denver, Colo., June 12, 1889. 
To the International Typographical Union. 

Understanding that you are considering the advisability of 
founding a home for the sick and indigent members of your 
union, we take the liberty of presenting the following proposi- 
tions for your worthy consideration : 

We offer to deed to your union, in fee simple, eighty acres of 
land lying within one mile east of the city of Colorado Springs 
subject to the following conditions: 

First. That your union begin the erection of a home on said 
land within the period of two years from the date of said deed, 
said home to cost not less than the sum of twenty thousand dol- 
lars, and to be completed within one year from the date of the 
commencement of said building. 

Second. That your union shall have the right to sell any 
portion of said tract not exceeding sixty acres at any time after 
the date of said deed, the proceeds of said sale or sales to be 
placed in the hands of a trustee mutually acceptable, to be 

426 



Convention at Denver, 1889 

applied by him, if by you desired, toward the erection of a home 
on this tract, or to be paid over to the present owners of said 
tract in event of failure to commence the erection of a home 
within two years, as above specified. 

Third. That the taxes on said land for the two years shall 
be borne by the union (it being guaranteed that the taxes shall 
not exceed one hundred dollars per annum) , the amount of said 
taxes to be reimbursed to the union in event of failure on your 
part to acquire said tract of eighty acres. 

Fourth. That the deed for said tract shall be placed in 
escrow with some mutually acceptable party, to be delivered to 
your union upon compliance with the foregoing conditions. 

In behalf of the Board of Trade of Colorado Springs, by 

Louis R. Ehrich, President. 

The Albany, Denver, Colo., June 12, 1889. 
To the International Typographical Union. 

In further explanation of the accompanying proposition, we 
call your attention to the following facts : 

First. That the eighty acres offered for the location of your 
home is valued at four hundred dollars per acre. 

Second. That the value of that part of the tract, available 
for purposes of sale, if the growth of the city of Colorado 
Springs in the next five years is at all proportionate to its 
growth in the past five, will, in the year 1894, represent a 
market value of from one hundred thousand to two hundred 
thousand dollars. 

Third. That the cool, bracing summer climate, combined 
with its mild, equable winter climate, in addition to its superior 
social character and beautiful scenic surroundings, make Colo- 
rado Springs an ideal place of residence. 

Fourth. That the leading physicians of our country have 
virtually agreed in characterizing Colorado Springs as the most 
perfect natural sanitarium and health resort in the world for 
the cure of all forms of throat and lung diseases, diseases to 
which printers are especially liable. 

Fifth. That Colorado Springs is on the natural highway 
between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and that, geographic- 
ally speaking, it is nearly in the center of the United States. 

Sixth. That in the acceptance of our proposition the union 
has everything to gain and nothing to lose ; that it places 

427 



History of The Typographical Union 

eighty acres of valuable land within your option of acceptance, 
giving you a period of two years in which to' resolve to prose- 
cute the erection of a home, or to relinquish the project ; that 
the expenditure of twenty thousand dollars will supply an insti- 
tution, well built of brick or stone, containing ample accom- 
modations for thirty persons; that the proper maintenance of 
such an institution would not exceed seventy-five hundred dol- 
lars per annum, a tax of about twenty-five cents per year on 
each member of your union ; that the establishment of such a 
home on the highway of continental travel would naturally draw 
to itself the attention of many wealthy and charitably disposed 
citizens, and that endowments and bequests would inevitably 
come which would assist you in building up a home worthy of 
the strength and influence of your union ; that we are perfectly 
satisfied to extend to you the privilege of a two-year considera- 
tion of our proposition because we are persuaded that a mature 
deliberation as to what will be for the highest and best interests 
of your organization, added to a careful, conservative investi- 
gation as to all the relative advantages of location, will lead 
you to an irresistible conviction that your union ought to 
maintain a home for the sick and indigent of your craft, and 
that it ought to be located in the city of Colorado Springs. 
In behalf of the Board of Trade of Colorado Springs, by 

Louis R. Ehrich, President. 

Other communications and resolutions offering sites 
for a home were received, but, in the judgment of the 
convention, the Colorado Springs proposition was the 
most acceptable. 

Colorado Springs Selected — On the day following 
the receipt of the foregoing communications, President 
Ehrich of the Board of Trade of Colorado Springs 
addressed the convention in favor of locating the home 
in that city. At the conclusion of Mr. Ehrich's address, 
Delegate Lambert (Austin, Tex.) moved that the offer 
of the citizens of Colorado Springs be accepted by a 
rising vote. The proposition was formally accepted 
in this manner. A resolution was then adopted appoint- 
ing the president, vice-presidents, and the secretary- 

428 



Convention at Denver, 1889 

treasurer a special committee to arrange the details of 
formally accepting the proposed site, taking such legal 
steps as were necessary in connection therewith. 

The proposition to accept the proposed site for the 
Union Printers Home in Colorado Springs was also 
approved by the referendum, the vote being 4,828 for, 
1,532 against. 

Relations With American Federation of Labor — 
President Plank in his annual report, referring to the 
International Union's relations with the American Fed- 
eration of Labor, said: "At the last session of the 
International Union four delegates were elected as rep- 
resentatives to the American Federation of Labor, which 
met in St. Louis in December last. To these gentlemen 
was referred the report of their predecessors of the year 
preceding, and they were instructed to have the recom- 
mendations contained in the report adopted by the 
American Federation of Labor. The relations existing 
between the International Union and the federation are in 
an unsettled condition, and the whole matter was really 
placed in the charge of the delegates elected. The Inter- 
national Union had paid nothing to the federation for the 
previous year, and under the laws of the federation was 
not entitled to representation until payment was made. 
The matter was submitted to the council, and the conclu- 
sion reached was that we were bound to meet our indebt- 
edness. The question was then submitted to the delegates, 
and it was finally decided to pay pro rata of expenses to 
June last and per capita from that date. Of the gentle- 
men elected as delegates, Messrs. Pym of Boston and 
Lawlor of Columbus declined to serve. Mr. Taylor of 
Louisville, being alternate, was furnished credentials 
in place of Mr. Pym. Messrs. Brennan of New York and 
Snyder of Topeka declined to serve; Mr. Michaels of 
Brooklyn could not be heard from after repeated efforts 

429 



History of The Typographical Union 

(he being away from home), and, wishing a full delega- 
tion present, I appointed a St. Louis man on the day the 
federation met. Mr. Lake accepted the appointment 
and joined the other representatives. The convention was 
in session several days, and among other conclusions 
arrived at was one setting a time for the inauguration 
of an eight-hour working day. Another was the adop- 
tion of an amendment to the constitution providing for 
an assessment to raise means to aid the different organiza- 
tions in cases of trouble. 

"The following letter in reference to the inauguration 
of the eight-hour movement has been received from 
Mr. Gompers, president of the American Federation of 
Labor, under date of May 20th : 

"My attention has been called to an erroneous impression 
that has gone forth that the resolution adopted at the St. Louis 
convention of labor implies a simultaneous strike of all the 
working people of the country for eight hours, May 1, 1890. 
I beg to assure you that nothing was further from the intention 
of the convention than the adoption of a resolution implying a 
general strike. I was in continual communication with the com- 
mittee having that subject under consideration, I presided at 
the convention during the discussion upon this report, and not 
one of the advocates uttered a single remark that could bear 
such an interpretation. The fact of fixing upon a certain date 
was advocated because it would concentrate the efforts of the 
working people about a certain given point, it would crystallize 
the discussion of this important question and would encourage 
the workingmen to remain true to and become members of their 
respective trade organizations. You are no doubt aware of 
how ardent an advocate I am for the reduction in the hours of 
labor, but I assure you that in the present condition of organized 
labor no movement looking to a general strike upon so early a 
date would receive my countenance or support. We want 'eight 
hours,' we are determined to have 'eight hours,' we shall try to 
aid those who are in a condition by May I, 1890, to obtain 
'eight hours,' and hope to receive their assistance in return at 
some future time. The agitation for the reduction of the hours 

430 



Convention at Denver, 1889 

of labor will not end in 1890. So long as there is a wrong in 
existence, so long as there is one person seeking employment and 
can not obtain it, so long will there be work for our organiza- 
tions. * * * Trusting that your approaching convention 
may be largely attended (as I know it will be), that your de- 
liberations be harmonious and successful, I have the honor to 
subscribe myself, 

"Yours fraternally, 

"Samuel Gompers, 
" President American Federation of Labor/' 

Biennial Elections and Conventions — At the previous 
convention the laws had been amended, extending the 
term of office of all officials to cover a period of two 
years, instead of one year. It was also provided that 
conventions should be held biennially, beginning after the 
convention of 1889. This peculiar condition — holding 
conventions biennially, on odd years, and electing officers, 
biennially, on even years — created considerable confu- 
sion. During the progress of the convention at Denver 
an attempt was made to proceed with the election of 
officers for the ensuing term. President Plank ruled that 
such action would be out of order, the officers having 
been elected at Kansas City for a period of two years. 
This decision was upheld by a vote of 59 ayes, 57 noes, 
but the constitution was later amended providing for 
annual elections and annual conventions. 

Pascoe Defalcation — Under the order of the Kansas 
City convention the president had been instructed to 
appoint a member of Philadelphia Typographical Union 
to prosecute David M. Pascoe, but it was later determined, 
upon legal advice, that the president could not appoint 
any one to prosecute Pascoe, but might do so himself. 
Acting accordingly, a warrant was sworn out by President 
Plank and Pascoe was arrested. An indictment was 
returned by the grand jury and the case proceeded to 
trial. Upon a ruling by the court that the ex-secretary's 

431 



History of The Typographical Union 

books, having passed through numerous hands since they 
left his possession, could not be offered as evidence, thus 
destroying all chance of conviction, the case was dropped. 
The Referendum — The constitution was amended so 
as to require a referendum vote on all proposed constitu- 
tional amendments and laws involving increased taxation 
offered in the future. This referendum proviso as orig- 
inally enacted was as follows : 

Amendments to this constitution shall be referred by the 
convention of International Union to subordinate unions. The 
convention of the International Union shall have power to enact 
general laws for the government of the craft; provided, how- 
ever, that laws involving an increased taxation shall be sub- 
mitted to subordinate unions. Subordinate unions shall discuss 
the proposed amendments at their regular meetings in July and 
August and at the conclusion of the discussion at the August 
meeting, or within ten days thereafter, a vote shall be taken 
for and against the proposed amendments, and the vote in detail 
forwarded, under seal, to the secretary-treasurer of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, on or before September 30th, 
when the president, second vice-president and secretary-treas- 
urer shall, at the headquarters of the International Union, 
canvass the vote and declare the result to the craft, and should 
a majority of the votes cast be in favor of the amendment it 
shall from that date be in force. 

Executive Council — President Plank, in his annual 
report, called attention to the fact that section 6, article 
vi, of the constitution provided for an executive council 
consisting of the president, the vice-presidents, the secre- 
tary-treasurer and the seven district organizers. It was 
provided that the council should hold stated meetings 
in the city of Indianapolis during the first week in May 
and November of each year for the transaction of general 
business, and that it should assemble at any time at the 
call of the president, or at the request of five members, 
for the consideration of any special business named in the 
call. On account of the depleted condition of the union's 

432 



Convention at Denver, 1889 

treasury and because of the great expense attached to 
a meeting, it had been found necessary to transact the 
council's business during the year by correspondence, 
it not having been possible to call the executive body 
together. One of the propositions submitted to the refer- 
endum by the convention provided for an executive 
council consisting of the president, vice-presidents and 
the secretary-treasurer, eliminating the organizers. This 
law was adopted by a three to one majority. 

Insurance Plan — After the discontinuance of the 
insurance feature and the donation of $10,000 by Messrs. 
Childs and Drexel, many schemes to create a satisfactory 
insurance plan had been suggested, and in order to dis- 
pose of the question three propositions were placed before 
the referendum following the Denver convention — the 
first was known as the Cobb plan, introduced by Jacob 
Cobb, Cincinnati ; another was called the cigar makers' 
plan, and a third requested a vote either for or against 
an insurance feature of any kind. The Cobb plan received 
859 votes, the cigar makers' plan 841 votes and 3,805 
votes were cast disapproving any insurance plan. 

Minor Legislation — Minor legislation enacted by the 
convention included a provision, introduced by Delegate 
Sutton of Washington, D. C, that on all charters issued 
in future no other name be recognized than that of the 
city or town in which the union was located. It was also 
ordered that the constitution, by-laws, rules of order and 
general laws be printed in pamphlet form, separate from 
the proceedings. It was further provided that, in order 
to meet the introduction of typesetting machines in all 
offices within the jurisdiction of the International where 
typesetting machines were used, practical printers only 
should be employed to operate them, and subordinate 
unions were instructed to regulate the scale of wages on 
such machines. A resolution was adopted recognizing 

433 



History of The Typographical Union 

the Inland Printer of Chicago as the technical trade 
journal of the printing industry and cordially recommend- 
ing it to the support and patronage of the craft. 

The Typographical Journal — Secretary - Treasurer 
McClevey, in issuing the first number of the Typograph- 
ical Journal, said : 

One of the best results of the recent session of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union is the birth of the Typographical 
Journal, the official paper of the International Typographical 
Union of North America. The immediate cause of its coming 
into existence was the adoption of the following amendment to 
article xiii of the constitution : 

"Section i. There shall be published monthly, by the 
secretary-treasurer, a paper of four pages, 14x10^2 in size, 
to be non-political and non-sectarian, and to be known as the 
Typographical Journal, official paper of the International 
Typographical Union of North America, which sriall be, so 
far as practicable, the International Typographical Union's 
official organ of communication to subordinate unions. It shall 
contain the substance of appeals and the president's decision 
thereon; reports of the auditing committees; balancing of the 
monthly bank accounts, monthly receipts, disbursements and 
arrearages ; official orders ; charters granted ; charters sus- 
pended, and the causes; shall publish a list of names and 
addresses of corresponding and financial secretaries of subor- 
dinate unions free, and such unions as desire to publish a list 
of the names of their officers shall be charged therefor at the 
rate of one dollar per line per year; state of trade; notices of 
changes in the scale of prices ; all applications for membership, 
and such other matter as may be of interest and importance to 
the craft generally; provided, nothing herein contained shall 
prohibit said officers from printing more than four pages of 
said paper when deemed necessary; provided further, that one 
copy of said paper shall be furnished free to each chapel, and 
three copies to the president, secretary and chairman of execu- 
tive committee of each union ; additional copies to be furnished 
to members of subordinate unions, or other persons, at twenty- 
five cents per year." 

The Journal's field for usefulness is wide, its possibilities 
for good are great ; and, coming as it does, as the official paper 

434 



Convention at Denver, 1889 

of an organization whose record is the very essence of stability, 
it is destined to be still in its prime and full vigor when our 
present youngest members shall have passed away. It is estab- 
lished for the general good of all our members — not for the 
special benefit of any individual — and its successfulness is the 
concern of not only the management but of every member under 
the jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union, and 
whether it shall penetrate every part of the field which lies 
open to it ; whether the full strength of its power for organizing 
new unions shall be wielded ; whether the looked-for solidarity 
of the unions already in existence shall be more thoroughly 
realized ; whether all these shall be accomplished — and it is 
for the success of these that the Journal is established — depends 
largely upon the spirit of the co-operation afforded by the 
membership. 

As the strength of an organization is measured by the degree 
of interest manifested in it by its members, so, too, will be 
gauged the power of the Journal. Let us all, then, do our 
part toward making it a paper much to be desired. Let the 
secretaries of the different unions perform promptly the duty 
of furnishing information as to the "state of trade, notices of 
changes of prices, and applications for membership" and take 
cognizance of and forward all "matters as may be of interest 
and importance to the craft generally," and thus make the 
Journal, what in the full sense of the term it is intended to be, 
the official representative of the International Typographical 
Union. 

Atlanta, Ga., was selected as the convention city 
for 1890. 

Delegates to American Federation of Labor and Paris 
Exposition — Philip Corcoran, St. Paul, Minn., was 
elected organizer for the seventh district, vice Charles 
W. Hills, Minneapolis. Thomas J. Harrison, Philadel- 
phia, and J. D. Vaughan, Denver, were elected delegates 
to the American Federation of Labor. It was determined 
to send delegates to the International Typographical 
Congress and to the International Labor Congress, to be 
held in Paris during the exposition period. J. A. Caron, 
Montreal, and Thomas Crowley, Cincinnati, were elected 

435 



History of The Typographical Union 

to attend the Typographical Congress, and W. S. 
Waudby, an honorary member of Washington, D. C, 
Union, was selected to represent the International at the 
Labor Congress. 

Convention at Atlanta 

[1890] — The thirty-eighth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union convened in the city of 
Atlanta, Ga., June 9, 1890, 149 delegates representing 
1 1 1 unions being in attendance. 

President Plank congratulated the convention upon the 
excellent condition of the organization. He called atten- 
tion to the many propositions which would be offered 
for consideration and dwelt upon the necessity of giving 
close attention to all subjects presented. The president 
took occasion to compliment and congratulate the mem- 
bership upon the establishment of the Typographical 
Journal and, after commenting upon the usefulness and 
saving realized by the issuance of the Journal, recom- 
mended "that the Typographical Journal be issued 
semi-monthly and the secretary-treasurer authorized to 
insert advertisements appropriate for such a journal." 

American Federation of Labor — The relation of the 
International Union with the American Federation 
of Labor was next treated in the president's report, the 
subject of that relationship being of general interest at 
the time. A portion of the report is herewith reproduced : 

At the thirty-seventh session of the International Typo- 
graphical Union its attention was called to the fact that the 
American Federation of Labor, at its session in December pre- 
ceding, had set a time for the inauguration of an eight-hour 
working day, and had submitted to a vote of the membership 
an amendment to the constitution of that body providing for 
an assessment to raise means to aid the different organizations 
in cases of trouble. The amendment was in effect that an 
assessment of two cents per member per week may be levied 

436 



Convention at Atlanta, 1890 

for a term of five weeks. The International Typographical 
Union took no action relative to the establishment of a shorter 
workday, or submission of the amendment relative to the 
assessment to a vote of our members. 

At the session of the federation in Boston last December 
the International Typographical Union was represented by 
Messrs. Robert Ogg, of Detroit; E. C. Ives, of St. Paul; John 
Vaughan, of Denver, and H. M. Ives, of Topeka. In their 
instructions, those gentlemen were informed of the following 
resolution adopted at the Denver session : "That the delegates 
to the Boston session of the American Federation of Labor be 
instructed to advocate a reduction of per capita tax to not 
exceed one dollar per month for each one thousand members," 
and that it was in accord with previous instructions and recom- 
mendations of the International Typographical Union to secure 
decrease of her per capita tax. Their attention was also called 
to the fact that the International Typographical Union has 
given unmistakable expression to its determination to preserve 
its autonomy and jealously guard and control matters pertain- 
ing to our craft, as illustrated by its refusal to lose its identity 
in the Knights of Labor, or take a charter from any other 
organization. Your representatives were not successful in se- 
curing a decreased per capita tax. The article relative to 
assessments was declared to have been adopted, and under it a 
claim was made upon your officers early in the year for an 
assessment of two cents for each of our members. There being 
no authority for the payment of this money, it remains unpaid. 
Recently a claim has been presented for an assessment of ten 
cents per member (which is the limit of assessments which may 
be levied in one year as represented to us), and it has not been 
paid for the reason given above. The latter assessment included 
the former one of two cents. 

Under date of May 16, 1890, the following letter from the 
American Federation of Labor was received by your secretary- 
treasurer : 

"Dear Sir and Brother : In compliance with the decision 
of the Boston convention of the American Federation of Labor, 
held December last, the executive council selected the United 
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America to make 
the demand for the inauguration of the eight-hour workday 
May 1, 1890. As you are well aware, the demand was made on 

437 



History of The Typographical Union 

the date named, and that in a large number of cities and towns 
the demand has been acceded to. Official information from the 
headquarters of the United Brotherhood states that there are 
nearly 13.000 members of the United Brotherhood of Carpen- 
ters and Joiners of America yet on strike to enforce the demand, 
and in all likelihood they may be out on strike for several 
weeks yet to come. The brotherhood pledges itself to exhaust 
every dollar in its own treasury before calling upon the Ameri- 
can Federation of Labor for any of the funds raised by the 
assessment, but urges that should the necessity arise the funds 
should be available. A call for the first assessment of two cents 
per member was made, and the moneys paid in are in the hands 
of the treasurer of the federation. In compliance with the de- 
cision of the executive council of the American Federation of 
Labor, I now call upon the affiliated national and international 
trade unions to remit the balance of the remaining five weeks' 
assessment of two cents per week per member, in order to 
carry out our obligations and to be used if necessary to attain 
complete success in our eight-hour struggle. Should the funds 
raised by this assessment not be required by the carpenters and 
joiners for the attainment of success in their struggle, it may 
be required to be used in the struggle of the trade or trades 
next selected to make the demand. Should they not be, the 
moneys will remain intact, to be either used in the struggle 
that may affect our organization or subject to be returned to 
the organizations which forwarded them, subject to the decision 
of the next convention of the American Federation of Labor, 
should no necessity for the fund exist. 

"The amount due from your organization is two thousand 
dollars. This is based upon the last report made to this office. 
Should any increase or diminution in your membership have 
taken place since then, please make the change and remit at 
your earliest convenience. It is superfluous for me to add how 
important a prompt response to this call is, and although having 
attained so large a degree of success in our movement, and the 
encouragement it gives to the whole working classes of the 
country and the world for organization and improved condi- 
tions for the toilers, we must not allow our movement to receive 
a set-back from a lack of promptness in responding to the call 
for aid. Now, more than ever, is it essential that the trade 
unions of our country should recognize the solidarity so neces- 
sary for the success and advancement of our movement. 

438 



Convention at Atlanta, 1890 

"I desire to add that this call is the last that can be made 
for assessments in one year under the constitution of the Ameri- 
can Federation of Labor. 

"Fraternally yours, 

"Samuel Gompers, President." 

In reply thereto the president of the American Federation of 
Labor was advised that, as the officers of the International 
Typographical Union were not authorized to pay the assess- 
ment, the matter would be referred to this convention, and the 
subject is now laid before you for your consideration. The mat- 
ter of our relations with and duty toward the American Feder- 
ation of Labor is one demanding your careful and earnest 
consideration, and should be promptly acted upon by you. 

The convention ordered that the assessment levied by 
the federation be paid. 

Organization — The report of the president also 
showed that during the year 34 charters had been issued, 
11 were revoked and 15 surrendered. Of the charters 
surrendered, 1 1 w r ere from pressmen's unions, "the rea- 
sons for which," says the report, "is probably traceable 
from the attempt to secede from the jurisdiction of the 
International Union and build up an organization com- 
posed exclusively of those engaged in that portion of the 
business." 

Strikes — The past year had been productive of many 
cases of trouble in the matter of strikes, lockouts, etc., 
and the defense fund had been very heavily drawn 
on because of these troubles. The president deplored 
the fact that the idea was so prevalent among the mem- 
bership that to strike was the best remedy existing for 
real or imaginary grievances, especially in view of the 
emphatic declaration that the International Union recog- 
nized strikes as detrimental to the best interests of the 
craft. That careful legislation and conservative and 
cautious action was necessary was urged upon the dele- 
gates. The convention amended the general laws, 
limiting strike benefits and conserving the defense fund. 

439 



History of The Typographical Union 

Pressmen — The report of Vice-President Hall drew 
attention to the repeated efforts to detach the pressmen 
from the International Typographical Union. In com- 
menting on the situation, Mr. Hall said : 

Eleven unions have gone out from among us since the date 
of my last report, and but four have been added. This has 
involved the loss of 469 members. The reason for this diminu- 
tion is to be found in the assiduous endeavors being made to 
build up the International Printing Pressmen's Union — an or- 
ganization enjoying the favor of the typothetae. It was my 
fortune last year, under date of November 15, to address a 
circular to the pressmen of the United States and Canada, 
calling their attention to the close connection between these 
two bodies. My assertions were denied in the same month by 
T. J. Hawkins, secretary-treasurer International Printing Press- 
men's Union, but striking proof of them is afforded in the fact 
that both organizations will meet in Boston on the first Tuesday 
in September, 1890, a simultaneous determination on the part of 
those concerned in it. 

This is said by way of warning to all pressmen contemplat- 
ing leaving the International. Whatever momentary encourage- 
ment the International Printing Pressmen's Union movement 
may receive, its backers and their followers must finally per- 
ceive their error. The times favor extended combination among 
trade as well as other organizations. The smaller unions, either 
local or national, are finding their only safety in numbers and 
universal, compact organization. With this natural tendency, 
it must be that those who are now lured away by vain promises 
and false hopes, through consequent misfortunes, will be com- 
pelled to return. Whatever causes of complaint pressmen may 
in the past have felt they had against the International Typo- 
graphical Union have all been removed by its later action. 

Recently repeated efforts have been made to detach the 
pressmen in the government printing office from the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union and cause them to join the Inter- 
national Printing Pressmen's Union. Foremen and assistant 
foremen of the day force have brought pressure to bear upon 
members of our body for continuing therein, and solicited them 
to join the International Printing Pressmen's Union. This has 
proceeded so far that, to end the annoyances to which our 

440 













EDWARD T. PLANK, San Francisco 

President International Typographical Union 

Tune 14, 1888 -Tune 13, 1891 



Convention at Atlanta, 1890 

brothers are subjected, I feel compelled to ask you to officially 
call the attention of the public printer to the matter. Our 
members should not be exposed to danger because of their 
belonging to the International Typographical Union. 

A forcible attempt has been made by the seceders from the 
International Typographical Union to carry into the Inter- 
national Printing Pressmen's Union the property of the older 
organization. This has led to a lawsuit brought by us to pro- 
tect our rights, and the supreme court of the District of 
Columbia has granted an order restraining James E. Hardy 
and Frank Frazer, the president and secretary of the new union, 
from turning over the property of Washington Printing Press- 
men's Union No. 1, International Typographical Union, to the 
International Printing Pressmen's Union, and also from using 
the name of Washington Printing Pressmen's Union No. 1 in 
the official transactions of any body not acting under the Inter- 
national Typographical Union. 

Stereotypers — The report of the third vice-president 
was a very encouraging document, showing a gain of five 
new unions of stereotypers and electrotypers during the 
year, with a total membership in that branch of 455. 

Printers Home — Acting upon the recommendations 
contained in the reports of the trustees of the Childs- 
Drexel fund, and of the special committee appointed at 
the Denver convention to arrange for the transfer of the 
Home site from its donors to the Union, the convention 
adopted a law creating the Childs-Drexel Home for 
Union Printers, as follows : 

First. The Home shall be incorporated under the laws of 
the state of Colorado. 

Second. The Home shall be governed by a board of trustees, 
thirteen in number. The trustees to be elected each year for a 
term of five years. The present trustees of the Childs-Drexel 
fund to serve as trustees of the Home for five years ; the present 
trustees of the Home to be continued in office for four years, 
and seven trustees to be elected by this body; one for three 
years, three for two years, and three for one year. Any person 
within the jurisdiction of the International Typographical 
Union shall be eligible as trustee. 

441 



History of The Typographical Union 

Third. The moneys now known as the Childs-Drexel fund 
shall be transferred to the board of trustees of the Home to be 
used by them in building and maintaining the Home, as also 
all moneys now subscribed and which may be subscribed and 
paid in as contributions during the present fiscal year. 

Fourth. A per capita tax shall be levied — the vote upon 
which shall be taken before the 31st day of August, 1890. 

Fifth. The treasurer of the board of trustees shall give a 
bond in the sum of $50,000 for the faithful care of the moneys 
intrusted to him; said bond shall be procured from a solvent 
guarantee company, at the expense of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. 

Sixth. The board of trustees shall have power to regulate 
and determine the uses and purposes of the Home; they shall 
meet and organize 1 within ten days after adjournment of this 
convention, and shall issue to local unions an address outlining 
the proposed manner of conducting the Home, etc. 

Seventh. A sum of money, not exceeding $100, shall be 
appropriated from the funds of the union to defray the ex- 
penses necessary to the carrying out of the preceding section. 

Eighth. The trustees shall present annually to this union 
a complete and comprehensive printed report of their proceed- 
ings, together with such recommendations as may be deemed 
necessary for the future security and welfare of the Home. 

Ninth. The president, secretary and treasurer of the 
trustees of the Home shall attend the annual convention of the 
International Typographical Union. 

Tenth. The Home shall be known as the Childs-Drexel 
Home for Union Printers. 

Home Trustees — Complying with the provisions of 
the above law, a board of trustees consisting of thirteen 
members was elected and a proposition to levy an assess- 
ment of $1 per capita, submitted to the referendum, was 
approved, thus insuring sufficient funds to complete the 
erection of the main building of the Home in accordance 
with the plans proposed. 

The Referendum — The spirit of reorganization and 
the desire to strengthen the International organization 
was still manifest at the Atlanta convention, 25 refer- 

442 






Convention at Atlanta, 1890 

endum propositions in all being submitted to the member- 
ship. The result of the vote upon these questions showed 
a lively interest taken by the members at large in the 
various subjects presented for consideration, 23 of the 25 
propositions being carried. Two proposed amendments 
to the constitution were defeated — one being to increase 
the salary of the president of the International from 
$1,400 to $1,800 per annum and the second to establish 
a mileage relief system similar to the relief system of the 
cigar makers' union. 

Minor Legislation — New features of general interest 
added to the constitution included an amendment giving 
an opportunity to the smaller unions of being repre- 
sented at the annual sessions of the International body 
by combining with other unions of less than 100 members 
in the selection of a delegate. The recommendation of 
President Plank suggesting the semi-monthly issuance 
of the Typographical Journal, and accepting suitable 
advertisements for the paper, was concurred in, and the 
wholesome provision to the effect that the charter of any 
subordinate union failing or refusing to pay its per capita 
or any moneys, or any part thereof, within three months 
after becoming due, should be suspended, was also 
adopted. 

Six-Day Law — A new general law was submitted by 
Mr. Walter, of Cincinnati, as follows: 

No compositors on newspapers shall be permitted to work 
more than six days per week if substitutes can be obtained. 

Miss F. L. Taylor, delegate from Cincinnati Union, 
moved to amend the proposed law by striking out the 
words "six days" and inserting the words "five days on 
an average." On a yea and nay vote, both the amendment 
and the original section were laid on the table. 

Following the defeat of the proposition Miss Taylor 
introduced another amendment to the general laws. 

443 



History of The Typographical Union 

No member of a subordinate union shall work on a morn- 
ing newspaper more than five days in any one week where a 
substitute can be obtained; provided, that a member may give 
notice to the chairman of the chapel of an intended protracted 
absence and for one month either before or after such absence 
he may work as often as he chooses. 

The proposition was referred to the committee on laws, 
which reported the same with an amendment striking out 
the word "five" and inserting the word "six," thus pro- 
posing a six-day law. On motion of Delegate Riland, 
Omaha, the proviso was stricken out. The proposition 
as amended was adopted by a vote of 91 ayes, 14 noes. 
A motion to submit the law as adopted to a popular vote 
of the membership was laid on the table. An amend- 
ment was adopted including six-day evening papers pub- 
lishing a Sunday morning edition in the category of 
seven-day morning papers. During the discussion of the 
proposition, the following telegrams were read : 

Cincinnati, Ohio, June 11, 1890. 
Miss Frances L. Taylor, International Typographical Con- 
vention Hall, Atlanta, Ga. 
Your, five-day amendment is creating intense indignation 

among your friends. . ^ 

& J Alexander Duguid. 

Cincinnati, Ohio, June n, 1890. 
Miss Frances L. Taylor, (care W. S. McClevey), Kimball 
House. 

Many thanks to you and those who stood by you in efforts 
in behalf of five-day rule. Move reconsideration. 

Many Cincinnati Printers. 

Delegates to Paris Congress — The reports of the dele- 
gates to the International Typographical Congress and 
to the International Labor Congress, held in Paris, 
France, were submitted to the convention. Both were 
interesting documents, containing much information 
regarding conditions of labor in Europe, and it was 

444 



Convention at Boston, 1891 

ordered that the same be printed in full in the minutes 
of the convention. 

The convention adjourned to meet in Boston, Mass., 
in June, 1891. 

Officers, 1890 — Officers for the ensuing year, includ- 
ing organizers and trustees of the Childs-Drexel Home 
for Union Printers, were elected as follows : President, 
Edward T. Plank, San Francisco; first vice-president, 
H. J. Loser, Nashville; second vice-president, J. Von 
Buettner, Galveston, Tex. ; third vice-president, P. J. 
Weldon, Chicago; secretary-treasurer, W. S. McClevey, 
Chicago. District organizers — Edmund Beardsley, 
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; George Harry Stone, St. Louis, Mo. ; 
Samuel R. Freeman, Birmingham, Ala. ; Victor B. Will- 
iams, Chicago; James C. Reynolds, Ottawa, Ont. ; John 
R. Winders, San Francisco ; Michael A. Cummings, St. 
Paul. Trustees of the Childs-Drexel Home for Union 
Printers — August Donath, Washington, D. C. ; J. D. 
Vaughan, Denver, Colo. ; W. S. McClevey, Indianapolis ; 
James J. Dailey, Philadelphia; Frank S. Pelton, Chicago; 
Edward T. Plank, Indianapolis; Columbus Hall, Wash- 
ington, D. C. ; Amos J. Cummings, Washington, D. C. ; 
William Aimison, Nashville; James G. Woodward, 
Atlanta, Ga. ; George W. Morgan, Atlanta, Ga. ; Will 
Lambert, Austin, Tex., and W. H. Parr. Toronto, Ont. 
Delegates to American Federation of Labor — Alexander 
J. Mullen, Minneapolis ; Frank L. Rist, Cincinnati ; G. B. • 
M. Houston, Lynn, Mass. ; Thomas P. White, New 
Orleans. 

Convention at Boston 

[1891] — The thirty-ninth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union met in Faneuil Hall, Boston, 
June 8, 1 891, with 170 delegates in attendance, repre- 
senting 120 subordinate unions. 

445 



History of The Typographical Union 

The report of President Plank showed a gratifying 
growth during the year, there having been chartered 
38 typographical, 10 pressmen's, 6 stereotypers' and elec- 
trotypers' and 3 pressfeeders' unions. 

American Federation of Labor — Of the relations of 
the Typographical Union with the American Federation 
of Labor, the report said, in part : 

The movement last year in the building trades to establish 
a short-hour workday taxed the resources of the federation, 
and when the season was drawing to a close correspondence 
was opened with President Gompers relative to the support 
which might be looked for and the time when such support, 
moral and financial, could be given to a movement for a 
shorter workday for our craftsmen. In reply I was informed 
that the matter would be referred to the executive council of 
the federation, at its meeting at Detroit, on December 7th last, 
and unquestionably by that body referred to the convention to 
be held the next day. As the general law (section 131) pro- 
vides that if conferences of the executive council with the 
officers of the federation be favorable to the adoption of a 
movement in the direction of shorter hours it shall be submitted 
to a popular vote of subordinate unions, it was thought best to 
get a personal conference with the executive council of the 
federation, and Mr. Gompers was requested to withhold the 
correspondence until he should hear further from us. The ex- 
ecutive council did not meet as anticipated, and though I was 
in Detroit during the convention it was impossible to obtain the 
interview desired, as no meeting of the council took place until 
after the convention adjourned. In the meantime the miners 
made a claim for the support of the federation the present 
season, and when the council met the correspondence with us 
was laid before it and Mr. Gompers wrote to me later that 
he was directed to communicate to us the adoption of the fol- 
lowing resolution: 

"Resolved, That in view of the selection of the miners by 
the convention to demand the enforcement of the eight-hour 
workday on May 1, 1891, the American Federation of Labor 
is not in a position to promise any financial support to the 
International Typographical Union pending this movement, 

446 



Convention at Boston, 1891 

and that it hopes, in the near future, to be able to select the 
International Typographical Union to make a similar demand 
and give it the federation's support." 

Referring to the assessments which might be levied 
by the American Federation of Labor, the report said: 

As the authority to pay assessments is not expressly con- 
ferred by our laws (though it is implied by section 131, general 
laws), your officers have not paid the assessment. The above is 
the only assessment yet levied this year as is learned by recent 
letter from Secretary Evans. It would be well, in my opinion, 
to authorize your executive officers (by resolution to that 
effect) to pay such assessments as may be levied by the Ameri- 
can Federation of Labor, in accordance with the constitution of 
that body, and thus relieve them of the uncertainty of their 
duty in many cases. To pay out to the federation large sums 
of money as assessments is very apt to make the officials hesi- 
tate where authority to pay is not more clearly defined than it 
is in our laws at present. 

The convention authorized the payment of the assess- 
ment levied by the federation. 

The report of the delegates to the American Federation 
of Labor contained a synopsis of the proceedings of the 
Detroit session from which is taken the following para- 
graph : 

We have submitted to the attention of members an extract 
from the report of the eight-hour committee, which was 
adopted, wherein the federation reaffirms its intention to secure 
the eight-hour workday for all affiliated crafts, taking up one 
at a time. The miners were selected this year and should the 
members of the Boston session deem the time propitious to ask 
for the eight-hour day, they should lose no time in presenting 
their claims to the executive council of the American Federa- 
tion of Labor. 

The committee to whom the report was referred made 
no recommendation further than that the same be 
accepted. 

The Referendum — Under the heading "Constitutional 

447 



History of The Typographical Union 

Amendments," attention was directed to the workings of 
the law requiring all constitutional amendments to be 
referred to the subordinate unions for ratification or rejec- 
tion, and the opinion was expressed that, as all such 
amendments were sent to the referendum, there was a 
tendency among delegates to be less careful in considering 
such amendments than they probably would be if their 
action was a finality. On the other hand, it was apparent 
that the membership in voting upon the proposed amend- 
ments was apt to give less consideration or thought 
to matters that had already been passed upon and 
approved by the delegates. 

Membership, etc. — A recapitulation of the financial 
affairs of the union for the year showed a satisfactory 
condition, although the expenditures had somewhat 
exceeded the receipts. The average membership during 
the year, based upon the amount of per capita tax 
received, was 25,165. That the Typographical Journal 
had proved to be a valuable asset was shown by the 
report of the secretary-treasurer, it being pointed out 
that 14 new unions had been started as a result of mailing 
sample copies of the Journal. An unusual number of 
strikes and lockouts had occurred, 75 disturbances of that 
character having taken place during the year, 27 of 
which had been supported by the executive council. 

Pressmen — The second vice-president, in his report, 
deplored the lack of general data and the absence of fra- 
ternal feeling necessary to the furtherance of the interests 
of the pressmen. He said : 

There is but one way to preserve intact the pressmen mem- 
bership of our organization, and that is to frame our laws and 
so consolidate the pressmen with the printer, in our social and 
fraternal relations, as to make each branch of the trade feel 
the protection and help of the other. 

I would suggest that local unions be requested to give more 
attention to unionizing pressrooms connected with union print- 

448 



Convention at Boston, 1891 

ing offices, and that a more determined effort be made to induce 
pressmen to become members of typographical unions in towns 
where no pressmen's union exists ; and, furthermore, that press- 
men would take more interest in the Journal and bring into 
its columns for discussion matters pertaining to their branch 
of the printing trade. 

Commenting upon the status of the seceding pressmen, 
the vice-president said : 

These men are certainly not lacking in union principles, 
and yet we can not receive their cards or recognize them as 
union men. I think it would be wise for the International 
Typographical Union and the International Printing Press- 
men's Union to come to some understanding whereby each 
organization could recognize the cards of the other, and which 
would sooner or later result in consolidation ; for surely nothing 
good can come from an internal war among the union pressmen 
of the country. By meeting upon a basis of fairness and fellow- 
ship an understanding can very likely be reached, as the 
printer and pressmen are of one calling and natural allies, 
and can only find their highest interests by mutual co-operation. 

The committee to which was referred the report of the 
second vice-president subsequently submitted the follow- 
ing, which was adopted : 

Your committee would recommend that it be enjoined upon 
typographical unions everywhere to use every possible effort to 
unionize pressrooms. 

Your committee would also recommend that the interchange 
of cards between the International Typographical Union and 
the International Printing Pressmen's Union be not permitted. 

Copyright Law — The committee on copyright legisla- 
tion appointed at the previous session reported that a bill 
acceptable to the International Typographical Union had 
passed the congress and become a law. By the terms 
of the law, it was provided that in future every book 
copyrighted in the United States must be manufactured 
here. "Not only wall the first edition be put in type in this 
country," said the report, "but any subsequent edition 

449 



History of The Typographical Union 

during the existence of the copyright — 28 years; and the 
copyright may be renewed so as to make the period of 
existence of the copyright 42 years." Continuing, the 
report said, "The Thurman amendment which would have 
permitted the unlimited importation of books, subject to 
the tariff duty, if any, was eliminated and in its stead was 
inserted a provision permitting the importation, subject 
to duty, if any, of two copies, for use, and not for sale." 

The report contained a number of extracts from the 
senate and house proceedings and the correspondence 
between the committee and the representatives. Numerous 
accounts of the efficacy of the committee's labors were 
received from publishers, authors and others, conceding 
that the printers were the principal factor in the fight 
which culminated in the enactment of the law. 

In concluding its report, the committee made the fol- 
lowing recommendations : 

We are, therefore, somewhat apprehensive for the future 
of that (typesetting clause) feature of the new law; and to the 
end that our officers may at any time have authority to move 
in defense of that clause, your committee recommends that the 
present session clothe the officers of the International Typo- 
graphical Union with power to appoint a committee and take 
all other necessary precautions in the future, should it become 
necessary, to preserve the integrity of the typesetting clause of 
the new international copyright law. 

The new law will not become operative until July 1, 1 89 1. 
It will probably require a year and a half or two years' time 
to fully demonstrate its advantages to our craft. It is im- 
portant that our officers should have data with which to make 
comparisons to prove the utility of the law to the book printers. 
We, therefore, recommend that this body require its officers 
to ascertain the number of compositors employed on July I, 
1 891, in the principal book publishing houses in New York, 
Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago, the price of composition, 
the number of hours of the day's work in each house, the num- 
ber of time hands, piece hands, pressroom data, and such other 
information as will be useful in the work of comparison. 

450 



Convention at Boston, 1 891 

The committee to whom the foregoing was referred 
subsequently submitted the following as its report, which 
was adopted : 

On the first recommendation of the committee on copyright, 
that the International Typographical Union officers appoint a 
committee to take necessary precautions to preserve the type- 
setting clause in the international copyright law, the committee 
reports favorably. 

On the second recommendation of the same committee, that 
the union require its officers to ascertain number of compositors 
employed, hours of work, price of composition, and other data, 
in publishing houses in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and 
Chicago, committee reports favorably. 

Important Legislation — Of the legislation enacted by 
the Boston convention perhaps the most important was 
the creation of a burial fund, the amplification of the 
six-day law and the increase of the per capita tax to 25 
cents per month, including 10 cents per month to be set 
aside for the maintenance of the Union Printers Home. 

Nine-Hour Day — A proposition to declare a nine- 
hour day in the printing industry was submitted to the 
referendum and failed of adoption, the vote in its favor 
lacking 332 of that required for ratification. The total 
vote cast on the proposition was 12,896. Under a ruling 
of the International president that a three-quarter vote 
was necessary to ratify, it would have required .9,672 
affirmative votes. Of the total vote, 9,340 were in favor 
an< 3 3,556 against the proposed law. That the proposi- 
tion had been submitted without due consideration was 
apparent because of the near date when it was proposed 
to declare the law in effect and because of the many 
existing agreements with employers which would not 
expire until after the date for the law to go into effect 
and for which no provision was made. The result of the 
vote on the nine-hour proposition, however, marked a 
stage in the growing sentiment for a shorter workday. 

451 



N 



History of The Typographical Union 

While the measure failed to receive endorsement by a 
three-quarter vote, the evidences of the near approach 
to the time when the final effort would be made were 
unmistakable. The positive instructions to prepare there- 
for were expressed in the vote. Editor McClevey of 
the Typographical Journal, in announcing the failure 
of the proposition, said that through correspondence re- 
ceived at his office it was evident that the members in 
general were favorable to the shorter day move- 
ment, and he could not recall a single instance where 
objection was made to the measure itself, and that this 
feeling was also shared by not a few of the employers 
who recognized the drift toward the shorter workday, 
conceding that their acquiescence could be withheld but 
a short time longer. 

Amendments to Constitution — Changes in the consti- 
tution, all of which were adopted by the referendum, 
were as follows : 

( I ) Authorizing the issuance of charters to unions 
of editors and reporters; (2) providing that a member 
to be eligible to election as a delegate must reside 
within the jurisdiction of the union which he seeks to 
represent, and be a member thereof at least six months 
prior to the date of election; (3) amending the certificate 
of election as delegate to cover the foregoing require- 
ment; (4) making the president of the International a 
delegate to the American Federation of Labor; (5) pro- 
viding for hotel expenses of the president when compelled 
to travel on account of business; (6) creating a salary 
for the vice-president representing the stereotypers ; 

(7) striking out the six months' exemption for the pay- 
ment of per capita tax allowed newly organized unions ; 

(8) striking out the stated hours of meeting of the con- 
ventions and placing the power to fix the hours of meeting 
and adjournment with the delegates; (9) striking out 

452 



Convention at Boston, 1891 

the section prescribing the acceptance of invitations 
unlawful; (10) instructing the president to collect and 
publish data relative to sick, out of work and death 
benefits; (11) the creation of a burial fund; (12) author- 
izing the president to appoint a member of the local union 
to assist in canvassing the vote on amendments 5(13) pro- 
viding that all laws shall be in effect on and after 
November 1, except when otherwise provided; (14) 
levying an assessment of 10 cents per month for the 
Childs-Drexel Home for Union Printers. 

Burial Benefits — The burial benefit law was without 
question the most important of the new measures. It 
was a new departure by the International and marked 
the beginning of a new epoch in the history of the 
organization, an era of greater attractiveness, stronger 
adhesion and increased utility. Commenting editorially, 
the Typographical Journal said that the introduction 
of a measure of this character by the International Union 
brought with it the introduction of business principles 
which must be strictly adhered to by subordinate unions. 

Priority — A "priority" law, introduced by Delegate 
Seaman, Cincinnati, and amended by the laws committee, 
was made a special order of business by the convention 
and a prolonged debate followed. The proposed law had 
been discussed from time to time by correspondents in 
the Typographical Journal and much interest was mani- 
fested in the disposition of the question by the Boston 
convention. The proposed law, after the consideration 
of numerous amendments, was defeated. 

Typesetting Machines — That the membership was 
beginning to awaken to the possibilities of the typesetting 
machine is evidenced by a report on that subject sub- 
mitted by a special committee of investigation. The 
report is herewith reproduced, it having been adopted 
by the convention. 

453 



History of The Typographical Union 

Your committee appointed to consider the need of additional 
legislation in the matter of typesetting machines beg leave to 
report as follows: 

From statistics presented to them, they are satisfied that the 
manufacture and introduction of apparatus for mechanical 
typesetting is rapidly increasing, and that under certain condi- 
tions machines can be economically operated. 

It therefore behooves this body to 1 enact such laws as will 
secure to the members of our subordinate unions a fair share 
of the lessened cost of production resulting from their use. 

We are of the opinion that the principal factor in the eco- 
nomical operation of typesetting machinery is the employment 
of highly skilled and intelligent labor, and that this is to be 
found in the ranks of our union. 

We find that the disregard of the equitable claims of organ- 
ized labor by the proprietors or manufacturers of some machines 
renders it difficult for their competitors who are well disposed 
toward our body to give as full consideration to our wishes as 
they otherwise would do. 

We find that the cost of production on machines varies to 
such an extent with the circumstances of their operation as to 
prevent us making a general and tabulated report on this 
matter. 

Our recommendations in this matter are : 

First. That the executive council be empowered to negoti- 
ate with the manufacturers of the various typesetting machines, 
to the end that none but members of the subordinate unions may 
be employed as operators on them; and that a list of all such 
manufacturers as are willing to co-operate with the executive 
council in this matter be furnished to the secretary of every 
subordinate union for the information of its members. 

Second. That the scale of prices and other regulations re- 
garding the operation of machines be left to subordinate unions. 

Third. That a weekly or time scale be adopted for the 
operation of machines. 

Fourth. That the work upon machines, being of a more 
exhaustive character, both physically and mentally, than hand 
composition, that the hours of labor upon them be reduced to 
the lowest possible number — eight hours being the maximum. 

Fifth. That, as under certain circumstances the operation 
of some machines may result in the impairment of the health 

454 



Convention at Boston, 1891 

of the operator, this body take steps that will insure the 
hygienic conditions being as perfect as possible. 

This committee acknowledges its obligations to Messrs. 
Myrick Waites (No. 13), Boston, and Franklin P. Eddy 
(No. 33), Providence, R. I., for valuable information 
furnished. 

Union Printers Home — The report of the board of 
trustees of the Childs-Drexel Home for Union Printers 
was a document covering many pages of the proceedings 
and including a volume of correspondence together with 
many matters of statistical interest regarding the 
expenditures made for the erection of the Home build- 
ings and the contracts entered into. It also contained 
a set of rules and regulations for the government of the 
Home. The document was referred to a committee, 
which reported that all legal instruments necessary in 
connection with the Home had been executed by com- 
petent persons, learned in the law, and that every pre- 
caution had been taken to assure the organization, through 
its board of directors, possession of the valuable property 
that was being acquired. Regarding the composition of 
the board, some desire had been expressed to reduce 
its number. After consideration of this question, it was 
ordered by the convention that the board be requested 
to reduce the number of trustees from thirteen to seven. 
Regarding the dedication of the Home buildings, the con- 
vention concurred in the suggestion that the birthday of 
George W. Childs be celebrated thereby. 

Philadelphia was selected as the meeting place for the 
convention of 1892. 

Officers, 1891 — Officers for the ensuing term were 
elected as follows : President, William B. Prescott, 
Toronto; first vice-president, James McKenna, New 
York; second vice-president, J. Von Buettner, Chatta- 
nooga, Tenn. ; third vice-president, P. J. Weldon, 



455 



History of The Typographical Union 

Chicago; secretary-treasurer, W. S. McClevey, Chicago. 
District organizers — Edmund Beardsley, Brooklyn; J. F. 
Klunk, Kansas City; Samuel R. Freeman, Birmingham; 
Victor B. Williams, Chicago; J. W. Patterson, Ottawa, 
Ont. ; John R. Winders, San Francisco ; Charles Aber- 
nathy, Ogden, Utah. Trustees Childs-Drexel Home for 
Union Printers — August Donath, Washington, D. C. ; 
J. D. Vaughan, Denver, Colo. ; W. S. McClevey, 
Indianapolis; James J. Dailey, Philadelphia; Frank S. 
Pelton, Chicago ; Edward T. Plank, Indianapolis ; 
Columbus Hall, Washington, D. C. ; William Aimison, 
Nashville; James G. Woodward, Atlanta; George W. 
Morgan, Atlanta. Delegates to American Federation of 
Labor — O. A. Williams, Pittsburgh; William C. Boyer, 
Omaha; W. E. Shields, Washington, D. C. ; Frank A. 
Kidd, Chicago. 

Convention at Philadelphia 

[1892] — The fortieth convention of the International 
Typographical Union assembled in the Drexel Institute 
at Philadelphia, June 13, 1892, with 187 delegates in 
attendance. 

REVIEW OF OFFICERS' REPORTS 

In his annual report President Prescott congratulated 
the craft on the progress made during the year, both in 
the increased number of unions and members and in the 
degree of animated spirit and ability to cope with unfore- 
seen obstacles which had so astonished its detractors 
and won the respect and admiration of all. While there 
had been no diversion from the policy of settling disputes 
between employers and employes by means of conference 
or arbitration, the union had resolutely and persistently 
insisted upon the recognition by employers of the labor- 
er's right to a voice in determining what remuneration 

456 




WILLIAM B. PRESCOTT, Toronto 

President International Typographical Union 

Tune ii, 1891 -October 31, 1898 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

he should receive for his labor and the conditions under 
which it might be sold. The report deplored the fact 
that there still remained in the trade many who con- 
sidered it beneath their dignity to consult with their 
employes on matters of mutual interest. Continuing, the 
president said : 

If I were asked what points in our armor were the most 
vulnerable, I should unhesitatingly reply that lack of ample 
means for effective resistance and inability to concentrate our 
forces in aiding each other in maintainig our just and equitable 
rights and privileges were our weakest points. Much as we may 
deprecate conflicts, they can not be avoided unless we consent 
to accept conditions repugnant to our ideas of true manhood. 
If we are to successfully cope with our adversaries and render 
assistance in the moral, mental and material improvement of 
our members, we must realize the truth of the axiom that wealth 
is power and is the god of industrial battles, and have at our 
disposal a plethoric treasury ; that the existence of a large fund 
for defensive purposes— demonstrating our ability to prolong a 
struggle once entered into — would have a salutary effect on 
unfair employers is amply demonstrated in the case of Pitts- 
burgh, where the most pugnacious of the employers freely admit 
that had they any idea that our resources were so inexhaustible 
as they afterward proved to be there would have been no strike. 
Taking this case as a fair illustration, it is for us to consider 
which is the greater economy — to amass a large defense fund, 
which will save us from strikes, add to our respect for our- 
selves, and consequently gain the respect of others, or to 
spend more money in difficulties which the lack of a proper 
defense fund has brought upon us? Of course, a large defense 
fund means higher dues — and higher dues it must be if we are 
to keep upward and onward with the march of the age and 
ultimately attain those objects for which we are striving. In 
the past much has been accomplished on slim treasuries, but 
the conditions have changed. Formerly non-union men could 
not be so easily mobilized, nor were we menaced by organized 
efforts in that direction, and it is manifest that we can not 
hope) to improve our position by ignoring the difficulties that 
surround us. Let us look all such matters square in the face 
and provide the necessary remedy. The conclusion of progress 

457 



History of The Typographical Union 

on this line means the establishment of what is known as a 
strong organization — an organization that can achieve results, 
and in whose welfare every member and every dependent on 
that member is vitally interested, in a financial sense. If we 
take the trouble to look at sister organizations, both in this 
country and in Europe, we find that those unions which have 
the minimum of difficulties, whose wishes are deferred to by 
employers, and whose members take the most interest in their 
organization's welfare, are strong unions, charging dues largely 
in excess of ours, and that this has in a large measure con- 
tributed to their success is undisputed. 

Organization Work — Organization work for the year 
had proceeded vigorously, 46 charters having been issued, 
although 22 had been surrendered and 9 suspended. The 
president directed attention to the need for greater 
activity in the field of organization, also to the extraor- 
dinary efforts of self-seeking men to mislead printers 
working outside of the beneficial influences of the 
organization, which of necessity and as a matter of self- 
preservation imposed upon the union the high and impor- 
tant duty of seeing to it that the country printers were 
not misled by these parties and manipulated to the detri- 
ment of themselves and the debasement of the craft. Con- 
tinuing, the president said : 

I am convinced that the first step necessary to the accom- 
plishment of appreciable results in this direction is a thorough 
reformation of our laws governing districts and organizers. 
When the state deputy system was discarded and the present 
extensive district scheme adopted it was thought the extended 
area would make it possible to secure the services of more 
active and suitable men than were previously obtainable. While 
the change may have attained the desired end, the parsimonious 
appropriation placed at the disposal of our organizers pre- 
cluded the achievement of notable results. Another baneful 
feature is the one-year term — altogether too short a term for 
such an official as organizer. A novice, be he ever so energetic 
and enthusiastic, barely gets thoroughly acquainted with the 
territory over which he has supervision, or the manifold duties 

' 458 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

which the office imposes upon him, in less than twelve months, 
and as the law now stands, his term expires just as he is best 
fitted to do himself justice and perform effective work for the 
organization. 

A most convincing argument in support of the contention 
that our present district system is inadequate to meet the 
exigencies which confront us is that during the past year there 
have been organized six state unions and one sub-district union, 
and this in face of the fact that such combinations are purely 
voluntary, not being fostered or even recommended by Inter- 
national law. The printers of Indiana are the pioneers in this 
movement, and the union in that state has been instrumental 
in producing good results, not only in organizing new unions 
but in assisting the several subordinates owing it allegiance to 
rid themselves of deterrent influences and in fusing life into 
those which, through lack of interest or other cause, gave evi- 
dence of decay. There are many of our members who seek the 
abolition of our present cumbersome district system, substitut- 
ing therefor a state organization, and with them I agree, but 
would not at present vest such bodies with more power than is 
sufficient to make them an effective part of our proselyting 
machinery. 

Apportionment of Funds — Under the heading 
"Defense and Burial Funds/' the president called 
attention to the inadequacy of the apportionment for these 
funds and suggested that the assignment to each be 
increased 2^/2 cents, such increase to be secured by 
reducing the tax for the Childs-Drexel Home to 5 cents 
per month. The recommendation was concurred in by 
the convention and approved by the referendum. 

Nine-Hour Day — The president also called attention 
to the large affirmative vote cast on the nine-hour prop- 
osition. He said that events of the past few years had 
demonstrated that if a decrease in the hours was to be 
obtained, steps must first be taken by the union, and that 
it was useless to wait for some distant date when any 
considerable number of employers would be found willing 
to inaugurate a reduction of their own volition. Experi- 

459 



History of The Typographical Union 

ence did not justify the hope that the much desired 
reform would be secured without a struggle, and it was 
suggested that if any proposition be submitted to the 
membership, that it be requested only to consider a plan 
whereby the necessary funds could be accrued and the 
bare question of whether a demand for shorter hours 
should be made, naming of a day and preliminary 
arrangements being' left in the hands of a committee, 
which should be vested with power to meet and confer 
with any parties desirous of effecting a settlement. This 
committee, acting in conjunction with the executive coun- 
cil, could so arrange matters that the union would receive 
material assistance from the American Federation of 
Labor and could also obviate the necessity of prematurely 
notifying the world of its intention to demand a shorter 
workday and the date on which it was proposed to put 
the proposition in effect. The necessity for being well 
equipped financially before any move was made was 
apparent to all. In conclusion, President Prescott said : 
Our competitive system does not permit the average em- 
ployer to concede shorter hours or increased wages from 
philanthropic motives, or the self-gratification of seeing a 
worthy theory in active operation. I am aware that many will 
look upon the suggestion that we attempt a settlement by con- 
ference or arbitration as an empty one, owing to the apparent 
contempt with which previous delegations charged with the 
same mission have been treated by some representative em- 
ployers, but I submit that contempt for such a principle on the 
part of others should rather stimulate us to a more persistent 
and earnest advocacy of it, and not dampen our ardor. Certain 
it is that something more potent! than resolutions is necessary 
before a shorter-hour proposition will be treated with that con- 
sideration from employers which its justice and importance 
demands. When a move is made in that direction, our prepa- 
ration from the initial step should be such as to convince every 
opponent of the reform that we are fully cognizant of the 
obstacles to be overcome, and have the will, ability and 
determination to surmount them. 

460 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

Pressmen — ■ The report of the second vice-president 
stated that pursuant to a resolution of the International 
Union, passed at the Boston session in 1891, a committtee 
to visit the so-called International Printing Pressmen's 
Union had performed that duty, but from the tone of the 
correspondence which passed between the committee and 
the seceders it was concluded that an affiliation was not 
desired by the pressmen. A table was submitted showing 
that there were 22 pressmen's unions in operation under 
charter of the International Union, with a membership 
of 1,210, and that in addition to this there were 237 
pressmen attached to various typographical unions, 
making a total of 1,447 pressmen under the jurisdiction 
of the International Typographical Union. The same 
report showed the existence of 4 pressfeeders* unions. 

Finances — Membership — Burial Fund — The finan- 
cial transactions of the International during the year far 
exceeded those of any similar period in the life of the 
organization. The report of the secretary-treasurer 
showed receipts aggregating $113,134.49 and attention 
was called to the fact that this amount had been collected 
without friction. It was also worthy of note in this con- 
nection that the decrease in the number of derelictions 
of financial officers of subordinate unions and the high 
degree of business progress which prevailed in conduct- 
ing the affairs of the union was attributable to the fact 
that the laws of the organization covering such matters 
had been materially strengthened. It was also shown 
by the report that the average membership during the 
year was 28,187, an increase of more than 3,000 over that 
of the previous year. In referring to the burial fund, 
the report said : 

The first seven months' practical operation of the burial 
fund demonstrates the inadequacy of the percentage of per 
capita tax apportioned for meeting current liabilities of said 

461 



History of The Typographical Union 

fund, as will be seen by reference to the statement of receipts 
and expenditures made a part of this report, wherein it is shown 
that the disbursements are $2,836.58 greater than natural 
revenue yielded — this amount being paid from the general fund 
pursuant to authorization by the executive council, and agree- 
ably to the first estimates contemplating a deficiency. A careful 
estimate shows that the revenue required to enable the burial 
fund to meet its liabilities will necessitate a change in the 
apportionment so that the fund shall receive not less than 7^2 
cents per capita. 

A table was also submitted giving the age, cause of 
death and the number of deaths at given ages. The total 
number of deaths during the seven months which the 
table covered was 228 and the average age at death was 
41 years; the greatest number of deaths at any one age 
occurred at the age of 28. Of the total number of deaths 
almost one-half were caused by tuberculosis and kindred 
diseases. 

State Unions — The organizers of the various districts 
submitted very complete reports of the work in their re- 
spective jurisdictions. State unions had been organized 
during the year in New York, Massachusetts, Michigan 
and Pennsylvania, and other state unions previously in 
existence were reported to be in a healthy condition. The 
organizer of the fourth district recommended the forma- 
tion of allied trade councils wherever possible, the events 
of the-year having proved the necessity of such combina- 
tions. The reports were all referred to the committee on 
president's address, but were not reported by that com- 
mittee. 

American Federation of Labor — The report of the 
delegates to the American Federation of Labor gave an 
interesting and complete summary of the proceedings 
of the session of the American Federation held at Bir- 
mingham, December, 1891. The delegates disagreed 
with the delegates attending the Detroit session of the 

462 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

federation as to the manner of voting to the effect that 
the "voting should be according to number of delegates — 
and one vote for each delegate," and recommended a 
"vote according to membership as the only way to defeat 
schemers for their own aggrandizement and perpetuation 
in power." The report was concluded with an expression 
of the belief that the federation of labor should be 
reorganized in the near future, on a wider basis 
than then constituted, and it was contended that its then 
narrow lines of action would never be successful in eman- 
cipating labor. 

Constitutional Amendments — Perhaps no convention 
in the history of the International Union was productive 
of more legislative enactments than the session held in 
Philadelphia in 1892. Thirty-five amendments to the 
constitution were favorably considered by the delegates 
and were adopted by the referendum. A summary of 
these amendments follows : 

( 1 ) To permit members of the allied crafts to become 
members of typographical unions in cities where unions 
of their respective crafts do not exist; (2) making a 
constitutional provision of the right of officers to refuse 
to issue a charter if they have reason to believe the 
organization will not be permanent, and requiring that 
the names of applicants for charter shall be published 
in the Journal at least thirty days prior to the issuance 
of charter; (3) changing the date for holding the annual 
conventions from June to October; (4) creating the office 
of additional organizer, who shall be a practical book- 
binder; (5) providing for the election of second and 
third vice-presidents by the pressmen and stereotypers, 
respectively; (6) striking out the provision requiring 
annual reports from subordinate unions; (7) changing 
the rate of per capita tax from 15 to 25 cents — which will 
include the revenue for the Childs-Drexel Home; (8) 

463 



History of The Typographical Union 

changing the fiscal year to commence with April and 
end with March; (9) requiring that every member shall 
pay per capita tax, even though he be not working within 
the jurisdiction of any subordinate union; (10) changing 
the apportionment of the revenue so as to increase to 7^2 
cents each the defense and burial funds and reduce the 
amount heretofore allotted to the Childs-Drexel Home 
to 5 cents ; ( 1 1 ) setting aside certain days of each annual 
session for the transaction of matters of interest to com- 
positors, exclusively, and specifying days when measures 
of interest to the allied crafts may be introduced ; 
(12) a change of phraseology regarding auditing 
accounts of the Childs-Drexel Home; (13) providing 
that the Journal shall contain not less than eight pages ; 
(14) to transfer article xiv to the general laws ; (15) pro- 
viding that the president of a district union may be noti- 
fied in case of a disagreement between a subordinate 
union and an employer which in the opinion of the union 
may result in a strike; (16) requiring the organizer in 
case of a difficulty in cities where allied trade councils 
exist to call meetings of the allied trades; (17) repealing 
the section requiring the executive council to call into 
consultation the presidents of the allied trades in case 
of trouble involving said crafts; (18) striking out section 
1, article xv — the subject being covered by proposition 
10, (19) creating new article providing for the support 
of the Childs-Drexel Home, and providing that moneys 
for the Home shall be paid over to the treasurer at least 
once a month; (20) ratifying the action of the trustees 
in transferring to the board of trustees of the Childs- 
Drexel Home the land at Colorado Springs, defining 
eligibility to admission to the Home, requiring a report 
from the trustees annually, prohibiting the trustees from 
amending the articles of incorporation, constitution or by- 
laws of the corporation except as directed by the Interna- 

464 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

tional Typographical Union, and providing that the laws 
of the Home shall be published in the digest of laws of the 
International Union; (21) amending certificate of mem- 
bership so as to show the date to which bearer has paid 
per capita tax; (22) exempting the allied crafts from 
the operation of the law providing for district unions; 
(23) creating new district, comprising Oregon, Washing- 
ton and British Columbia; (24) providing that the vari- 
ous allied trades shall form trade districts; (25) making 
it compulsory on the part of unions of each district to 
form district unions; (26) providing that the vice- 
president representing each of the allied crafts shall be 
president of the respective allied trade district; (27) pro- 
viding for the organization of state unions; (28) requir- 
ing that only such amendments as are favorably acted 
upon by the convention shall be referred to subordinate 
unions; (29) adding to elective officers, nominees for 
membership on the board of trustees of the Childs-Drexel 
Home, and an agent of the International Union for the 
purposes of the Home; (30) making any member of any 
subordinate union eligible to election as trustee of the 
Home; (31 and 32) making the president and secretary- 
treasurer of the International Union president and secre- 
tary of the Childs-Drexel Home, respectively; (33) 
prescribing impeachment proceedings which may be 
applied in case of offenses by any member of the board 
of trustees of the Childs-Drexel Home; (34) prescribing 
the duties of the agent of the International Union in 
case the trustees of the Home fail to comply with the 
instructions of the International Union; and (35) requir- 
ing that detailed reports of expenditures of the board of 
trustees and proceedings of meetings of said board shall 
be published in the Journal. 

Six-Day Law — Priority — The above is an epitome 
of the changes in the organic law as the result of the 

465 



History of The Typographical Union 

fortieth session of the International Union. Other legis- 
lation comprehended in the general laws of the organiza- 
tion worthy of notice was the repeal of the six-day law 
adopted at the Atlanta convention and the final passage 
of a priority law. The action of the convention in repeal- 
ing the six-day law was received throughout the jurisdic- 
tion with many formal protests and the enactment of the 
priority law also brought forth strong opposition. Feeling 
among the members on these two propositions was so 
pronounced that the executive council determined that 
before the action of the Philadelphia convention should 
have effect the two propositions should be submitted to the 
referendum, and, immediately following the referendum 
vote on the thirty-five constitutional amendments, a vote 
was had on the priority law and the repeal of the six-day 
law. The action of the convention in passing the priority 
law was affirmed by the referendum by a majority of 
1, 66 1 votes, and the action of the delegates in repealing 
the six-day law was reversed by a majority of 2,094 
votes. 

Strike Fund — While President Prescott had strongly 
urged the creation of a strike or resistance fund pre- 
paratory to the demand for the nine-hour workday, and 
while the committee to which the president's recommenda- 
tion was referred outlined a plan contemplating an assess- 
ment of 1 cent per day upon all members of the union, 
beginning September 1, 1892, the proposition was 
defeated by the referendum, and the inauguration of a 
shorter workday received another setback. 

Minor Legislation — Minor legislation was enacted, 
including a provision requiring subordinate unions to 
elect three auditors, instructed to examine the books of 
the financial officers of subordinate unions quarterly, and 
report to the secretary-treasurer of the International 
within fifteen days after such examination. By a resolu- 

466 






Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

tion adopted, the executive council was instructed to ask 
for a conference with the officers, of the National Machin- 
ists' Union, with a view to bringing about co-operation in 
offices where typesetting machines were used. The execu- 
tive council was empowered to make any arrangement 
deemed best for the interest of the craft. 

Union Printers Home — The relations of the Interna- 
tional Union with the Childs-Drexel Home for Union 
Printers, under the charter of the latter body, were not 
what the International had intended they should be, nor 
what the craft thought they were. At the Atlanta session, 
it was generally understood that the trustees of the 
Home were elected to act in the capacity of agents for 
the members of the International in the erection of the 
buildings and in the management and control of the prop- 
erty. It was learned, however, that this intention had not 
been carried out, and the fact was reported to the dele- 
gates at Philadelphia. The publicity given the matter 
by the executive council at the time resulted in a complete 
rearrangement of the relationship of the board of trus- 
tees of the Home to the International Union. 

Pittsburgh Strike — Although the referendum had de- 
feated the proposition to establish the nine-hour day 
in all jurisdictions, by failure to return a three-quarter 
majority, in several subordinate unions the sentiment in 
favor of a shorter workday was such that incipient strikes 
were proposed by the more enthusiastic members of the 
organization, and in the city of Pittsburgh the book and 
job printers and pressmen presented a scale of wages 
which called for a reduction of hours from ten to nine. 
A meeting of the employing printers was immediately 
called and an organization formed to resist the demands 
of the local printers and pressmen. This local organiza- 
tion of employers made application and received a charter 
from the United Typothetae, the latter body promising 

467 



History of The Typographical Union 

both money and men to assist in defeating the demands 
of the union. 

A special meeting of the two unions involved was 
called to hear the report of their committee and to 
decide upon what future course to pursue. After a full 
and free discussion, it was determined to refuse to return 
to work on October i, 1891, unless the demand for a 
reduction in hours was granted. The employers failing 
to concede the nine-hour day, a strike was inaugurated 
on the day set, involving 140 printers and 40 pressmen. 
This strike was the first real clash by the typographical 
union and the typothetae, and its history, extending 
over a period of more than a year, gave real evidence of 
the determined purpose of the union to secure the shorter 
workday. During the progress of this struggle appeals 
were made for financial assistance and voluntary con- 
tributions amounting to many thousands of dollars were 
forwarded to Pittsburgh Union. 

After the strike had been in progress for a period of 
two months, the executive council of the International 
Union convened in Pittsburgh for the consideration of 
methods for carrying the strike to a successful conclusion. 
A thorough investigation was had into the existing con- 
ditions in that city and, the conduct of the strike being 
satisfactory, it was ordered by the executive council that 
a proposition be submitted to a vote of the entire member- 
ship levying an assessment of 10 cents per week, com- 
mencing January 1, 1892, and to be declared ofT at the 
discretion of the council. This proposition was endorsed 
by the referendum by a vote of 10,909 ayes, 3,259 noes. 
The assessment Was carried for a period of several 
months, when it was declared off and, later on, an assess- 
ment of 5 cents per capita was voted and continued until 
the necessity for financial assistance in Pittsburgh had 
passed, when the executive council declared it off. 

468 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

While the strike for the nine-hour day in Pittsburgh 
was not entirely successful, considering that the effort 
was purely local and that the union met with stubborn 
resistance from the typothetae, the results obtained were 
highly satisfactory. 

The Injunction — During the progress of the Pitts- 
burgh strike, the typographical union for the first time in 
its history felt the heavy hand of the injunction judge. 
The application to the court filed by the typothetae against 
the members of the local typographical and pressmen's 
unions, restricting them from picketing and from con- 
versing on the street with non-union employes of the 
typothetae offices, was handed down by Judge Porter. 
When the fact became known that an injunction had been 
issued against members of the strike committee there 
was no small amount of indignation expressed by many 
of the most influential and intelligent leaders of organ- 
ized labor in Pittsburgh, and in order to give vent to the 
pent-up indignation which the court's decision had pro- 
duced a mass meeting was called to protest. Previous 
to the meeting members of the typographical union 
formed in line at headquarters and about 700 men pro- 
ceeded to the meeting hall, passing en route all of the 
large non-union offices. In order to permit the men to 
parade, all of the morning newspapers in the city sus- 
pended work for an hour. The German Typographical 
Union of Pittsburgh also turned out to a man. Many 
persons of prominence attended the meeting and strong 
resolutions of protest were adopted. The effect of the 
injunction was more firmly to cement the ranks of the 
strikers, and activity following the injunction and 
the mass meeting was noticeable to a marked degree 
for a long period thereafter. 

Chicago was selected as the meeting place for the con- 
vention of 1893. 

469 



History of The Typographical Union 

Officers, i8p2 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, William B. Prescott, 
Toronto; first vice-president, James A. J. Hanifin, Nash- 
ville; second vice-president, H. C. McFarland, Washing- 
ton, D. C. ; third vice-president, P. J. Weldon, Chicago ; 
secretary-treasurer, W. S. McClevey, Chicago. District 
organizers — George J. Curtin, Lynn, Mass.; J. F. Klunk, 
Kansas City ; F. N. Whitehead, Galveston ; W. M. Jones, 
Louisville; J. W. Patterson, Ottawa, Ont. ; C. E. Hawkes, 
Seattle ; F. M. Pinneo, Salt Lake City. Trustees Childs- 
Drexel Home for Union Printers — -W. B. Prescott, 
Toronto ; W. S. McClevey, Chicago ; James J. Dailey, 
Philadelphia ; Frank S. Pelton, Chicago ; Edward T. 
Plank, San Francisco ; Columbus Hall, Washington, 
D. C. ; James G. Woodward, Atlanta. Delegates to 
American Federation of Labor — W. B. Prescott (presi- 
dent) ; R. M. Campbell, Memphis; P. J. Mclntyre, 
Denver; H. P. Spaulding, Boston. 

Secretary McClevey Resigns — On the 18th day of 
January, 1893, Secretary-Treasurer McClevey tendered 
his resignation to President Prescott, as follows : 

I hereby tender my resignation as secretary-treasurer of the 
International Typographical Union, to take effect as early as 
practicable. 

In severing my official connection with the organization I 
desire to express to you personally, and to the other officers of 
the International Union, my assurance of appreciation of the 
courtesies shown and advice given during our official life — 
which have been ofttimes and valuable — and desire also to 
express gratefulness for the kind forbearance on the part of 
the officers of local unions, and for the assistance rendered by 
so many of the members — all of whom have contributed to any 
success which I may have attained during my successive terms. 
Assuring you that I am not insensible to the honors which have 
been conferred upon me, and also of my gratification that our 
separation is made with such mutual good feeling and well 
wishes, I am, etc. 

470 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

Mr. McClevey had occupied the position of secretary- 
treasurer since 1887. He was chosen at a time when 
the business of the office was in great confusion, but he 
soon reduced it to order and system, conducting it 
throughout his term of office on sound business principles 
and to the satisfaction of all who had dealings with the 
office. Having been proffered a more desirable position, 
Mr. McClevey tendered his resignation as secretary- 
treasurer, which the executive council, after the books 
were examined and found correct, accepted, appointing 
A. G. Wines, St. Louis, Mo., as Mr. McClevey's suc- 
cessor. 

Convention at Chicago 

[1893] — The forty-first convention of the International 
Union was called to order by President Prescott in Mad- 
ison Hall, Chicago, on Monday, June 12, 1893. The roll 
call showed 229 delegates, representing unions from all 
the allied trades. 

After the announcement of committee appointments by 
the president, Delegate John Leddy informed the conven- 
tion that Harry E. Gamble, chairman of the New York 
delegation, had come to an accidental death by drown- 
ing on the day previous. A special committee was 
appointed, with instructions to report suitable resolutions 
expressing the sentiment of the convention, and to make 
arrangements for burial services. 

REVIEW OF OFFICERS' REPORTS 

In his annual address, President Prescott urged the 
delegates to give the officers' reports careful perusal, for 
the reason, as he said, that he felt convinced that they 
would demonstrate that notwithstanding the fact that the 
craft was in the midst of what might be termed a period 
of transition, due mainly to the rapid introduction of 

471 



History of The Typographical Union 

machinery, the International Union had made satisfac- 
tory progress in both method and accretions of member- 
ship. It was pointed out that at no time in the previous 
history of the union had the benefits of organization 
been more manifest. The union was the instrument by 
which the ever present spirit of selfishness had been 
curbed during the introduction of typesetting machines. 
The president also said that machines would undoubtedly 
exercise a most potent influence in the economy of the 
trade, but that fact should not dismay the membership, 
but rather serve as a stimulus to renewed effort in pre- 
serving and strengthening the organization. It was 
urged upon the delegates to heed the mistakes of past 
conventions and make such amendments to the organic 
laws as were necessary to place the union in the most 
favorable position successfully to cope with the many 
difficult problems the future undoubtedly had in store 
for the organization. Continuing, the president said : 

My experience as an official has convinced me that we devote 
too much time and energy to the rectification of trivial evils, 
which, when remedied at considerable expense, it may be, relieve 
but very few and vindicate no abiding principle, but effectually 
obscure weightier and more important problems, relegating the 
greatest and most beneficial reforms that can be obtained 
through the medium of trade unionism. While other crafts 
were giving their entire attention to devising ways and means 
for securing shorter hours and obtaining work for their idle 
members, we, for the most part, concerned ourselves about minor 
matters, affecting only those in employment, apparently for- 
getful that our real, serious menance is the unemployed. Of all 
classes of members comprehended in our organization, none 
should receive more attention than the constantly increasing 
class that tirelessly and unavailingly seeks employment. No 
combination of employers, however grasping and heartless, can 
inflict upon us the injury that it is possible for idle craftsmen 
to impose. The axiom that, in conflicts between employers and 
employes, it is the worker that gives victory to our adversary 

472 




A. G. WINES, St. Louis 

Secretary-Treasurer International Typographical Union 

January 28, 1893 - November 15, 1896 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

should be constantly borne in mind. So deep-seated is the 
penchant for picayunish legislation that nothing but an educa- 
tional campaign in the higher, broader and nobler aims of trade 
unionism is competent to eradicate the evil. Being an old organ- 
ization, there has been engrafted on our system and policy 
methods and ideas that, under existing conditions, retard rather 
than accelerate our progress. It is sincerely hoped that on 
returning home from the convention you will labor earnestly to 
prevent the consideration of unprofitable and animosity-breed- 
ing trifles which consume the union's time, and have the mem- 
bers devote their attention to the greater questions that are 
awaiting solution. If it be found on investigation that our old, 
though perhaps dignified, methods are inadequate to meet the 
exigencies of the occasion, new departures must be made, for 
these points are pressing themselves upon us with an insistence 
which bodes us no good if they are longer disregarded. In 
urging the adoption of measures of a strengthening and pre- 
cautionary nature, I am aware that the avoidance of conflicts 
with employers is a cardinal principle with the International 
Typographical Union, and it is with this object in view that I 
counsel you, for I realize that success in any undertaking favors 
most frequently the comprehensive, compact and well-disciplined 
labor organization. 

Organization Work — Under the head of "Organiza- 
tion," the president urged that this particular work was 
most important — sufficiently so to justify the creation 
of a regular system of carrying on this activity and the 
placing of an active member, with capacity for organiza- 
tion, at its head. Referring to the fact that the office of 
general organizer had been abolished a few years before, 
after it had been in existence for a period of four years, 
it was pointed out that the records did not show just 
what prompted the Kansas City convention to take that 
action, but the presumption was that, with the establish- 
ment of permanent headquarters, and making the presi- 
dent a salaried official, the work of the general organizer 
could be taken over and handled from the headquarters 

473 



History of The Typographical Union 

office. It was also stated that the failure of the general 
organizer to give satisfaction at times was perhaps due 
more to lack of funds than to any other cause. 

Black-balling — The president deprecated the custom 
of permitting an insignificant number of members of a 
subordinate union to reject applicants, and held that while 
in fraternal societies, where social qualifications are of 
paramount importance, such restrictions doubtless served 
a useful purpose, but in a business organization, such as 
a trade union should be, their existence was hurtful. The 
basic principle of the union was that the majority rule, 
and there was no good reason why the principle should 
be departed from in this instance unless it was shown 
that three, four, five, or one-fourth of the members, are 
better fitted to judge of the wisdom of admitting appli- 
cants than a majority. Many cases had come to light 
where an obstinate and silent minority, by persistently 
black-balling a candidate, had not only frustrated the 
will of the majority but had prevented the unionizing of 
offices. Repeatedly International officials had received 
complaints showing that a few members had not failed 
to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded to vent 
their personal spleen on applicants and not infrequently 
this was because of offenses committed by the friends 
or supporters of the applicant. 

' Charters — The report showed that charters had been 
issued to 46 subordinate unions, embracing 811 charter 
members ; 16 unions, embracing 252 members, had lapsed, 
and 10 unions, with 120 members, had been suspended. 
Allied Trades — After reviewing the various funds, 
which apparently were in a satisfactory condition, the 
president referred to the laws governing the allied trades, 
deeming them inadequate to meet the exigencies which 
constantly arose. He concluded that the most feasible 
and acceptable plan for obviating any dangers which 

474 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

might lurk in the continuance of the prevailing methods 
in this respect would be the investure of special powers 
in the executive council, giving that body authority to 
call out affiliated crafts should the rights of any one 
organization be invaded. This would not necessarily 
give rise to the abuses that at first sight might seem 
probable, as the members of the council, hedged in as 
they were by the constant necessity of conserving the 
funds, and being removed from the influence of local 
conditions, did not rush in heedlessly and inaugurate 
a movement unless it could be shown that prospects of 
success were bright. The tendency of such a move would 
be to bring the various crafts closer together, with con- 
certed action on all scale matters as an ultimate. While 
the action suggested contemplated a centralization of 
power that would be distasteful to many members, 
no other remedy, apparently, was at hand to destroy 
the germs of discontent that were plainly discernible 
in the shiftless law and policy of the organization at that 
time. 

Shorter Hours — Under the heading of ''Shorter 
Hours," the president said: 

If one may base judgment on the volume and tone of articles 
that have recently appeared in the craft press, the demand for 
shorter hours is gathering strength, and daily becoming more 
urgent. The great feeling in this direction was manifested in 
the issuance of a call for a convention to be held in Cincinnati 
last October. Though this assemblage was without semblance 
of authority so far as the International Union was concerned, I 
accepted an invitation to attend and participate in the delibera- 
tions, which resulted in the adoption of a plan, the main 
features of which are commended to your favorable considera- 
tion. In it provision is made for the accumulation of a large 
sum of money and accretion of members before any demand is 
made. And though propositions looking to gradual reductions 
until we reach nine, or even eight hours, will be laid before 
you, the adoption of any one of them will not relieve us of 

475 



History of The Typographical Union 

the necessity of providing ways and means. Experience justifies 
us in assuming that no matter how slight and gradual the reduc- 
tion we propose, it will generate opposition, and failure at the 
outset on a proposition of this nature would have a disastrous 
effect on all subsequent movements comprehended in the scheme. 
In canvassing this situation you should not lose sight of the 
fact that while this reform is the most desirable we can hope 
to obtain, many employers consider that alone sufficient reason 
for offering vigorous opposition. They conjure up a succession 
of ills that are expected to follow its inauguration, and appeal 
to the cupidity of their fellows, wholly oblivious of the fact 
that in other industries — and even in our craft in Great Britain 
and Australia — a reduction of the hours of labor has had any- 
thing but a detrimental effect upon the employer's interests. In 
dismissing this subject, I can but reiterate the admonition of 
last year, viz., that no plan be approved for submission to a 
general vote that has not for a condition precedent to its 
adoption the accumulation of sufficient funds to meet any 
emergency that may arise. If our members are not prepared to 
devote time, energy and money for this purpose, it indicates 
either that they do not fully realize the situation or that the 
agitation is being carried on by the more advanced and far- 
seeing, who will have to continue the campaign of education 
until such time as we are almost unanimously convinced of the 
advisability — aye, necessity — of adopting practical measures for 
pushing this controversy to a satisfactory conclusion. 

Copyright Law — Referring to the copyright law, it 
appeared that no progress had been made in gathering 
information as to the effect of the operation of the law 
for the reason that the United States labor commissioner, 
whose co-operation had been secured in the matter, had 
urged delay on account of the fact that the law had not 
been long enough in operation to gather reliable data. 

Reorganization — The question of reorganization was 
considered at some length by the president and it was 
pointed out that a decided sentiment prevailed favorable 
to a change in the direction of enhancing the general 
attractiveness and cohesiveness of the organization by 

476 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

the adoption of some benefaction. It was urged that any 
propositions sent to the referendum should be presented 
in a simple and clear-cut manner, thus avoiding the 
possibility of the convention's work being abortive when 
submitted for ratification by the membership. President 
Prescott urged the establishment of a sick benefit fund 
and a provision for biennial sessions and suggested that 
these two propositions be submitted to subordinate unions. 
The experience of a majority of the staple and successful 
trade unions, and over sixty subordinate unions and the 
numerous chapel organizations, was ample justification 
for the adoption of a sick benefit law. This law would 
not only help materially in securing new members, but 
would assist greatly in retaining them. Much as it might 
be deplored, large numbers of craftsmen were not suffi- 
ciently discriminative or far-sighted to perceive the 
mighty influence organization has on wages and con- 
ditions, and an immediate and tangible benefit must 
be shown in order to secure their attention. Once their 
attention was obtained, the greater the hope of success in 
convincing them of the efficacy of unionism. The inability 
to discern the necessity of combination among workers 
appeared to be inherent in some natures, and from a spirit 
of self-interest the union, wherever possible, should bend 
to those constitutional failings which no amount of logic 
or argument can eradicate. 

In making this suggestion, the president estimated 
that 10 cents per month per capita would enable the union 
to provide a benefit of $5 for a period of five weeks if the 
fund were surrounded with the stringent restrictions 
which ordinary business precaution would dictate. 

Machinists — In accordance with instructions by the 
previous convention, directing the executive council to 
confer with the officials of the machinists' union with 
a view of bringing about co-operation between machinists 

477 



History of The Typographical Union 

and printers in offices where machines were operated by 
union men, the president reported that negotiations were 
opened with the International Machinists' Union which 
resulted in the presentation of a proposed agreement 
to the executive board of that union. It had been impos- 
sible to conclude the adoption of the agreement, however, 
because of the fact that the machinists' union insisted 
upon inserting the following clause : 

The International Typographical Union of North America 
shall insist that none but union men be employed in the manu- 
facture of linotype machines. 

Seceding Pressmen — The report of Second Vice- 
President McFarland opened with reference to relations 
with the pressmen and the secession of about one-third 
of their membership from the ranks of the International 
Union and asked that ways and means be devised to bring 
together again, in bonds of amity and fraternity, the 
diverging and combating bodies of pressmen. Con- 
tinuing, the report said : 

This is the day of the machine. The machine is not coming, 
it is with us, and it behooves us as craftsmen to get closer 
together, en masse, and take care of it in a manner to show 
our appreciation of so important an invention and reap whatever 
benefits it may be possible for labor to derive from labor and 
dollar-saving machines. The web press is with the pressmen as 
the typesetting machine is with the compositor. They are boon 
companions, and with a dissatisfied typothetae as their main 
ally, are capable of terrible devastation to our ranks. While 
the output of production will increase an hundred fold, our 
numercial strength will remain about the same. The job 
printers and pressmen are about the only ones of the allied 
trades who have not been seriously affected by recent invention. 
In view of the immense strides of invention, we must view with 
alarm any effort to divide or disrupt our present organization. 
I am firm in the belief that all persons who contribute labor to 
the production of a common output should be allied together, 
with due reference to their respective branches, to assist capital 

478 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

in regulating the price and the hours of labor and mutually 
assist each other in adversity and the fight for justice and right. 
I feel satisfied that it would be almost an impossibility for any 
one of our allied trades to undertake alone the fight for hours 
and wages. 

It was reported that the efforts to bring about an 
affiliation with the seceding pressmen had so far proved 
unavailing, but it was urged upon the convention to con- 
tinue efforts in that direction. In this connection a basis 
of organization under the International typographical 
charter was presented. It embraced features which 
it was believed would effectually destroy all differences 
and lead to a harmonious affiliated organization. The 
plan embraced a somewhat more independent organiza- 
tion of pressmen than had prevailed, although the general 
authority of the International Typographical Union was 
to be fully recognized. 

Stereotypers — The report of the third vice-president, 
Clarence S. Roberts, was somewhat brief, no matter of 
special International concern having transpired among 
stereotypers during the year. Two unions had been 
organized during the term, at Philadelphia and Toronto 
No strikes occurred during the year. 

Secretary-Treasurer' s Report — In opening his report, 
Secretary-Treasurer Wines said: "I must acknowledge 
that it was with much delicacy and diffidence that I 
assumed the cares and responsibilities of the office to 
which I was called and assigned by the executive council, 
doubly so because of the many and important duties to be 
therein performed and of the fact that I was to assume 
the carrying out in detail of the plans and actions of my 
worthy predecessor, to whom the organization is indebted 
for the correct business manner in which the affairs of the 
office had been conducted for the five years previous 
to my entry." 

479 



History of The Typographical Union 

A recapitulation of the accounts for the year followed. 
A cash balance above $25,000 and financial transactions 
evidenced a healthy increase of business over any former 
year. The report submitted showed that the receipts 
for the year aggregated $128,000. In pace with the 
financial prosperity of the organization, there had been 
a healthy increase in membership. The average during 
the fiscal year ended April 30, 1893, as shown by the 
payment of per capita tax, was 30,454, as against 28,187 
the previous year, an increase of 2,267. A table was 
submitted showing that the total number of deaths during 
the year was 449. ' The average age at death was 4ij4 
years. The greatest number of deaths occurred at the 
age of 28. Of the total number of deaths, almost one-half 

(219) were caused by tuberculosis and kindred diseases. 
Constitutional Amendments — Of the legislation pro- 
posed at the Chicago convention, 22 constitutional 
amendments were approved by the delegates and sent 
to the referendum. All of the amendments were carried 
by substantial majorities, including the repeal of the 
priority law. A summary of the amendments follows : 
( 1 ) Removed the necessity for publishing the names 
of applicants thirty days prior to issuing a charter; 

(2) in jurisdictions where pressmen's unions were in 
existence and other allied craftsmen were not sufficiently 
numerous to secure independent charters, they could 
apply for membership in pressmen's unions; (3) per- 
mitted issuance of charters to web-pressmen under certain 
conditions; (4) authorized the issuance of charters to 
bindery girls; (5) permitted the admission of applicants 
to newspaper writers', feeders', mailers' and web-press 
helpers' unions who had not served four years' appren- 
ticeship ; (6) identical in phraseology and effect with 
the second proposition; (7) required credentials of dele- 
gates to be returned to the secretary-treasurer on or before 

480 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

tional Typographical Union, and providing that the laws 
of the Home shall be published in the digest of laws of the 
International Union; (21) amending certificate of mem- 
bership so as to show the date to which bearer has paid 
per capita tax; (22) exempting the allied crafts from 
the operation of the law providing for district unions ; 
(23) creating new district, comprising Oregon, Washing- 
ton and British Columbia; (24) providing that the vari- 
ous allied trades shall form trade districts; (25) making 
it compulsory on the part of unions of each district to 
form district unions; (26) providing that the vice- 
president representing each of the allied crafts shall be 
president of the respective allied trade district; (27) pro- 
viding for the organization of state unions; (28) requir- 
ing that only such amendments as are favorably acted 
upon by the convention shall be referred to subordinate 
unions; (29) adding to elective officers, nominees for 
membership on the board of trustees of the Childs-Drexel 
Home, and an agent of the International Union for the 
purposes of the Home; (30) making any member of any 
subordinate union eligible to election as trustee of the 
Home; (31 and 32) making the president and secretary- 
treasurer of the International Union president and secre- 
tary of the Childs-Drexel Home, respectively; (33) 
prescribing impeachment proceedings which may be 
applied in case of offenses by any member of the board 
of trustees of the Childs-Drexel Home; (34) prescribing 
the duties of the agent of the International Union in 
case the trustees of the Home fail to comply with the 
instructions of the International Union; and (35) requir- 
ing that detailed reports of expenditures of the board of 
trustees and proceedings of meetings of said board shall 
be published in the Journal. 

Six-Day Law — Priority — The above is an epitome 
of the changes in the organic law as the result of the 

465 



History of The Typographical Union 

fortieth session of the International Union. Other legis- 
lation comprehended in the general laws of the organiza- 
tion worthy of notice was the repeal of the six-day law 
adopted at the Atlanta convention and the final passage 
of a priority law. The action of the convention in repeal- 
ing the six-day law was received throughout the jurisdic- 
tion with many formal protests and the enactment of the 
priority law also brought forth strong opposition. Feeling 
among the members on these two propositions was so 
pronounced that the executive council determined that 
before the action of the Philadelphia convention should 
have effect the two propositions should be submitted to the 
referendum, and, immediately following the referendum 
vote on the thirty-five constitutional amendments, a vote 
was had on the priority law and the repeal of the six-day 
law. The action of the convention in passing the priority 
law was affirmed by the referendum by a majority of 
1, 66 1 votes, and the action of the delegates in repealing 
the six-day law was reversed by a majority of 2,094 
votes. 

Strike Fund — While President Prescott had strongly 
urged the creation of a strike or resistance fund pre- 
paratory to the demand for the nine-hour workday, and 
while the committee to which the president's recommenda- 
tion was referred outlined a plan contemplating an assess- 
ment of 1 cent per day upon all members of the union, 
beginning September 1, 1892, the proposition was 
defeated by the referendum, and the inauguration of a 
shorter workday received another setback. 

Minor Legislation — Minor legislation was enacted, 
including a provision requiring subordinate unions to 
elect three auditors, instructed to examine the books of 
the financial officers of subordinate unions quarterly, and 
report to the secretary-treasurer of the International 
within fifteen days after such examination. By a resolu- 

466 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

tion adopted, the executive council was instructed to ask 
for a conference with the officers of the National Machin- 
ists' Union, with a view to bringing about co-operation in 
offices where typesetting machines were used. The execu- 
tive council was empowered to make any arrangement 
deemed best for the interest of the craft. 

Union Printers Home — The relations of the Interna- 
tional Union with the Childs-Drexel Home for Union 
Printers, under the charter of the latter body, were not 
what the International had intended they should be, nor 
what the craft thought they were. At the Atlanta session, 
it was generally understood that the trustees of the 
Home were elected to act in the capacity of agents for 
the members of the International in the erection of the 
buildings and in the management and control of the prop- 
erty. It was learned, however, that this intention had not 
been carried out, and the fact was reported to the dele- 
gates at Philadelphia. The publicity given the matter 
by the executive council at the time resulted in a complete 
rearrangement of the relationship of the board of trus- 
tees of the Home to the International Union. 

Pittsburgh Strike — Although the referendum had de- 
feated the proposition to establish the nine-hour day 
in all jurisdictions, by failure to return a three-quarter 
majority, in several subordinate unions the sentiment in 
favor of a shorter workday was such that incipient strikes 
were proposed by the more enthusiastic members of the 
organization, and in the city of Pittsburgh the book and 
job printers and pressmen presented a scale of wages 
which called for a reduction of hours from ten to nine. 
A meeting of the employing printers was immediately 
called and an organization formed to resist the demands 
of the local printers and pressmen. This local organiza- 
tion of employers made application and received a charter 
from the United Typcthetae, the latter body promising 

467 



History of The Typographical Union 

both money and men to assist in defeating the demands 
of the union. 

A special meeting of the two unions involved was 
called to hear the report of their committee and to 
decide upon what future course to pursue. After a full 
and free discussion, it was determined to refuse to return 
to work on October I, 1891, unless the demand for a 
reduction in hours was granted. The employers failing 
to concede the nine-hour day, a strike was inaugurated 
on the day set, involving 140 printers and 40 pressmen. 
This strike was the first real clash by the typographical 
union and the typothetae, and its history, extending 
over a period of more than a year, gave real evidence of 
the determined purpose of the union to secure the shorter 
workday. During the progress of this struggle appeals 
were made for financial assistance and voluntary con- 
tributions amounting to many thousands of dollars were 
forwarded to Pittsburgh Union. 

After the strike had been in progress for a period of 
two months, the executive council of the International 
Union convened in Pittsburgh for the consideration of 
methods for carrying the strike to a successful conclusion. 
A thorough investigation was had into the existing con- 
ditions in that city and, the conduct of the strike being 
satisfactory, it was ordered by the executive council that 
a proposition be submitted to a vote of the entire member- 
ship levying an assessment of 10 cents per week, com- 
mencing January 1, 1892, and to be declared off at the 
discretion of the council. This proposition was endorsed 
by the referendum by a vote of 10,909 ayes, 3,259 noes. 
The assessment was carried for a period of several 
months, when it was declared off and, later on, an assess- 
ment of 5 cents per capita was voted and continued until 
the necessity for financial assistance in Pittsburgh had 
passed, when the executive council declared it off. 

468 



Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 

While the strike for the nine-hour day in Pittsburgh 
was not entirely successful, considering that the effort 
was purely local and that the union met with stubborn 
resistance from the typothetae, the results obtained were 
highly satisfactory. 

The Injunction — During the progress of the Pitts- 
burgh strike, the typographical union for the first time in 
its history felt the heavy hand of the injunction judge. 
The application to the court filed by the typothetae against 
the members of the local typographical and pressmen's 
unions, restricting them from picketing and from con- 
versing on the street with non-union employes of the 
typothetae offices, was handed down by Judge Porter. 
When the fact became known that an injunction had been 
issued against members of the strike committee there 
was no small amount of indignation expressed by many 
of the most influential and intelligent leaders of organ- 
ized labor in Pittsburgh, and in order to give vent to the 
pent-up indignation which the court's decision had pro- 
duced a mass meeting was called to protest. Previous 
to the meeting members of the typographical union 
formed in line at headquarters and about 700 men pro- 
ceeded to the meeting hall, passing en route all of the 
large non-union offices. In order to permit the men to 
parade, all of the morning newspapers in the city sus- 
pended work for an hour. The German Typographical 
Union of Pittsburgh also turned out to a man. Many 
persons of prominence attended the meeting and strong 
resolutions of protest were adopted. The effect of the 
injunction was more firmly to cement the ranks of the 
strikers, and activity following the injunction and 
the mass meeting was noticeable to a marked degree 
for a long period thereafter. 

Chicago was selected as the meeting place for the con- 
vention of 1893. 

469 



History of The Typographical Union 

Officers, 1892 — Officers for the ensuing year were 
elected as follows : President, William B. Prescott, 
Toronto; first vice-president, James A. J. Hanifin, Nash- 
ville; second vice-president, H. C. McFarland, Washing- 
ton, D. C. ; third vice-president, P. J. Weldon, Chicago ; 
secretary-treasurer, W. S. McClevey, Chicago. District 
organizers — George J. Curtin, Lynn, Mass. ; J. F. Klunk, 
Kansas City ; F. N. Whitehead, Galveston ; W. M. Jones, 
Louisville; J. W. Patterson, Ottawa, Ont. ; C. E. Hawkes, 
Seattle ; F. M. Pinneo, Salt Lake City. Trustees Childs- 
Drexel Home for Union Printers — W. B. Prescott, 
Toronto; W. S, McClevey, Chicago; James J. Dailey, 
Philadelphia; Frank S. Pelton, Chicago; Edward T. 
Plank, San Francisco ; Columbus Hall, Washington, 
D. C. ; James G. Woodward, Atlanta. Delegates to 
American Federation of Labor — W. B. Prescott (presi- 
dent) ; R. M. Campbell, Memphis; P. J. Mclntyre, 
Denver; H. P. Spaulding, Boston. 

Secretary McClevey Resigns — On the 1 8th day of 
January, 1893, Secretary-Treasurer McClevey tendered 
his resignation to President Prescott, as follows : 

I hereby tender my resignation as secretary-treasurer of the 
International Typographical Union, to take effect as early as 
practicable. 

In severing my official connection with the organization I 
desire to express to you personally, and to the other officers of 
the International Union, my assurance of appreciation of the 
courtesies shown and advice given during our official life — 
which have been ofttimes and valuable — and desire also to 
express gratefulness for the kind forbearance on the part of 
the officers of local unions, and for the assistance rendered by 
so many of the members — all of whom have contributed to any 
success which I may have attained during my successive terms. 
Assuring you that I am not insensible to the honors which have 
been conferred upon me, and also of my gratification that our 
separation is made with such mutual good feeling and well 
wishes, I am, etc. 

470 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

Mr. McClevey had occupied the position of secretary- 
treasurer since 1887. He was chosen at a time when 
the business of the office was in great confusion, but he 
soon reduced it to order and system, conducting it 
throughout his term of office on sound business principles 
and to the satisfaction of all who had dealings with the 
office. Having been proffered a more desirable position, 
Mr. McClevey tendered his resignation as secretary- 
treasurer, which the executive council, after the books 
were examined and found correct, accepted, appointing 
A. G. Wines, St. Louis, Mo., as Mr. McClevey's suc- 
cessor. 

Convention at Chicago 

[1893] — The forty-first convention of the International 
Union was called to order by President Prescott in Mad- 
ison Hall, Chicago, on Monday, June 12, 1893. The roll 
call showed 229 delegates, representing unions from all 
the allied trades. 

After the announcement of committee appointments by 
the president, Delegate John Leddy informed the conven- 
tion that Harry E. Gamble, chairman of the New York 
delegation, had come to an accidental death by drown- 
ing on the day previous. A special committee was 
appointed, with instructions to report suitable resolutions 
expressing the sentiment of the convention, and to make 
arrangements for burial services. 

REVIEW OF OFFICERS' REPORTS 

In his annual address, President Prescott urged the 
delegates to give the officers' reports careful perusal, for 
the reason, as he said, that he felt convinced that they 
would demonstrate that notwithstanding the fact that the 
craft was in the midst of what might be termed 'a period 
of transition, due mainly to the rapid introduction of 

471 



History of The Typographical Union 

machinery, the International Union had made satisfac- 
tory progress in both method and accretions of member- 
ship. It was pointed out that at no time in the previous 
history of the union had the benefits of organization 
been more manifest The union was the instrument by 
which the ever present spirit of selfishness had been 
curbed during the introduction of typesetting machines. 
The president also said that machines would undoubtedly 
exercise a most potent influence in the economy of the 
trade, but that fact should not dismay the membership, 
but rather serve as a stimulus to renewed effort in pre- 
serving and strengthening the organization. It was 
urged upon the delegates to heed the mistakes of past 
conventions and make such amendments to the organic 
laws as were necessary to place the union in the most 
favorable position successfully to cope with the many 
difficult problems the future undoubtedly had in store 
for the organization. Continuing, the president said : 

My experience as an official has convinced me that we devote 
too much time and energy to the rectification of trivial evils, 
which, when remedied at considerable expense, it may be, relieve 
but very few and vindicate no abiding principle, but effectually 
obscure weightier and more important problems, relegating the 
greatest and most beneficial reforms that can be obtained 
through the medium of trade unionism. While other crafts 
were giving their entire attention to devising ways and means 
for securing shorter hours and obtaining work for their idle 
members, we, for the most part, concerned ourselves about minor 
matters, affecting only those in employment, apparently for- 
getful that our real, serious menance is the unemployed. Of all 
classes of members comprehended in our organization, none 
should receive more attention than the constantly increasing 
class that tirelessly and unavailingly seeks employment. No 
combination of employers, however grasping and heartless, can 
inflict upon us the injury that it is possible for idle craftsmen 
to impose. The axiom that, in conflicts between employers and 
employes, it is the worker that gives victory to our adversary 

472 




A. G. WINES, St. Louis 

Secretary-Treasurer International Typographical Union 

January 28, 1893 - November 15, 1896 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

should be constantly borne in mind. So deep-seated is the 
penchant for picayunish legislation that nothing but an educa- 
tional campaign in the higher, broader and nobler aims of trade 
unionism is competent to eradicate the evil. Being an old organ- 
ization, there has been engrafted on our system and . policy 
methods and ideas that, under existing conditions, retard rather 
than accelerate our progress. It is sincerely hoped that on 
returning home from the convention you will labor earnestly to 
prevent the consideration of unprofitable and animosity-breed- 
ing trifles which consume the union's time, and have the mem- 
bers devote their attention to the greater questions that are 
awaiting solution. If it be found on investigation that our old, 
though perhaps dignified, methods are inadequate to meet the 
exigencies of the occasion, new departures must be made, for 
these points are pressing themselves upon us with an insistence 
which bodes us no good if they are longer disregarded. In 
urging the adoption of measures of a strengthening and pre- 
cautionary nature, I am aware that the avoidance of conflicts 
with employers is a cardinal principle with the International 
Typographical Union, and it is with this object in view that I 
counsel you, for I realize that success in any undertaking favors 
most frequently the comprehensive, compact and well-disciplined 
labor organization. 

Organization Work — Under the head of "Organiza- 
tion," the president urged that this particular work was 
most important — sufficiently so to justify the creation 
of a regular system of carrying on this activity and the 
placing of an active member, with capacity for organiza- 
tion, at its head. Referring to the fact that the office of 
general organizer had been abolished a few years before, 
after it had been in existence for a period of four years, 
it was pointed out that the records did not show just 
what prompted the Kansas City convention to take that 
action, but the presumption was that, with the establish- 
ment of permanent headquarters, and making the presi- 
dent a salaried official, the work of the general organizer 
could be taken over and handled from the headquarters 

473 



History of The Typographical Union 

office. It was also stated that the failure of the general 
organizer to give satisfaction at times was perhaps due 
more to lack of funds than to any other cause. 

Black-balling — The president deprecated the custom 
of permitting an insignificant number of members of a 
subordinate union to reject applicants, and held that while 
in fraternal societies, where social qualifications are of 
paramount importance, such restrictions doubtless served 
a useful purpose, but in a business organization, such as 
a trade union should be, their existence was hurtful. The 
basic principle of the union was that the majority rule, 
and there was no good reason why the principle should 
be departed from in this instance unless it was shown 
that three, four, five, or one-fourth of the members, are 
better fitted to judge of the wisdom of admitting appli- 
cants than a majority. Many cases had come to light 
where an obstinate and silent minority, by persistently 
black-balling a candidate, had not only frustrated the 
will of the majority but had prevented the unionizing of 
offices. Repeatedly International officials had received 
complaints showing that a few members had not failed 
to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded to vent 
their personal spleen on applicants and not infrequently 
this was because of offenses committed by the friends 
or supporters of the applicant. 

Charters — The report showed that charters had been 
issued to 46 subordinate unions, embracing 81 1 charter 
members; 16 unions, embracing 252 members, had lapsed, 
and 10 unions, with 120 members, had been suspended. 

Allied Trades — After reviewing the various funds, 
which apparently were in a satisfactory condition, the 
president referred to the laws governing the allied trades, 
deeming them inadequate to meet the exigencies which 
constantly arose. He concluded that the most feasible 
and acceptable plan for obviating any dangers which 

474 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

might lurk in the continuance of the prevailing methods 
in this respect would be the investure of special powers 
in the executive council, giving that body authority to 
call out affiliated crafts should the rights of any one 
organization be invaded. This would not necessarily 
give rise to the abuses that at first sight might seem 
probable, as the members of the council, hedged in as 
they were by the constant necessity of conserving the 
funds, and being removed from the influence of local 
conditions, did not rush in heedlessly and inaugurate 
a movement unless it could be shown that prospects of 
success were bright. The tendency of such a move would 
be to bring the various crafts closer together, with con- 
certed action on all scale matters as an ultimate. While 
the action suggested contemplated a centralization of 
power that would be distasteful to many members, 
no other remedy, apparently, was at hand to destroy 
the -germs of discontent that were plainly discernible 
in the shiftless law and policy of the organization at that 
time. 

Shorter Hours — Under the heading of ''Shorter 
Hours," the president said : 

If one may base judgment on the volume and tone of articles 
that have recently appeared in the craft press, the demand for 
shorter hours is gathering strength, and daily becoming more 
urgent. The great feeling in this direction was manifested in 
the issuance of a call for a convention to be held in Cincinnati 
last October. Though this assemblage was without semblance 
of authority so far as the International Union was concerned, I 
accepted an invitation to attend and participate in the delibera- 
tions, which resulted in the adoption of a plan, the main 
features of which are commended to your favorable considera- 
tion. In it provision is made for the accumulation of a large 
sum of money and accretion of members before any demand is 
made. And though propositions looking to gradual reductions 
until we reach nine, or even eight hours, will be laid before 
you, the adoption of any one of them will not relieve us of 

475 



History of The Typographical Union 

the necessity of providing ways and means. Experience justifies 
us in assuming that no matter how slight and gradual the reduc- 
tion we propose, it will generate opposition, and failure at the 
outset on a proposition of this nature would have a disastrous 
effect on all subsequent movements comprehended in the scheme. 
In canvassing this situation you should not lose sight of the 
fact that while this reform is the most desirable we can hope 
to obtain, many employers consider that alone sufficient reason 
for offering vigorous opposition. They conjure up a succession 
of ills that are expected to follow its inauguration, and appeal 
to the cupidity of their fellows, wholly oblivious of the fact 
that in other industries — and even in our craft in Great Britain 
and Australia — a reduction of the hours of labor has had any- 
thing but a detrimental effect upon the employer's interests. In 
dismissing this subject, I can but reiterate the admonition of 
last year, viz., that no plan be approved for submission to a 
general vote that has not for a condition precedent to its 
adoption the accumulation of sufficient funds to meet any 
emergency that may arise. If our members are not prepared to 
devote time, energy and money for this purpose, it indicates 
either that they do not fully realize the situation or that the 
agitation is being carried on by the more advanced and far- 
seeing, who will have to continue the campaign of education 
until such time as we are almost unanimously convinced of the 
advisability — aye, necessity — of adopting practical measures for 
pushing this controversy to a satisfactory conclusion. 

Copyright Lcnv — Referring to the copyright law, it 
appeared that no progress had been made in gathering 
information as to the effect of the operation of the law 
for the reason that the United States labor commissioner, 
whose co-operation had been secured in the matter, had 
urged delay on account of the fact that the law had not 
been long enough in operation to gather reliable data. 

Reorganization — The question of reorganization was 
considered at some length by the president and it was 
pointed out that a decided sentiment prevailed favorable 
to a change in the direction of enhancing the general 
attractiveness and cohesiveness of the organization by 

476 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

the adoption of some benefaction. It was urged that any 
propositions sent to the referendum should be presented 
in a simple and clear-cut manner, thus avoiding the 
possibility of the convention's work being abortive when 
submitted for ratification by the membership. President 
Prescott urged the establishment of a sick benefit fund 
and a provision for biennial sessions and suggested that 
these two propositions be submitted to subordinate unions. 
The experience of a majority of the staple and successful 
trade unions, and over sixty subordinate unions and the 
numerous chapel organizations, was ample justification 
for the adoption of a sick benefit law. This law would 
not only help materially in securing new members, but 
would assist greatly in retaining them. Much as it might 
be deplored, large numbers of craftsmen were not suffi- 
ciently discriminative or far-sighted to perceive the 
mighty influence organization has on wages and con- 
ditions, and an immediate and tangible benefit must 
be shown in order to secure their attention. Once their 
attention was obtained, the greater the hope of success in 
convincing them of the efficacy of unionism. The inability 
to discern the necessity of combination among workers 
appeared to be inherent in some natures, and from a spirit 
of self-interest the union, wherever possible, should bend 
to those constitutional failings which no amount of logic 
or argument can eradicate. 

In making this suggestion, the president estimated 
that 10 cents per month per capita would enable the union 
to provide a benefit of $5 for a period of five weeks if the 
fund were surrounded with the stringent restrictions 
which ordinary business precaution would dictate. 

Machinists — In accordance with instructions by the 
previous convention, directing the executive council to 
confer with the officials of the machinists' union with 
a view of bringing about co-operation between machinists 

477 



History of The Typographical Union 

and printers in offices where machines were operated by- 
union men, the president reported that negotiations were 
opened with the International Machinists' Union which 
resulted in the presentation of a proposed agreement 
to the executive board of that union. It had been impos- 
sible to conclude the adoption of the agreement, however, 
because of the fact that the machinists' union insisted 
upon inserting the following clause : 

The International Typographical Union of North America 
shall insist that none but union men be employed in the manu- 
facture of linotype machines. 

Seceding Pressmen — The report of Second Vice- 
President McFarland opened with reference to relations 
with the pressmen and the secession of about one-third 
of their membership from the ranks of the International 
Union and asked that ways and means be devised to bring 
together again, in bonds of amity and fraternity, the 
diverging and combating bodies of pressmen. Con- 
tinuing, the report said : 

This is the day of the machine. The machine is not coming, 
it is with us, and it behooves us as craftsmen to get closer 
together, en masse, and take care of it in a manner to show 
our appreciation of so important an invention and reap whatever 
benefits it may be possible for labor to derive from labor and 
dollar-saving machines. The web press is with the pressmen as 
the typesetting machine is with the compositor. They are boon 
companions, and with a dissatisfied typothetae as their main 
ally, are capable of terrible devastation to our ranks. While 
the output of production will increase an hundred fold, our 
numercial strength will remain about the same. The job 
printers and pressmen are about the only ones of the allied 
trades who have not been seriously affected by recent invention. 
In view of the immense strides of invention, we must view with 
alarm any effort to divide or disrupt our present organization. 
I am firm in the belief that all persons who contribute labor to 
the production of a common output should be allied together, 
with due reference to their respective branches, to assist capital 

478 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

in regulating the price and the hours of labor and mutually 
assist each other in adversity and the fight for justice and right. 
I feel satisfied that it would be almost an impossibility for any 
one of our allied trades to undertake alone the fight for hours 
and wages. 

It was reported that the efforts to bring about an 
affiliation with the seceding pressmen had so far proved 
unavailing, but it was urged upon the convention to con- 
tinue efforts in that direction. In this connection a basis 
of organization under the International typographical 
charter was presented. It embraced features which 
it was believed would effectually destroy all differences 
and lead to a harmonious affiliated organization. The 
plan embraced a somewhat more independent organiza- 
tion of pressmen than had prevailed, although the general 
authority of the International Typographical Union was 
to be fully recognized. 

Stereotypers — The report of the third vice-president, 
Clarence S. Roberts, was somewhat brief, no matter of 
special International concern having transpired among 
stereotypers during the year. Two unions had been 
organized during the term, at Philadelphia and Toronto 
No strikes occurred during the year. 

Secretary-Treasurer' s Report — In opening his report, 
Secretary-Treasurer Wines said : "I must acknowledge 
that it was with much delicacy and diffidence that I 
assumed the cares and responsibilities of the office to 
which I was called and assigned by the executive council, 
doubly so because of the many and important duties to be 
therein performed and of the fact that I was to assume 
the carrying out in detail of the plans and actions of my 
worthy predecessor, to whom the organization is indebted 
for the correct business manner in which the affairs of the 
office had been conducted for the five years previous 
to my entry/' 

479 



History of The Typographical Union 

A recapitulation of the accounts for the year followed. 
A cash balance above $25,000 and financial transactions 
evidenced a healthy increase of business over any former 
year. The report submitted showed that the receipts 
for the year aggregated $128,000. In pace with the 
financial prosperity of the organization, there had been 
a healthy increase in membership. The average during 
the fiscal year ended April 30, 1893, as shown by the 
payment of per capita tax, was 30,454, as against 28,187 
the previous year, an increase of 2,267. A table was 
submitted showing that the total number of deaths during 
the year was 449. The average age at death was 41/^ 
years. The greatest number of deaths occurred at the 
age of 28. Of the total number of deaths, almost one-half 
(219) were caused by tuberculosis and kindred diseases. 

Constitutional Amendments — Of the legislation pro- 
posed at the Chicago convention, 22 constitutional 
amendments were approved by the delegates and sent 
to the referendum. All of the amendments were carried 
by substantial majorities, including the repeal of the 
priority law. A summary of the amendments follows : 

( 1 ) Removed the necessity for publishing the names 
of applicants thirty days prior to issuing a charter; 
(2) in jurisdictions where pressmen's unions were in 
existence and other allied craftsmen were not sufficiently 
numerous to secure independent charters, they could 
apply for membership in pressmen's unions; (3) per- 
mitted issuance of charters to web-pressmen under certain 
conditions; (4) authorized the issuance of charters to 
bindery girls; (5) permitted the admission of applicants 
to newspaper writers', feeders', mailers' and web-press 
helpers' unions who had not served four years' appren- 
ticeship ; (6) identical in phraseology and effect with 
the second proposition; (7) required credentials of dele- 
gates to be returned to the secretary-treasurer on or before 

480 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

April 15; (8) provided for biennial sessions of the 
International conventions, to take effect after the Louis- 
ville meeting; (9) authorized the International officials 
to make arrangements for convention meetings; (10) 
made provision for alternating dates in the constitution, 
so that they would harmonize with the mandate calling 
for October meetings ; ( 1 1 ) provided for the publication 
of convention proceedings in the Typographical Journal, 
thus dispensing with the necessity of publishing them 
in book form; (12) relieved the secretary-treasurer from 
mailing two copies of "the regular official blank report," 
which was not more specifically set forth elsewhere in 
the laws; (13) required that organizers should publish 
the names of applicants for provisional membership 
in the Journal and if, after thirty days, no valid objec- 
tion was filed they could issue cards to such applicants 
on the payment of $1 as initiation fee; (14) extended 
the scope of an organizer's duty by authorizing him 
to visit towns where no unions existed; (15) increased 
the constitutional amount allowed organizers for organ- 
izing purposes to $200 per year, but which could, as 
before, be increased by the executive council; (16) struck 
out a superfluous instruction to the secretary-treasurer, 
known as section 6, article xvi, which found its way 
among the constitutional provisions without authority; 
(17) gave the executive council power to appoint organ- 
izers in districts where vacancies occurred from any 
cause whatever; (18) repealed section 2, article xix, 
and substituted in lieu thereof a provision which reduced 
the area of districts and doubled the number, making 
sixteen in all ; (19) relieved subordinate unions from the 
necessity of attaching themselves to district and state 
unions, making such affiliation optional; (20) made it 
a duty of the executive council to submit to popular vote 
any proposed law or amendment which was supported 



History of The Typographical Union 

by twenty subordinate unions; (21 ) repealed the priority 
law and vested foremen with the right to employ and 
discharge help at will, provided such discharge did not 
contravene any local law and was not for maintaining 
union principles; (22) empowered subordinate unions, 
in conjunction with the executive council, to test the prac- 
ticability of the McKellar system of type measurement. 

Nine-Hour Day — The convention submitted to the 
referendum another proposition to establish the nine-hour 
day. Like previous votes on the same question, a major- 
ity was returned in favor of the plan, but the requisite 
three-fourths affirmative vote was not polled. It was 
explained, however, that the distressing condition of labor 
throughout the country and the heavy pressure upon 
the trade caused by the introduction of machinery had 
largely influenced the membership against adopting 
the nine-hour day at that time. An unfortunate incident, 
the failure of the Indianapolis National Bank, which 
held upward of $30,000 of International Typographical 
Union funds, had a depressing effect on the situation. 

Typesetting Machines — The committee on typesetting 
devices presented a majority and minority report, the 
minority report referring only to section 138, general 
laws, as follows : 

The International Typographical Union demands that in all 
offices within its jurisdiction, where typesetting machines are 
used, practical union printers shall be employed to run them, 
and also that subordinate unions regulate the scale of wages 
and time on such machines. 

This report of the minority was adopted and part 
of the majority report, as follows : 

At the outset of the president's report, the typesetting 
machine question is dealt with, and from data and information 
furnished your committee by the executive council and delegates 
prompts us to incorporate the following in our report relative 
to typesetting devices : 

Circulars were sent out and replies were received from thirty 

482 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

unions where machines are in use, employing 555 men, operat- 
ing 282 machines. These machines are reported to have dis- 
placed 463 men and given employment to forty* non-union men 
as operators. The tendency of migration would appear to be to 
the larger towns, as few are recorded as having gone to the 
country, but the great bulk remain at home and secure work 
there. This procedure bears most heavily on the peripatetic 
printer in the last analysis. 

The advantage of thorough organization where machines 
are introduced is shown in Boston, where the hours are given 
as seven on newspapers and nine in book offices, and one non- 
union news office. 

Section 138, general laws, places eight hours as the maximum 
number. In several cities this provision is not lived up to. 

A vicious feature that is fastening itself upon machine 
offices and machine operators is the bonus system, whereby the 
operator is paid so much per hour or week, as the case may be, 
and receives extra pay per thouand for every thousand set over 
and above a certain stint. This permits of the operators earning 
big money for the time being, but it causes a greater displace- 
ment of labor, encourages what may be aptly termed "hoggish- 
ness," and has a tendency to cause over-exertion on the part of 
operators, which ultimately impairs their health and morals. 

The compensating wage advantage will be but temporary, 
as wages are but the amount on which the workers as a class 
are prepared to subsist, and the abnormal high rates of pay 
which obtain in some places are sure to hasten a reduction, with 
the result that we will in a few years be getting a smaller per- 
centage of the product of our labor than would be the case if 
abnormally high wages were not paid at present. The present 
period of inflated wages cam not be maintained much longer, 
and when the period for reductions is upon us we should remem- 
ber that the main and most important question for consideration 
is the conservation of our organization. Failure to recognize 
the conditions that confront us will lead not only to our losing 
the control of the machines, but the disruption of the union. 

Sec. 139. That none but members of the typographical 
union be allowed to operate or learn to operate machines, pro- 
vided that apprentices may work on machines in last year of 
apprenticeship, who shall be paid two-thirds of the wages 
of regular operators until their time of apprenticeship shall have 
expired. Local laws must govern apprentices on machines. 

483 



History of The Typographical Union 

Sec. 140. No member of a subordinate union should be 
allowed to accept work in any newspaper or job printing office 
where a task, stint or deadline is imposed by the employer on 
operators of typesetting devices. Any infraction of this pro- 
vision shall be punished by expulsion. 

Sec. 141. Subordinate unions shall insist that expert 
machinists having charge of typesetting devices be members of 
the local machinists' union, where said union exists. 

Sec. 142. Operators are prohibited from accepting a bonus 
per thousand above the regular scale. 

We recommend that the executive council be directed to 
confer with officials of the National Machinists' Union with 
a view to bringing about co-operation between machinists and 
printers in offices where machines are operated by union men. 

International Fund — Sick Benefits — Following the 
suggestion contained in the annual address of President 
Prescott that the union establish some benefaction which 
would add to the attractiveness of membership in the 
organization, the convention submitted to the referendum 
a proposition to create an International fund of not less 
than $5 per member, out of which should be paid all the 
expense and benefits of the International Union, the fund 
to be held pro rata by the subordinate unions. Through 
the fund thus created it was proposed to amplify the death 
benefit to the extent of paying $50 on death of members 
of 6 months' standing, $100 on 5 years, $150 on 10-year 
members, $200 on 15 -year members, and, as a further 
benefit, it was proposed that members incapacitated by 
sickness should be paid $5 per week for a period of 13 
weeks. These three propositions, properly segregated, 
were placed upon the referendum ballot, and a vote taken 
subsequent to the convention. All three of the proposi- 
tions met with defeat. 

Five-Day Law — Under the provision of the constitu- 
tion regulating propositions to be submitted to the 
referendum, a sufficient number of subordinate unions, 
at the suggestion of New York Typographical Union 

484 



Convention at Chicago, »i 893 

No. 6, petitioned the executive council to submit an 
amendment to the general laws establishing a five-day 
week. 

The fact that typesetting machines had so affected 
conditions in newspaper composing rooms as to displace 
several thousand members from their regular employ- 
ment was the incentive behind the suggestion for relieving 
the condition by enacting a five-day law. The measure, 
however, was defeated by the referendum by a vote of 
7,564 ayes, 5,473 noes. 

Typographic/, Amalgamation — In obedience to instruc- 
tions of the Philadelphia convention, the executive council 
drafted a basis on which the organization could unite 
with the German-American Typographia. On being 
submitted to the membership, the proposition was 
approved by a vote of 8,324 ayes, 3,333 noes. Following 
the adoption of the treaty by the referendum of the 
International Union, it was approved by the membership 
of the Typographia. It will be seen by the agreement 
that the office of fourth vice-president was created, this 
officer to be the secretary-treasurer of the German 
branch, with headquarters at Indianapolis. The amal- 
gamation treaty is herewith reproduced : 

First. The members of the German-American Typographia 
shall, in accordance with their present laws and customs, elect 
by general vote a fourth vice-president and three members, who 
shall constitute an advisory board, said fourth typographia 
vice-president to be the secretary-treasurer of the German 
branch, whose headquarters shall be located at Indianapolis; 
he shall have general supervision of such features of the Ger- 
man branch as are not contemplated by the existing laws of the 
International Typographical Union; he shall decide all ques- 
tions which may arise between members and unions regarding 
benefit features and the practices thereunder. The advisory 
board shall decide all appeals from the decision of the fourth 
vice-president and any person feeling aggrieved at the decision 
of the advisory board may take an appeal to the International 

485 



History of The Typographical Union 

Typographical Union in convention assembled, when the case 
shall be referred to a committee composed of all the delegates 
from German unions, and a finding of a majority of the com- 
mittee shall be recorded as the decision of the International 
"Union, which shall be final. 

Second. The fourth vice-president shall receive from the 
International Typographical Union the sum of $500 yearly in 
part payment of that official's salary, the balance thereof and all 
running expenses attaching to his office to be provided for by 
the German-American Typographia. Provided, however, that 
the residue remaining in the International Union's general 
fund to the credit of the German members shall revert to the 
advisory board, to be applied to defraying the legitimate 
expenses of that branch. 

Third. All laws or rules governing or appertaining to the 
benefit features of the German-American Typographia in force 
January I, 1893, to remain in force and be subject to amend- 
ment as prescribed on the aforementioned date. 

Fourth. Upon all other subjects, other than those men- 
tioned in paragraph 3 and type measurement, together with 
laws and customs governing foremen, the laws of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union in force January 1, 1 893, and as 
thereafter amended, shall prevail ; provided, this shall not be 
construed to prohibit the special privileges granted members of 
the German branch as to their rights under traveling cards, as 
hereinafter more specifically set forth. 

Fifth. Members in good standing desirous of transferring 
their membership to a union of the opposite language, shall be 
entitled to receive the International Union certificate, which 
shall be furnished upon payment of current month's dues; 
which certificate shall be deposited with the proper officers of 
the union of opposite branch within forty-eight hours. The 
conditions under which such certificates are issued and received 
shall be : Members of the German branch depositing certificates 
with English unions shall have option of retaining membership 
in the German union for beneficial purposes, such beneficial 
membership to be retained by the payment to the local German 
union of all dues imposed by the German union for purely 
beneficial purposes, viz. : that part of the dues apportioned for 
the maintenance of the sick and funeral funds ; and such mem- 
bers upon redepositing their certificates with the German branch 
shall be entitled to all benefits the same as though their mem- 

486 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

bership in the German branch had, in every respect, been con- 
tinuous ; German members of English unions, retaining benefit 
membership, in the German union, shall have the right to 
participate in the discussion of, and to vote upon, all proposed 
amendments in the laws and rules governing or bearing upon 
the benefits to which he is a contributor; members of the Ger- 
man branch, depositing a certificate with the English union, 
who may fail to pay to the German union the dues required to 
maintain benefit membership, and at the time and in the manner 
prescribed by the laws and rules of the German union, shall be 
deemed to have severed their connection with the German union, 
and upon redepositing their certificates shall, as to benefits, be 
considered new members, viz. : subject to the laws requiring 
that members shall be such for certain specified terms to entitle 
them to benefits ; benefit members of the German union who 
may be working within the jurisdiction of an English union, 
and who may, for any cause, be expelled from said English, 
union, shall be deemed to have been simultaneously expelled 
from the German union, and shall be deprived from benefits 
from date of expulsion, it being understood that said expelled ' 
member shall have the right of appeal, and that if upon appeal 
he be reinstated, such reinstatement shall also apply to the 
German branch as well, and he shall be continued in benefits 
without prejudice; members in the English union not benefit 
members of the German branch, depositing certificates with the 
German union shall be considered new members, and shall be 
subject to the laws requiring that members be such for certain 
specified terms to entitle them to benefits ; in all cases a duly 
accredited certificate shall of itself be sufficient to entitle the 
holder to membership in any union in which he may desire to 
deposit, shall entitle the depositor to all benefits (unless he be 
physically disqualified), and no union shall have power to 
reject such certificate. 

Sixth. The laws and rules governing and bearing upon ben- 
efits in the German branch shall be amended in the manner 
prescribed by the constitution of the German-American Typo- 
graphia, and no member shall have the right to vote thereon, 
except members of the German-American Typographia and 
benefit members attached to English unions, both to vote at the 
time and in the manner prescribed by the constitution of the 
German-American Typographia. 

Seventh. While the members of the German branch shall, 

487 



History of The Typographical Union 

as heretofore, have absolute control of their out-of-work, sick, 
traveling and death benefits, except as otherwise stipulated 
herein, the laws of that organization regarding strikes and 
strike benefits are to be superseded by the laws of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union upon strikes and strike benefits. 

Eighth. In any city or town affording employment to seven 
or more printers on German work, those so employed shall or- 
ganize a German branch. 

Ninth. German unions shall attach themselves to allied 
trades joint standing committee, and any differences as to juris- 
diction between English and German unions shall be referred 
to this body for adjudication, but nothing herein shall be con- 
strued as preventing the aggrieved party from taking an appeal 
from its decision to the executive council. 

Union Printers Home — That the direction and main- 
tenance of the Union Printers Home was not accom- 
plished without numerous difficulties will be seen from 
the report of the committee on Home affairs submitted 
% to this convention. While the main building had been 
completed and the Home had been formally opened for 
the reception of residents, much dissatisfaction was 
apparent and rumors of incompetency on the part of those 
having in charge the erection of the buildings and the 
management of the Home's affairs were current. The 
matter was considered in executive session by the dele- 
gates. At the conclusion of their deliberations, however, 
a brief committee report was ordered to be made public, 
a part of which follows : 

We have examined much correspondence relative to the 
building of the Home, establishing gross negligence by those to 
whom its construction was intrusted. There has been a general 
denial of responsibility by those interested, each shifting the 
culpability of faulty construction, but each and all connected 
immediately with it seem in some way and to some extent to be 
to blame. The contractors, except the plumber, appear to have 
construed to their own interest, without protest or interference, 
every doubtful portion of the plans and specifications and to 
have deviated from them at will, obtaining, in violation of the 
contract, several thousand dollars, and this was done, though the 

488 



Convention at Chicago, 1893 

Home had in its employ those whose duty it was to have guarded 
and protected its interests. It is unprofitable, in your commit- 
tee's opinion, that we further pursue this portion of our investi- 
gation, as we do not believe that the recovery of money so ap- 
parently unjustly obtained is probable, but we suggest that this 
matter be referred to the trustees for their careful consideration. 
Your committee, with the information and testimony before 
them, are' not able to single out individuals upon whom the 
blame should rest. 

The expert's report indicates that the Home is not only de- 
fective but dangerous. We are not able, from lack of time and 
witnesses, to substantiate or disprove his statements, but were 
furnished the information that he is a gentleman of repute in 
his profession. There was also corroborative evidence of mem- 
bers who have visited the Home that the building is defective in 
construction, and to preserve it from further injury it should be 
repaired without delay. The estimated cost of the repairs re- 
quired is $4,260.96. We would therefore recommend that the 
board of trustees of the Home employ a competent architect and 
advertise for bids for such repairs as may be needed, the cost 
of the same to be paid out of any Home fund in their possession 
not otherwise appropriated. 

We believe that the Home should be continued as contem- 
plated by its charter and as at present conducted; to provide 
and maintain a home for afflicted and aged and infirm union 
printers. The necessity has not in the opinion of your com- 
mittee yet arisen for the separation of those who go there for 
the purpose of a home from those who are classed as hospital 
patients. 

Death of former President Hammond — During the 
progress of the convention, a communication was received 
from New Orleans announcing the death of former 
President William J. Hammond. The following resolu- 
tions were adopted by the convention as a mark of respect 
to the memory of Mr. Hammond : 

Whereas full of years, loved and honored by his fellow 
citizens and idolized by the printers of the country, to whom he 
bestowed the best years of his vigorous manhood, William J. 
Hammond, of New Orleans, has passed over to the side of the 
silent majority ; and 

489 



History of The Typographical Union 

Whereas the early history of the International Typograph- 
ical Union is bound up in the history of William J. Hammond, 
its early administration is glorified by his name, and its per- 
petuation is the best monument to his memory, therefore 

Resolved, That the death of William J. Hammond, which 
occurred during the deliberations of this session, has cast a 
gloom over the whole International body and heartfelt sorrow 
among the oldtime printers of the land. 

Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions 
be engrossed, and a copy forwarded to the family of Mr. 
Hammond, and another to New Orleans Typographical 
Union No. 17. 

Resolved, As a mark of respect to the memory of William 
J. Hammond, that when this convention adjourns it do so out 
of respect to the memory of Mr. Hammond. 

Death of Harry E. Gamble — The report of the com- 
mittee to draft resolutions on the death of Harry E. 
Gamble was read and adopted. 

The president appointed the following gentlemen as 
a committee to accompany the remains of Mr. Gamble 
to New York: Messrs. Winders (San Francisco), Deck 
(Chicago) and Runkles (Omaha). 

Louisville, Ky., was selected as the meeting place for 
the convention of 1894, the date of meeting being changed 
from June to October. 

Officers, 1893 — Officers for the ensuing term were 
elected as follows : President, William B. Prescott, 
Toronto; first vice-president, J. W. Hopkins, Pittsburgh; 
second vice-president, H. C. McFarland, Washington, 
D. C. ; third vice-president, W. B. Lewis, Chicago; 
secretary-treasurer, A. G. Wines, St. Louis. District 
organizers — E. A. Keyes, Albany ; M. T. White, Lincoln ; 
O. A. Eylar, Dallas; V. B. Williams, Chicago; George 
W. Dower, Toronto; J. L. Robinette, Sacramento; F. M. 
Pinneo, Salt Lake City; C. E. Hawkes, Seattle. Trus- 
tees Childs-Drexel Home for Union Printers — W. B. 
Prescott, Toronto; A. G. Wines, St. Louis; James J. 

490 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

Dailey, Philadelphia ; Frank S. Pelton, Chicago ; Edward 
T. Plank, San Francisco; Columbus Hall, Washington, 
D. C. ; F. A. Colby, Colorado Springs. Delegates to 
American Federation of Labor — W. B. Prescott (presi- 
dent) ; William J. Miller, Boston (mailer) ; Henry 
Dorsey, Dallas (pressman) ; C. L. Drummond, Fort 
Wayne. 

New Organizing Districts — The Chicago convention 
having submitted to the referendum a proposition to 
increase the organizing districts from eight to sixteen, 
and the same being approved, the law became effective 
November 1, 1893. The new districts, together with the 
organizers, were announced in the Typographical Journal 
as follows : 

First District — P. A. White. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massa- 
chusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

Second District — E. A. Keyes. New York and New Jersey. 

Third District — A. W. Thomson. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Dela- 
ware and District of Columbia. 

Fourth District — George Stoll. Virginia, West Virginia and North Caro- 
lina. 

Fifth District — M. C. Wallace. Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. 

Sixth District — Robert Y. Ogg. Michigan and Wisconsin. 

Seventh District — V. B. Williams. Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. 

Eighth District — J. J. Aberle. Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and 
Louisiana. 

Ninth District — W. E. O'Blenness. Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas. 

Tenth District — H. W. Dennett. The Dakatos, Manitoba and Minnesota. 

Eleventh District — M. T. White. Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Indian 
Territory and Oklahoma. 

Twelfth District — H. B. Johnson. Texas and New Mexico. 

Thirteenth District — J. W. Purcell. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and 
Utah. 

Fourteenth District — J. L. Robinette. Nevada, California, Arizona and 
Sandwich Islands. 

Fifteenth District — C. E. Hawkes. Oregon, Washington and British Co- 
lumbia. 

Sixteenth District — George W. Dower. All the provinces of Canada ex- 
cept Manitoba and British Columbia. 

Convention at Louisville 

[1894] — The forty-second convention of the Interna- 
tional Union was called to orcher by President Prescott 
in Louisville, Ky., Monday, October 8, 1894, delegates 

491 



History of The Typographical Union 

being present representing typographical, pressmen's, 
stereotypers' and electrotypers', web pressmen's and 
pressfeeders' unions and the German-American Typo- 
graphia. 

OFFICER S' REPORTS 

The president, in opening his annual address, called 
attention to the period of business depression that 
enveloped the printing industry immediately following 
the adjournment of the forty-first session at Chicago. In 
the universal contraction of business it was not to be 
expected, he said, that labor organizations would escape, 
and with extreme regret it was admitted that many had 
suffered both in numbers and finances. Notwithstanding 
this condition, and the added havoc produced by the 
introduction of machinery, the president congratulated 
the craft on a substantial increment of actual paying 
members — about 1,000 — exclusive of 1,000 German- 
speaking printers who had affiliated in accordance with 
an agreement satisfactory to both that body and the 
International Union. Though it had been necessary to 
grant unusual latitude to individuals and to subordinate 
unions in localities where the currency stringency had 
reached its acutest stage, the financial business of the 
organization as a whole had been conducted with prompt- 
itude and accuracy. This was due in a great measure to 
the intelligent application of business methods, which 
had been a noticeable feature of polity beginning with 
the administration of Secretary McClevey. Had the 
organization pursued the haphazard system of transact- 
ing business which formerly prevailed, undoubtedly the 
union would have been seriously shaken by the financial 
depression. The paramount lesson to be drawn from 
this was that the union should continue adding attractive, 
cohesive and strengthening features, conducting them 
in accordance with the most approved business principles. 

492 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

While the union might, with pardonable pride, con- 
gratulate itself on the splendid demonstration of stability 
made by the membership, it would be an ineffectual and 
cowardly evasion of a manifest duty to assume that under 
existing circumstances this would continue. The member- 
ship should be directing its best thought to devising ways 
and means of meeting the changed conditions resultant 
from machineiy having been introduced into the craft. 

Organization Work — Under the head of "Organiza- 
tion," it was reported that there had been no diminution 
of effort in this direction during the year, though results 
had been far from encouraging, conditions being such 
as to exclude the possibility of establishing unions in 
many places that under ordinary circumstances would 
be promising fields. More literature had been distributed 
than ever before in the history of the craft, but the 
responses were so few that it deterred and discouraged 
the officials handling this work. It was apparent that 
printers throughout the country were despondent, and 
the general uncertainty prevalent as to the stability of 
their situations caused them to look askance at those who 
advocated organization, but it was hoped that the seed 
sown would bear fruit when trade revived. When the 
extent and scope of the commercial disaster became 
manifest, organizers were advised to devote particular 
attention to the conservation of existing unions, and to 
this policy was attributed in a great degree the very 
satisfactory showing made by the International during 
this period. The president again renewed his recom- 
mendation that a traveling organizer be placed in the 
field, subject to the direction of the executive council 
or president. Such an official could not only organize 
subordinate unions where none existed, especially among 
the allied crafts, but could be of great service in strength^ 
ening weak organizations by creating enthusiasm and 

493 



History of The Typographical Union 

instructing officials in the proper method of transacting 
business. Speaking further on the subject of organizers, 
the president strongly urged the greatest care in selecting 
for these positions men of good judgment, energy and 
force of character; men who possessed strength to ignore 
the taunts of the disappointed and the disgruntled — who 
could meet honest and legitimate criticism calmly and dis- 
passionately and treat with contempt the jeers of the 
uninformed and the unthinking. 

Including the German-American unions, 61 charters 
had been issued during the year, embracing a total mem- 
bership of 2,182. Twenty-seven charters had been 
surrendered, affecting a membership of 582, and 13 
charters had been suspended, embracing 176 members. 

American Federation of Labor Political Platform — 
Referring to the report of the delegates of the Ameri- 
can Federation of Labor, the president called attention 
to the political platform submitted by that body to 
affiliated unions, with the request that delegates to the 
next federation convention be instructed on this important 
subject. The platform of the federation contained eleven 
planks, ten of which were endorsed, as follows : Com- 
pulsory education ; direct legislation ; a legal eight-hour 
workday ; sanitary inspection of workshop, mine and 
home; liability of employers for injury to health, body 
or life; the abolition of contract system in all public 
work ; the abolition of the sweating system ; the municipal 
ownership of street cars and gas and electric light plants 
for public distribution of light, heat and power; the 
nationalization of telegraphs, telephones, railroads and 
mines, and the principle of referendum in all legislation. 
The following plank in the federation's platform, "the 
collective ownership by the people of all means of pro- 
duction and distribution, " was amended as follows : "The 
abolition of the monopoly system of land owning and 

494 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

substituting therefor a title of occupancy and use only.'' 
Two additional planks were also incorporated by the 
convention and approved by the referendum, as follows : 
"The state and national destruction of liquor traffic" and 
"the abolition of monopoly privilege of issuing money 
by individuals or corporations and substituting therefor 
a system of direct issuance to and by the people." 

Indianapolis Bank Failure — Referring to the failure 
of the Indianapolis National Bank, which carried deposits 
of the International Union amounting to more than 
$30,000, the president said : 

On July 25, 1893, your officers and the citizens of Indianap- 
olis were surprised to learn that the Indianapolis National Bank 
had suspended payment. At first it 'was not thought by the 
commercial world and the general public that any loss would 
accrue to the depositors, as the institution carried on a very 
lucrative business and was conducted by an experienced man, 
whose probity was undoubted and who was regarded as the 
financial nestor of the city and surrounding country. The 
statements presented to the public and controller of the cur- 
rency indicated a prosperous concern, but a searching 
investigation showed that almost inconceivable rascality had 
been indulged in, and as a result the assets had been impaired 
to a very great extent. It is unnecessary to recount here the 
criminal prosecution and discharge of incompetent government 
inspectors that were culpably negligent in the performance of 
their duty. The affairs of the defunct institution were placed 
in the hands of a receiver who has declared two dividends 
amounting to 35 per cent on the total claim and expects to 
realize 20 to 25 per cent more. This will make a net loss of 
about $12,000. With the idea of again reducing this amount, 
your president and secretary-treasurer had a suit instituted 
against the directors as individuals to recover the balance from 
them on the ground that we were induced to do business with 
the bank on the strength of what were ultimately shown to be 
misleading sworn statements as to the condition of its affairs. 
It seems to be the general impression among the legal frater- 
nity that we have an excellent case and several others have 
since been entered on the same theory. The cost of the suit will 

495 



History of The Typographical Union 

be comparatively small, as the lawyer having the case in hand 
accepts it on the following terms : 

"I will prosecute the claim of the International Typograph- 
ical Union, of which you are, respectively, president and 
secretary-treasurer, on these terms. Retainer, $100 paid at 
start. On compromise before trial an amount equal to 25 per 
cent of the difference between face value of the claim and the 
total amount of dividend declared by receiver. 

"On collection by process of court after judgment an amount 
equal to 50 per cent of the difference between the face value of 
claim and the total amount of dividend declared by the 
receiver; provided, however, that in no event shall my con- 
tingent fee exceed $7,500." 

From this it will be seen that we are called upon to risk 
little in comparison with the possible return. An explanation 
as to why so much money should be kept in one depositary is 
due the craft, though I am not sensible that any one cognizant 
of the standing of the Indianapolis National Bank will ques- 
tion the business discretion of those who relied upon its stability 
and the fidelity of the management. Its stock was 35 to 40 per 
cent above par and up to the day of suspension eagerly sought 
after by financial investors, and among its depositors were such 
astute business institutions as the New York Equitable Life 
Insurance Company, the Standard Oil Company, several large 
railroad corporations, many prominent and successful merchants 
and Masonic and Odd Fellows trusts. Our failure to distribute 
the funds among the banks was, and is, due to the fact that the 
law requires that interest shall be procured where possible. The 
account is necessarily an open one — subject to check — and under 
the Indianapolis clearing house rules interest is not allowed on 
this class of deposits. We succeeded in securing interest, how- 
ever, on condition that all our business was done with one 
concern. 

Typesetting Machines — President Prescott spoke at 
some length on the subject of typesetting machines 
and their effect on the printing trade, dwelling particu- 
larly upon the fact that the introduction of machinery 
was coincidental with and perhaps in a small meas- 
ure attributable to the depression through which the 
country had been passing. Based on the most reliable 

496 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

information obtainable, about 3,500 members of the union 
had been deprived of employment by the 1,450 machines 
then in use. True to the history and ethics of real trade 
unionism, the organization had not antagonized the intro- 
duction of machines, but had, admittedly with some 
reluctance, formulated scales and entered into agreements 
suitable to the changed conditions. Many new questions 
had arisen to harass and aggravate, but in dealing with 
these questions the future of the craft had been kept 
in mind while accepting the inevitable and securing the 
best terms possible. It was a foolish evasion of facts 
to attempt to deny the unwelcome truth that the machines 
for a time had placed the union at a decided disadvantage 
with employers, but'this condition could be overcome by 
the application of the basic principle of unionism — hearty 
acquiescence in the will of the majority. It had been 
advocated in some quarters that the International Union 
secure control of patents of existing machines, or offer 
inducements for the invention of new ones, renting them 
to publishers and others, but these suggestions were 
dismissed as chimerical. 

One bright spot amid the gloom that surrounded the 
introduction of machinery was the fact that in a majority 
of instances employers had shown a disposition to engage 
their old employes as operators, thus affecting the least 
possible disturbance in the personnel of affected unions. 
While the International had been unable to condone any 
subordinate union legislation that sought to deprive card- 
holders of their legal rights, whatever influence the 
officers had had been exercised in urging employers to 
forego the importation of staffs and advising unions 
to impress this upon members, even going to the extent 
of urging the adoption of liberal students' scales in order 
to attain this end. 

Machinists — At the Philadelphia convention, in 1892, 

4-07 



History of The Typographical Union 

the executive council had been instructed to enter into 
negotiations with the National Machinists' Union "with 
a view of bringing about co-operation between the 
machinists and printers in offices where machines were 
operated by union men." The executive council of 1892 
undertook to give effect to the instructions, but finally 
referred the matter to the forty-first convention at Chi- 
cago, 1893, as the machinists' union demanded that the 
International Union pledge itself to "insist that none but 
union men be employed in the manufacture of linotype 
machines." The Chicago convention's action was a reiter- 
ation of the Philadelphia convention's mandate, coupled 
with a suggestion that the constitution be amended so as 
to permit the issuance of charters to machinists having 
care of typesetting machines. The constitution was not 
amended, however, and when the executive council again 
took the matter up it did not succeed in securing an agree- 
ment with the machinists. This question was most 
perplexing, and especially so while attempting to legis- 
late upon it. It was estimated that of the 125,000 
machinists in the country not more than 25,000 were 
under the banner of organized labor, even these being 
divided into three organizations, the most popular of 
which was the International Association of Machinists, 
with a membership of 20,000, but which was not con- 
nected with the American Federation of Labor on account 
of the constitutional barrier against colored men. The 
National Machinists' Union (with which the executive 
council was instructed to negotiate) had about 1,000 
members. The balance were local, unaffiliated organiza- 
tions and Knights of Labor. It will be seen from this 
that if an agreement had been entered into it would, per 
force, have been with the least potent of the two organiza- 
tions, ignoring the one whose members the union would 
most likely come in contact with. The wisdom displayed 

498 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

in entering into any agreement under such circumstances 
was questionable, to say the least, especially when it was 
remembered that the typographical union jeopardized 
an average of ten situations to the other contracting 
party's one. Another inevitable feature of such a treaty 
would have been that only members of the contracting 
machinists' union might be employed. At the same time 
experience was demonstrating that many persons who had 
never served an apprenticeship at the machinists' trade, 
but through some fortuitous system became acquainted 
with the mechanism of typesetting machines, had made 
excellent managers of machine plants. These men were 
mere machine tenders, but their success was a warning 
to the union that as the mechanism of the typesetting 
devices became simplified it would not take expert 
machinists to fill such positions ; in fact it was even then 
predicted that the day would soon come when operators 
would be required and expected to take charge of their 
machine much as pressmen do of 'their presses, the 
machinist only being called in to repair some serious mis- 
hap. In concluding his remarks on the question of 
making any agreement with the machinists' union, the 
president gave it as his opinion and firm conviction that 
the interests of all would be best subserved by requiring 
that machinists or machine tenders should affiliate with 
the International Typographical Union, at the same time 
admitting that by so doing the union would be compelled 
to violate or ignore the safe union doctrine of trade 
autonomy and naturally become embroiled in disputes 
with the machinists' organization and possibly with the 
American Federation of Labor. It was suggested that 
the incoming officers be instructed to continue negotia- 
tions as the opportunity might offer and also that section 
143, general laws, be repealed, which action would not 
only relieve the members of local unions of irksome 

499 



History of The Typographical Union 

conditions, but give the officers greater latitude and free- 
dom with which to carry on negotiations and protect the 
interests of the organization. 

■Allied Trades "Councils — Vigorous work had been 
carried on during the year in the matter of forming 
allied printing trades councils, repeated urgings from 
headquarters having brought about the institution of 
these bodies in twenty-one cities. This action had pro- 
duced a beneficial effect and evidence of it was had 
through the fact that publishers and employers generally 
were outspoken in their objection, in several places posi- 
tively refusing to recognize such a body, some employers 
even going so far as to deny the right of organization 
to mailers, stereotypers and others on the ground that 
a very high degree of skill was not necessary to master 
the trade in question. It was pointed out that just in pro- 
portion as the union's adversaries feared a compact and 
cohesive organization of all the printing trades should 
the membership urge and uphold it, for there was no 
element of justice or right in the main causes of objec- 
tion. The attitude of the employers was not the only nor 
the most serious obstacle to the progress of the allied 
trades movement. The unsatisfactory relationship be- 
tween some of the trades was more to be feared. This 
was particularly noticeable in the case of trades having 
close connection with book and job printers. Many mem- 
bers of the International were working for firms who had 
pressrooms and binderies filled with non-union help 
(bookbinders and bindery girls especially), who were 
relied upon in cases of trouble to remain at work. This 
was not as it should be, but the high dues of the typo- 
graphical union precluded perfect organization of such 
meagerly-paid vocations as feeders and bindery girls. 
The relations with the bookbinders were not such as were 
conducive to concerted action with that trade. For many 

500 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

years organization of that craft was prosecuted in an alto- 
gether desultory manner, some bookbinders attaching 
themselves to isolated local unions, while others had 
become affiliated with the Knights of Labor. At the 
thirty-fifth session of the International Union, 1887, 
in compliance with the request of some bookbinders, the 
constitution was amended permitting the issuing of char- 
ters to bookbinders. In the seven years that had elapsed 
but eight charters had been issued, and of these four 
had gone out of existence. Early in 1892, a call was 
issued asking these heterogeneous organizations to send 
delegates to Philadelphia for the purpose of forming 
a central body. At this gathering the International 
Union was represented and an invitation was extended 
to the delegates to throw in their lot with the printers, 
but craft pride, and calumnies circulated by enemies 
of the typographical union, together with the desire to 
have a pliable organization, in order to harmonize con- 
flicting interests represented, contributed to the rejection 
of the typographical union's proposal. A low-dues 
organization was instituted, which allowed an affiliated 
body to retain its allegiance to any central body with 
which it was connected. On two occasions following 
the Philadelphia meeting the officials of the typographical 
union endeavored to open negotiations with the bookbind- 
ers, but their efforts were fruitless. 

Shorter Hours — Referring to the agitation for shorter 
hours, the president said: 

As the necessity of securing shorter hours of labor becomes 
more urgent it may be safely presumed that the question will 
be presented for your consideration. It will be remembered that 
last year there was submitted to the membership a proposition 
declaring that on and after November 1, 1893, nine hours 
should constitute a day's work, and levying an assessment of six 
cents per week for a period of fifteen or twenty weeks. As this 
would undoubtedly have precipitated a strike, a three-fourths 

501 



History of The Typographical Union 

vote was required to adopt, and this the proposition did not 
receive, the vote being 7,927 for, as against 6,464, a total of 
1 5*056, something less than one-half of our membership. ■ While 
this was discouraging to the advocates of reform, the vote 
should not be taken as meaning, as is urged in some quarters, 
that our membership is not in favor of shorter hours of labor. 
but the complexion of the vote can be attributed to several 
reasons, the main one being the unpropitious condition of trade, 
while many thought the amount of money that could possibly 
be accumulated under the assessment feature too small to 
justify our entering on what would undoubtedly be a fierce and 
perhaps protracted struggle. As it has ever been the policy of 
our organization to reach a settlement of such questions by 
means of conferences, your president took advantage of the 
United Typothetae's annual convention last September and 
appointed a committee of members of Chicago Typographical 
Union No. 16 to confer with that body. In reply to a com- 
munication the typothetae informed us that no committee would 
be appointed to consider the hours of labor. The previous year 
this subject was not only referred to a committee but exhaustive 
debate was entered into. This evidences that the causes which 
go to make shorter hours such a necessity at this time also serve 
to impart hope to the opposition and should warn us that 
adequate preparation is more necessary than ever. In a busi- 
ness where the profits are not usually inordinate, and in which 
the cost of material and rent are such potent factors in the 
cost of production, it is futile to suppose employers will make a 
change so long as there is a seeming opportunity for successful 
resistance. Therefore it will be your duty to formulate some 
plan for submission to the membership which contains, as a 
pre-requisite to the adoption of a shorter work-day, a means 
for accumulating a large fund for the purpose of prosecuting 
the fight. The most cursory observer of recent events in the 
labor world must be convinced that to overlook this most 
essential feature will but be a prelude to a worse state than the 
existing one. Though the industrial outlook is not encouraging 
just now, I submit that this is the proper time to make prepara- 
tion, for the history of trade unions has ever been that after 
periods of depression there is a reaction in their favor, and 
such trades as are fully prepared to take advantage of the tide 
of industrial activity at its flood never fail to receive a measure 

502 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

of those improved conditions for which we are incessantly 
battling. Now is the time to buckle on our armor and prepare 
for the fray. 

Pressmen and Bookbinders — Referring to the em- 
broglio of the pressmen,, the president called atten- 
tion to the fact that this unfortunate schism had lasted for 
five years, and that it was agreed by all reputable trade 
union authorities that when less than one-third of the 
pressmen members decided to secede from the typograph- 
ical union that they committed an offense against the 
canons of unionism and in the estimation of many well 
qualified judges inflicted material Injury upon them- 
selves and their craft. Notwithstanding the untenable 
position they assumed, the International Typographical 
Union had sought to harmonize the differences by dis- 
patching committees, charged with propositions, to two 
pressmen's conventions. These envoys failing in their 
mission, the president took advantage of a secession 
movement in Chicago and offered a proposition on his 
own responsibility, which was rejected under circum- 
stances calculated to convey the impression that the 
pressmen did not desire a peaceful settlement. Previous 
to this incident the policy of the executive council had 
been in keeping with that of the convention and efforts 
to displace seceders were discouraged as much as possible 
in the hope that common sense and reason would assert 
itself in their ranks. Speaking directly to the subject, 
the president said: 

While firmly believing that in leaving our fold these press- 
men were not only guilty of gross breach of faith with us, but 
injuring themselves, I also realized that with two organizations 
claiming supremacy over that branch, history would in a short 
time be repeating itself, and as an ultimate there would be an 
era of wage reductions arising from the fight for supremacy. 
It has always been thus in other trades when men were 
environed as the pressmen are, and I know of no alchemy which 

503 



History of The Typographical Union 

would justify us in believing we would enjoy exemption from 
the evil. It is a fact that in a war between labor organizations 
the workers only are victims. In order to effect a peace in this 
instance it was imperative that a conference be held so that an 
arrangement as to future action could be come to, and the 
rights of pressmen who remained loyal to our organization 
protected at all hazards. If we took action of our volition — as 
was suggested by some — and deprive all pressmen of member- 
ship in the International Typographical Union, we v/ould not 
only be doing an unjust and illegal act, but be guilty of 
cowardice in betraying men to the mercy of those who had 
threatened vengeance on them on account of their adhesion to 
the obligation taken in common with the rest of us. I could not 
bring myself to the belief that our grand old organization would 
besmirch its escutcheon by such base treachery. Having ample 
evidence that under a passive policy there was little hope of a 
settlement, and believing that the seceders' indifference was due 
largely to the belief that we either could not, or would not, 
protect and advance the interests of our pressmen members, your 
officers determined upon the inauguration of a vigorous organ- 
ization campaign, and to fully protect our pressmen in all their 
rights. Several small, and of themselves unimportant, happen- 
ings about this time indicated that individual members of the 
other organization had decided, if possible, to obtain control 
of newspaper stereotyping rooms, in violation of our laws and 
invading the rights of our members. At this juncture what is 
known as the Akron affair occurred. Though my course in this 
matter has generated much adverse criticism, based on false 
premises and misrepresentations, I have no apologies to offer. 
My action is amply justified by a desire to maintain union prin- 
ciples and union laws and can seemingly be regarded as a most 
politic procedure. Twice had the seceders informed us officially 
"that it was not advisable to bind pressmen or pressmen's unions 
to any obligations or compact" with our organization. The craft 
is to be congratulated on their having assumed a more reason- 
able attitude. That it was a disagreeable duty none will deny, 
but the interests of the Akron printers as well as considerations 
of public policy demanded that it be done. 

The seceders' convention being held at Toronto last June, 
I arranged to have the proposed basis of settlement adopted at 
Chicago, and which was rejected by them at their previous 
convention, presented again. The outcome of this was the 

504 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

appointment of conference committees which met at St. Louis, 
August 22, and agreed on a basis of settlement which is em- 
bodied in the second vice-president's report. 

In urging your approval of this agreement and sending the 
necessary amendments to the referendum, I do not do so on the 
ground that it is desirable, but rather on the theory that it is 
the lesser of the two evils that confront us. The compositors 
and other branches have questions pressing with great insistence 
for solution and with an internecine quarrel waging they will, 
in all likelihood, be settled in a manner unsatisfactory to us, 
even though justice and logic be on our side. So far as it refers 
to lockouts and strikes, the proposition provides for greater 
unity of action than has prevailed heretofore, and it is thought 
the executive methods are workable. Time will, of course, 
develop imperfections, but with officials possessed of a deter- 
mination to be equitable and advance the interests of all, and 
exercising ordinary prudence, these defects can be overcome 
and requisite changes made. I will not attempt to conceal the 
fact that from my standpoint our pressmen are making a sacri- 
fice (though it is averred that a majority of them now favor 
the secession movement), but their patriotism and unionism 
will, I am sure, prompt a hearty acquiescence in the will of the 
majority, whatever that may be. If either organization rejects 
the treaty now under consideration, a vigorous fight lies before 
us, for we can not afford to cover ourselves with shame by 
deserting even a small number if they are being persecuted or 
harassed by an enemy. If w T e should be so unfortunate as to 
become involved in such a fratricidal strife the quasi-traitorous 
members who have not yet learned the initial principle of 
unionism will have to be taught it, by suasion if possible, but 
by more stringent methods if necessary. 

The report of the pressmen's vice-president, H. C. 
McFarland, was a comprehensive document, relating in 
detail the efforts of the pressmen holding charters under 
the International to bring about a satisfactory agreement 
or amalgamation with the seceding members — the Inter- 
national Printing Pressmen's Union. The report was 
explicit. It justified the course of the administration 
in the Akron affair and included letters of endorsement 
from President Gompers of the American Federation 

505 



History of The Typographical Union 

of Labor and other members of the executive council of 
that body. 

Running through the proceedings of the convention 
were numerous efforts, both on the part of the delegates 
representing typographical unions and those representing 
pressmen's unions, to adjust the differences existing 
between the International body and the International 
Printing Pressmen. The matter, however, finally failed 
of adjustment, but the executive council was left at liberty 
to carry on negotiations looking to an amicable settlement 
of the dispute. 

In July, 1895, some nine months after the adjournment 
of the Louisville convention, through the medium of the 
Typographical Journal, the executive officers reported 
that an agreement or an alliance between the International 
Typographical Union, the International Printing Press- 
men's Union and the International Brotherhood of Book- 
binders had been drafted and agreed to by the committees 
representing the three organizations named. This pro- 
posed agreement, together with three other propositions — 
first, to change the size of the Typographical Journal; 
second, to empower the executive council to consummate 
an agreement with either the pressmen or the book- 
binders' organizations, should either one of those bodies 
refuse the agreement, and, third, to ratify an agreement 
with the International Association of Machinists, a docu- 
ment that had also been agreed upon by the committee 
representing the machinists — were referred to the refer- 
endum. Of the four propositions, all were confirmed by 
'the referendum with the exception of the proposed agree- 
ment with the machinists. The agreement between the 
three international unions of the printing trades was as 
follows : 

First. That the International Typographical Union recog- 
nizes the right of the International Printing Pressmen's Union 

506 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

to charter, regulate and control printing pressmen, pressfeeders 
and helpers in pressrooms in the United States and Canada ; 
also that the International Typographical Union recognizes the 
right of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders to 
charter, legislate and control all branches pertaining to the 
bookbinding trade ; Provided further, that the International 
Printing Pressmen's Union and the International Brotherhood 
of Bookbinders recognizes the right of the International Typo- 
graphical Union to charter and control the compositors and 
other branches of the printing trade at present connected with 
that body. 

Second. Each party does and will recognize the jurisdiction 
and authority of the other as set forth in clause I of this agree- 
ment, and each party further agrees to withhold recognition 
from any and all other persons following as a vocation the 
branch of the printing or bookbinding craft under control of the 
other party to this agreement. 

Third. The parties to this agreement hereby finally and 
forever abandon all right or pretense to organize, aid or abet 
morally or financially, in whole or in part, a union, individual 
or clique of individuals employed at branches of the business 
under the control of the other parties to this agreement. 

Fourth. Local unions of the International Printing Press- 
men's Union shall receive and admit to membership on presenta- 
tion of the International Typographical Union certificate of 
membership, without prejudice or fee, all pressmen, pressmen's 
helpers, web pressmen and feeders who are at the date of tak- 
ing effect of this agreement members of unions chartered by 
the International Typographical Union. Pressmen's unions 
chartered by the International Typographical Union in cities 
where no union of the International Printing Pressmen's Union 
now exists shall have issued to them a charter by the Interna- 
tional Printing Pressmen's Union without charge or fee. 

Fifth. Local unions of the International Brotherhood of 
Bookbinders shall receive and admit to membership upon 
presentation of an International Typographical Union certifi- 
cate of membership, without prejudice or fee, all bookbinders 
who are at the date of taking effect of this agreement members 
of unions chartered by the International Typographical Union. 
Bookbinders' unions chartered by the International Typograph- 
ical Union in cities where no union of the International 

507 



History of The Typographical Union 

Brotherhood of Bookbinders now exists shall have issued to 
them a charter by the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders 
without charge or fee. 

Sixth. All funds of each party to this agreement remain 
independent of each other except when voted for defensive 
purposes as hereafter provided for in clause 1 1 of this 
agreement. 

Seventh. Grievances requiring joint strikes must be decided 
by the executive boards or councils of an equal number of each 
party, and by agreement between the boards after united request 
of local unions representative of each party to this agreement 
where grievance exists. 

Eighth. Local vote for general strike must be had in 
regular or special meeting, of which meeting and contemplated 
action there shall have been at least twenty-four hours' notice 
given by the executive committees of local unions to all members 
of the local unions involved in strike. 

Ninth. Upon failure to effect an amicable settlement of 
any dispute in which the members of the contracting parties to 
this agreement are involved, or likely to become involved, it 
shall be the duty of the officers of the respective unions to notify 
the presidents of the unions party to this agreement in dupli- 
cate communications, who shall either in person or by proxy 
proceed to the place of the difficulty and jointly endeavor to 
effect a peaceable settlement, failing in which they shall join 
in a report to the executive councils of their respective Interna- 
tional unions, which shall for the purposes of this agreement 
at all times be composed of an equal number of members, and 
if, on a vote being taken, it is shown that a majority of the 
bodies acting conjointly are of the opinion that the inauguration 
of a strike is absolutely necessary, the presidents in person or by 
proxy, or one of them, as may be agreed upon by the executive 
councils, shall again attempt to effect a settlement, and if 
unsuccessful shall, through the officers of the various unions, 
order a general strike of all members of the International 
Typographical Union, the International Printing Pressmen's 
Union and International Brotherhood of Bookbinders working 
in the office or offices affected, and any member disregarding 
this order shall be promptly expelled for ratting by his subor- 
dinate union. 

Tenth. For the purpose of expediting business it shall be 

508 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

permissible for the executive councils to select one of their 
members who shall be known as chairman and to whom all 
communications shall be addressed, and whose duty it shall be 
to poll the votes of the joint councils as promptly as possible, 
notifying the unions interested of the result and subsequently 
preparing a copy of all answers received and forwarding it to 
the members of the councils. 

Eleventh: When a joint strike shall have been inaugurated 
by the parties to this agreement, the initiating union shall pay 
those involved as follows : The sum of $7 per week to married 
men, or the heads of families, and $5 per week to single men 
or women for the period of eight weeks ; after that time 
beneficiaries shall apply to their respective unions for further 
relief. 

Twelfth. Strikes may be declared of! by a majority vote 
of the executive councils. 

Thirteenth. Local unions called out in strike may receive 
aid from their own International funds without subjecting such 
funds to demands from locals calling for assistance. 

Fourteenth. Any local of either party to this agreement 
may strike as heretofore without consent of local unions existing 
in same place, but in such case co-operation of allies can not 
be made compulsory further than to refrain from filling places 
thus made vacant. 

Fifteenth. In case of dispute between the parties to this 
agreement a disinterested board of arbitrators consisting of 
three members shall be selected, one by each organization, whose 
award shall be binding on all parties. 

Sixteenth. The joint allied printing trades council shall 
have control of the printing trades label which shall be granted 
to all offices complying with the regulations of the allied print- 
ing trades council. That the allied printing trades label shall 
only be granted to offices that are union throughout. 

Seventeenth. It is the duty of subordinate unions of the 
International Typographical Union to use all honorable means 
to induce all non-union pressmen and bookbinders within their 
jurisdiction to affiliate with the nearest union of their respective 
organizations. In case of strike or lockout such members shall 
be governed by the terms of this agreement. 

Eighteenth. This agreement shall be perpetual, and shall 
be accepted or rejected as a whole; provided, amendments may 

509 



History of The Typographical Union 

be proposed hereafter by either party, and on ratification by the 
other party in such manner as its laws provide, shall become 
a part of this agreement. 

Following the referendum vote adopting the foregoing 
amendment, the Typographical Journal said, editorially : 

Whether the vote on the proposition recently submitted is 
gratifying or not to the reader, it will have to be admitted by 
all that the efficaciousness and comparative inexpensiveness of 
the referendum has again been demonstrated. A burning ques- 
tion has been settled in an emphatic manner, and much more 
satisfactorily than it otherwise could have been. By agreement 
the jurisdiction proposition does not become operative until 
January I, 1896, which affords ample time for the arrangement 
of details, provided it is concurred in by either of the other 
organizations, of which there is not much doubt. On the date 
mentioned all bookbinders and pressmen now affiliated with 
the International Typographical Union will sever their con- 
nection with us so far as being contributing members is 
concerned. The pressmen as a whole do not appear to have been 
much exercised about the result, as their vote is light and not 
very decisive on the question about which they have been cre- 
ating so much pother the last five years. That some will object 
to recognizing the agreement is a foregone conclusion, if we 
can judge from the tone of communications which are being 
received. Painful though it may be, our- duty is plain. The 
terms of the agreement must be adhered to, and it is hoped that 
those who feel disposed to object will give the matter serious 
consideration, always keeping in mind that the test of good 
unionism is subserviency to the majority's will in all trade 
affairs. Here the majority has undoubtedly spoken. 

The defeat of the machinist proposition was not unexpected. 
Those who had given the subject any thought felt it would be 
impossible to draft an agreement allowing our members to take 
charge of machines unless we reciprocated by permitting ma- 
chinists to become operators. This was a stumbling block to 
formulating an agreement in the winter of 1892. Though the 
machinists were anxious to enter into an arrangement, neither 
the old or new executive boards would do so without a recip- 
rocal section, even after being warned that such a provision 
meant defeat for trie measure. They argued that to go into any 

5IO 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

"jughandled" arrangement would be unfair to their constitu- 
ents, though admitting that under the compact finally agreed 
upon their members would gain little or nothing. Much has 
been said — and it was anticipated — about machinists flooding 
the operators' market. These fears were to a very great extent 
groundless. It takes more than a knowledge of mechanics to 
become an expert operator, and some of those who were most 
vociferous in announcing their views and denouncing the propo- 
sitions are living demonstrations that, even under the most 
favorable conditions and with the kindliest-hearted of employ- 
ers, all men can not become successful operators. This was one 
of the humors of the controversy. Another is that some machin- 
ists object to the proposition on the ground that it requires so 
slight a degree of mechanical skill to oversee a machine plant 
that such situations would be in the hands of oldtime printers. 
They argue that publishers and foremen would naturally prefer 
to employ those acquainted with ways of printing offices than 
novices. And we think more weight attaches to their contentions 
than those of us who reasoned on similar lines. The result of 
the vote is to allow subordinate unions to enter into such agree- 
ments as they see fit. If any do so, they should be careful not 
to enter into an alliance which will bring them in conflict with 
the great labor organizations, and see that the other contracting 
party has a sufficient bank account, or the means of obtaining 
one, to discharge its financial obligations under the agreement. 
This is the time for business, and not sentiment. 

Stereotypers — The report of the third vice-president, 
W. B. Lewis, representing the stereotypers and electro- 
typers' trade district, was a brief document, showing that 
that branch of the International had passed through the 
crisis created by depressed conditions in the trade in a 
satisfactory manner. Although only one new union was 
chartered during the year, there had been no loss in mem- 
bership. In concluding his report, Vice-President Lewis 
said that the stereotypers and electrotypers' trade district 
system had given the utmost satisfaction and he had no 
hesitancy in pronouncing it a success and predicting that 
it would be the means of promoting and solidifying the 
unions of stereotypers and electrotypers. 

5ii 



History of The Typographical Union 

Secretary-Treasurer's Report — The report of the 
secretary-treasurer showed that the financial transactions 
of the International during the year continued to exhibit 
an increase over previous years and it was remarked that 
the business transactions of subordinate unions with the 
general office had been uniformly prompt and accurate. 

The supply department established at headquarters 
had demonstrated its efficacy in assisting subordinate 
officers in the performance of their duties and to its 
effectiveness was credited the added promptness and 
accuracy of detail so necessary to the proper conduct of 
the affairs of the organization. While there had been 
an evident decrease of membership in many of the lead- 
ing labor organizations of the country during the money 
stringency of the year, there had been a gradual and 
steady increase in the membership of the International, 
31,379 members being reported in good standing at the 
close of the fiscal year. Of the total number of deaths, 
507, the greatest number occurred at the age of 24 and 
33 years, there being 24 in each case recorded. The 
average age at death was 41% years. There were 248 
deaths from tuberculosis and kindred diseases. 

Constitutional Amendments — Nineteen constitutional 
amendments were submitted to the referendum, eighteen 
of which were ratified — the one being defeated proposing 
a return to annual sessions of the International. A 
summary of the amendments follows : 

( 1 ) Required that credentials of delegates-elect be re- 
turned to the secretary-treasurer within fifteen days after 
election; (2) the purpose of this amendment was to re- 
turn to annual sessions, but was defeated, as stated above ; 
(3) provided for the alteration of certain designated sec- 
tions so as to have the constitution conform with biennial, 
instead of annual, International conventions; (4), (5), 
(6), (7) gave constitutional effect to certain provisions 

512 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

of the treaty of amalgamation entered into between the 
International Typographical Union and German-Amer- 
ican Typographia which was approved by the member- 
ship; (8) provided for publication of list of arrearages of 
subordinate unions in the Typographical Journal, instead 
of in circular form; (9) fixed the date when the secre- 
tary-treasurer should send out delegate certificates of elec- 
tion ; (10) permitted the officers to deposit the funds in 
more than one bank; ( 1 1 ) struck out superfluous instruc- 
tions to the secretary-treasurer, in section 5, article vi, as 
the same were given under standing orders; (12) referred 
to free distribution of copies of the Typographical Jour- 
nal to certain persons therein defined; (13) relieved the 
president of the impracticable duty of collecting data as 
to strength and financial conditions of various organiza- 
tions for publication in the Journal; (14) provided for 
the payment of sixty dollars upon the death of a member 
from the burial fund, instead of fifty dollars; (15) pro- 
vided that in the case of feeders and bindery girls the 
payment from the burial fund should be forty-five dollars 
only; (16) fixed the monthly dues payable to the Inter- 
national fund by feeders and bindery girls at fifteen cents, 
instead of twenty-five by other members; (17) related 
altogether to the dues of feeders and bindery girls. [Their 
dues being fifteen cents, instead of twenty-five cents, paid 
by other members, no portion of the per capita tax re- 
ceived from them was accredited to the Childs-Drexel 
Home fund, nor were any of the members classed as 
feeders and bindery girls eligible to the privileges of the 
Home]. (18) Regulated the issuance of "certificates of 
membership" and "withdrawal cards" and fully explained 
the status of members privileged to the uses of the same, 
who were entitled to them, and upon the conditions active 
membership might be resumed by those holding them ; 
(19) provided for meetings of newspaper hands as one 

513 



History of The Typographical Union 

branch, and book and job hands as another. [The propo- 
sition applied only to subordinate unions, which, by a 
majority vote, adopted it and was merely a privilege 
granted by the union for the meeting of members engaged 
in the several branches for the purpose of discussing and 
providing legislation for their own particular class. No 
definite action could be taken upon constitutional matters, 
scale of prices, etc., without referring the same to the 
union as a whole, and obtaining the lawful constitutional 
consent thereto. The proposition was intended merely to 
empower unions to provide means for discussion and 
education.] 

General Laws — Of several amendments to the general 
laws the following is worthy of notice : 

"Foremen of printing offices have the right to employ 
help at will and may discharge help : first, for incom- 
petency; second, for violation of the rules of the office, 
chapel or union; third, for neglect of duty; fourth, in 
order to decrease the force. It shall be further under- 
stood that if a workman be competent to sub in an office, 
he is competent to hold a regular situation. In all cases 
where a compositor or machine operator is discharged 
he shall be furnished a written statement of the cause 
by the foreman, if demanded, and should an increase of 
force be rendered necessary within sixty days, those so 
discharged by reason of such decrease of force shall 
be reinstated." 

Union Printers Home — Laws affecting the legislation 
of the Union Printers Home were passed, as follows : 

That the names of all inmates of the Childs-Drexel Home 
be placed upon the mail list of the Typographical Journal. 

That the superintendent of the Childs-Drexel Home be and 
is hereby instructed to inaugurate such measures as will tend 
to reduce the expenses of said Home without crippling the 
efficiency of the same. Such action of the superintendent to be 
subject to the approval of the finance committee. 

5H 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

That the superintendent of the Home furnish, for publica- 
tion in the Typographical Journal, a monthly statement of 
admissions to and expulsions from the Home, together with 
causes of same, names of unions sending inmates, and such 
other information as may be of interest concerning the condi- 
tion of the inmates. 

That charges against the management or any officer of the 
Childs-Drexel Home must be of a specific nature, and made 
in the regular manner provided by the rules of the institution 
and endorsed by the union which secured the admission of the 
inmate preferring the same. 

That in purchasing supplies for the Childs-Drexel Home, 
the superintendent shall invite bids from different wholesale 
houses and a yearly contract be made for furnishing the same ; 
said supplies to be furnished as desired by the superintendent 
or recommended by the finance committee. Contracts to be 
approved by the finance committee before becoming effective. 

The committee on admissions is instructed to exclude persons 
suffering from tuberculosis in the last stages and from infectious 
and contagious diseases. 

That inmates be required, when able, to perform such duties 
as may appear proper to the superintendent, subject to the 
judgment of the attending physician. 

Where an inmate is discharged for misconduct, the amount 
appropriated shall be charged to the local union recom- 
mending him. 

The following is substituted for section 10, standing reso- 
lutions : 

Where applicants are admitted to the Childs-Drexel Home 
for Union Printers the expense of transportation shall be 
defrayed by the local typographical union, when the applicant 
is unable to pay the same. 

Out-of-Work Fund — A proposition to create an 
"out-of-work" fund presented at the Louisville conven- 
tion met with defeat at the hands of the delegates, the 
body refusing to submit the question to a referendum vote. 
On March 15, 1896, during the interim before the next 
convention, New York Typographical Union proposed an 
amendment increasing the per capita tax 25 cents per 

515 



History of The Typographical Union 

month for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an 
out-of-work fund. That the measure was unpopular is 
shown by the fact that it failed to receive the necessary 
endorsement from twenty subordinate unions and in the 
Journal of July i, 1896, it was announced that only seven- 
teen unions had favored submitting the proposition. 

Nine-Hour Fund — ■ Another proposition to prepare 
for the inauguration of the nine-hour workday was sub- 
mitted to the referendum following the Louisville conven- 
tion. It was proposed that an assessment of I per cent 
be levied on the wages of all members, for such time as 
was deemed necessary by the executive council, to accu- 
mulate a fund to be known as the "shorter workday fund" 
and to be used for the purpose of inaugurating a shorter 
workday in the book and job trade. Like similar propo- 
sitions passed by previous conventions, it met with defeat. 

Deaths of Messrs. Childs and Drexel — Following the 
Chicago convention, the craft had been called upon to 
mourn the death of two friends and benefactors, Anthony 
J. Drexel and George W. Childs. These gentlemen occu- 
pied a position unique in relation to organized labor. 
Though the printers of the city of Philadelphia pre- 
viously had experienced manifestations of the good will 
of Messrs. Childs and Drexel, the unconditional donation 
of $10,000 to the International Typographical Union at 
the Pittsburgh convention of 1886 insured a warm place 
in the hearts of trade unionists in general and the printing 
fraternity in particular, for these men had been among 
the first of their class on this continent to give material 
recognition to the trade union movement. As an indica- 
tion of the esteem in which Mr. Childs was held by the 
organization, the convention adopted the following 
resolution : 

Resolved, That the membership throughout the jurisdiction 
be asked to contribute 50 cents, on or before May 12, 1895, the 

516 



Convention at Louisville, 1894 

anniversary of Mr. Childs' birthday, such sum to be forwarded 
to Typographical Union No. 2 at Philadelphia, to be used in 
the erection of a suitable memorial to the memory of George 
W. Childs. 

Six-Day Law — Another referendum proposition, 
emanating from Seattle, proposed to amend the general 
laws by adding the following to section 123 (the six-day 
law) : "Provided, that members holding situations in 
seven-day offices shall have the disposal of the entire 
seven days and the designating of substitutes for certain 
days or the exemption of 'rotary situations' or any other 
rule affecting the subversion of this provision shall be 
unlawful." The amendment was carried by the refer- 
endum, the vote being 4,522 ayes, 1,556 noes. About one- 
half of the subordinate unions made no returns on the 
proposition. 

Colorado Springs was selected as the meeting place 
for the next convention. 

Officers, 1894-1895 — Officers were elected as follows: 
President, William B. Prescott, Toronto; first vice- 
president, Theodore Perry, Nashville; pressmen's vice- 
president, F. J. Boyle, St. Paul ; stereotypers' and electro- 
typers' vice-president, C. B. Lahan, Chicago ; German- 
American Typographia vice-president, Hugo Miller, 
Indianapolis; secretary-treasurer, A. G. Wines, St. Louis. 
Organizers — S. H. Dyer, Springfield, Mass. ; Thomas F. 
McHale, Albany; James A. Power, Washington, D. C. ; 
W. H. Wells, Norfolk; Jacob Eitel, Savannah; John D. 
Flanagan, Grand Rapids, Mich. ; J. K. Brewer, Spring- 
field, 111. ; J. A. Lane, Knoxville, Tenn. ; John P. Mar- 
nell, St. Louis; H. S. Woodward, Minneapolis; S. De 
Nedrey, Omaha; A. M. Butler, Dallas; J. W. Purcell, 
Butte, Mont.; E. A. Parker, San Francisco; C. E. 
Hawkes, Seattle; G. W. Dower, Toronto. Delegates to 
American Federation of Labor — W. B. Prescott, 
Toronto (president) ; W. M. Higgins, Louisville; August 

517 



History of The Typographical Union 

McCraith, Boston; J. W. Bramwood, Denver. Trustees 
Childs-Drexel Home for Union Printers — W. B. Prescott, 
Toronto; A. G. Wines, St. Louis; James J. Dailey, Phila- 
delphia; Frank S. Pelton, Chicago; Henry Dorsey, 
Dallas (to take office one year later) ; Alexander Duguid, 
Cincinnati; L. C. Shepard, Grand Rapids, Mich., and 
F. A. Colby, Colorado Springs. 

Convention at Colorado Springs 

[1896] — The forty-third convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union assembled in Durkee Hall, 
Colorado Springs, on Monday, October 12, 1896. The 
session was opened by G. C. Ash, president of the local 
union, who introduced W. A. Piatt, editor of the Colorado 
Springs Gazette. Mr. Piatt welcomed the delegates and 
guests on behalf of the press of Colorado Springs. Presi- 
dent Prescott briefly responded to the addresses and then 
declared the convention ready for business. 

THE BROTHERHOOD 

After the list of delegates had been read by the 
secretary-treasurer and a committee appointed to consider 
the irregular credentials, Delegate O'Rourke, of New 
York, rising to a question of privilege, offered the follow- 
ing preamble and resolution, which were unanimously 
adopted, by a rising vote : 

Whereas it having become known that there has been and 
is still in existence one or more secret societies, composed 
wholly or partly of printers, having for an object the control 
or influence of the various local unions and the International 
Typographical Union, both in the matter of legislation and in 
the election of officers, in the interest of the members of said 
society or societies ; and 

Whereas in order that the members of the various unions 
represented here by delegates may have that regard for, and 
regain the lost confidence in, the proceedings of this body and 

518 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

the officers thereof, which is essential to the welfare of the 
craft; therefore, 

Be it resolved, That before proceeding to any of the regular 
business of this convention each and every member of this 
body be required to take and subscribe to the following oath : 

I (repeat name individually) do solemnly swear, 

before Almighty God, by everything that I hold sacred and 
holy, that I will not from this time forth belong to any associa- 
tion, secret or otherwise, that has for its object, directly or 
indirectly, the influence of the legislative or other acts, or the 
election of the officers, of any local unions to which I now 
or may hereafter belong, or 'the influence of the legislation or 
other acts of this convention, or the election of any officer or 
officers of this body; and I do also swear that I will not here- 
after belong to any such body, whether known by the name of 
Brotherhood, Caxton League, Wahnetas, or any other name 
whatsoever, or any other such body, with or without a name, 
or any such body that may have technically dissolved itself at 
the adjournment of its meetings; and, furthermore, I do 
solemnly swear that I will do all in my power to break up any 
such body that may come to my knowledge either at this or any 
other convention of the International Typographical Union, or 
in any of the local unions; and to all of the above I pledge 
my most sacred honor. 



The reports of the various officers were duly presented 
and referred to appropriate committees. The president's 
address was not only an exhaustive review of the affairs 
of the International but was replete with suggestions 
to further strengthen and upbuild the organization. In 
opening his report, President Prescott said: 

I am not unmindful of the fact that I am addressing the 
representatives of a labor organization that has within the past 
half decade successfully withstood such a flood of adverse 
circumstances and conditions as few, if any, industrial organiza- 
tions have been called upon to contend with. Within that period 
the wave of secession among pressmen reached its apex; a 
depression of unparalleled severity decimated the ranks of young 
and immature labor organizations; and the newspaper branch 

519 



History of The Typographical Union 

of our business has been revolutionized by machinery. Not- 
withstanding that few similar bodies in the past have emerged 
from like conflicts so well fitted to meet the exigencies that 
business reverses or improvements in the methods of production 
have begot, during the time mentioned our average paying mem- 
bership has increased over 7,000, the high-water mark having 
been reached in 1894. But even now, making allowance for 
the defection of pressmen and bookbinders agreeably to our 
wishes as expressed by popular vote, our union is stronger 
numerically and financially than ever before in its tempestuous 
and beneficent career of nearly half a century. It is a sterling 
tribute to the firm grasp the older members had on the prin- 
ciples of unionism and the thorough manner in which they 
inoculated the younger and rising generation with them that we 
are able to say that, judged by material and actual advancement, 
the International Union has never been more successful than 
during the most trying period of its existence — the last two 
years. That there have been mistakes of judgment can not be 
gainsaid, but we have resisted the flood of demands for decreases 
in wages and increases of hours in a reasonably satisfactory 
manner. This must not be taken as a complete measure of our 
accomplishments, for with few exceptions we have improved the 
conditions of those so fortunate as to secure situations on the 
introduction of machines. It is undeniable that our operator 
members today are receiving more' per hour for their services 
than ever before. 

After noting the dark days the union had passed 
through and pointing to the probability of still darker 
ones in the future, the president continued : 

The question for decision and your earnest consideration is not 
whether what is is satisfactory, but whether existing conditions 
can not be improved upon. It has been well said that discontent 
is the mother of progress, and those who fondly nurse and 
enunciate the delusion that our past achievements testify to our 
invincibleness, and therefore change is unnecessary, are the most 
dangerous of all within or without our ranks. They differ from 
the renegade and marplot by preaching the insidious, pleasing 
and consoling philosophy of idleness, advancing the theory that 
there is no need of improvement, consequently the drudgery 
and painstaking efforts of our law-makers and self»sacrificing 

520 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

local officers should go for naught. In an intelligent discontent, 
coupled with a determination to improve our system of organiza- 
tion so as to adequately meet possible — aye, probable — con- 
tingencies, lies the hope of our future prosperity. The absolute 
necessity and general desire for a strong organization with 
almost unlimited capital to support it in times of stress and 
danger is evidenced by every local union that becomes involved 
in difficulty, even though it may have previously scouted the 
idea. In their direst distress members look to the parent body 
for succor and help, irrespective of their former views on "local 
autonomy." 

Organization Work — Under the head "Organization," 
emphasis was given to former protests against what was 
called antiquated methods of organization. The system 
of district organizers was regarded as faulty and responsi- 
ble for many serious mistakes and should be supplanted 
by the appointment of paid organizers. It was thought 
that it would be incomparably better to have one or two 
men devote their entire time to the work — that such 
officials would soon become adepts in treating with 
employers and managing strikes. 

The report showed that 60 charters had been issued 
from August 31, 1894, to September I, 1896, bringing 
into the fold of the International Union 1,063 members. 
Twenty-six unions had been suspended for non-payment 
of dues; 45 unions, representing pressmen and bookbind- 
ers, surrendered their charters in accordance with a juris- 
diction agreement, taking with them 1,378 members; 18 
unions, representing 162 members, surrendered their 
charters between August 3, 1894, and September 1 1, 1896. 

Union Printers Home — The difficulties attending the 
management of the Home were reviewed at length. After 
calling attention to the inadequate accommodations pre- 
vailing at the Home, the president said : 

It will be your duty to submit to your constituents some 
scheme having for its object the perpetuation of that institu- 

521 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion, for so far as my information extends the most consistent 
and rabid opponent of the Home will not seriously maintain 
that a majority of the craft are favorable to its abandonment 
or even continuance in its present unfinished and unsatisfactory 
condition. The preponderance of opinion among the member- 
ship favors placing it in such shape as will afford shelter for 
all fellow-craftsmen embraced in the proposition adopted by an 
overwhelming majority in 1889 — caring for sick and indigent 
members. It is hoped neither you nor the members will be 
enticed from the straight and honorable path by the alluring 
bait of securing endowments from the wealthy by a species 
of refined and fashionable medicancy. Eleemosynary and other 
societies may find it congenial to sustain so-called "charities" 
in such a way, but in my estimation it is not in keeping with 
the tenets of trade unionism to beg favors at the hands of 
either erstwhile enemies or present friends. So far as known 
this is the first venture of the kind ever attempted by a purely 
economic labor organization, and let us write failure upon its 
doors rather than be recreant to the underlying principles of 
unionism — self-reliant independence and honest manliness. 

The Label — In relation to the label, the many diffi- 
culties in the way of its general use were gone over, as 
well as the efforts made to protect it from infringement 
A vigorous and persistent campaign to continue its use 
was suggested. 

Important Recommendations — Further efforts to 
establish a shorter workday were earnestly urged and 
a complete system of reorganization was proposed, the 
main features of which were the election of International 
officers by popular vote and the abolition of conventions. 
Strengthening the system of gathering statistics was 
advised, as was also a continuance of the campaign in the 
interest of governmental ownership and control of the 
telegraph. In relation to the cost of administration, the 
president said : 

It is almost impossible to convey a fair idea of the magni- 
tude of the routine work now devolving upon the chief officers, 
but some conception of it may be obtained when the work done 

522 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

at this time is compared with that which fell to the lot of the 
officers eight years ago. Then it was reported that the cor- 
respondence for the year aggregated 3,700 letters, while now 
the monthly average since November, 1895 (when an accurate 
record of such matters was first kept), has been 5,244 packages, 
exclusive of the Typographical Journal and similar litera- 
ture. With this increase in correspondence and incidental busi- 
ness there has necessarily been an increment in the expense 
account, but an examination of the figures will show that the 
members are getting as good, if not better, service at a vastly 
cheaper rate per capita than ever before. 

Stereotypers — The report of Vice-President Charles 
B. Lahan, representing the stereotypers' and electro- 
typers' branch of the union, showed that 5 charters had 
been issued during the year and that 3 had been sur- 
rendered, leaving 23 in existence. No events of special 
importance marked the history of the stereotypers during 
the period. 

Typographia — The report of Vice-President Hugo 
Miller contained the information that the German- 
American branch of the International Union was in a 
flourishing condition notwithstanding the introduction 
of machines and the commercial depression. 

Secretary's Report — Secretary-Treasurer Wines' re- 
port was a complete and comprehensive exposition of the 
fiscal affairs of the union for the two years ending June 
30, 1896, each year's business being arranged separately 
and all being itemized. Commenting on the business for 
the term, the report said : 

Notwithstanding the depression in commercial and business 
circles during the past two years, our finances show a healthy 
condition, and to the membership itself, which has promptly 
met its obligations to the International, the credit is due for our 
present prosperity. The receipts for the two years aggregate 
$187,945.56, while the expenditures for the same time total 
$182,860.80, showing a gain of $5,084.76 in our assets. This 
large sum has been collected without any degree of friction, 

5 2 3 



History of The Typographical Union 

indicating that our financial condition, though the resources 
are inadequate to existing needs and the system unsuited to an 
organization of our present magnitude, is of greater stability 
than at any previous time in the history of the International. 

The expenditures show $48,087.18 to have been paid during 
the two years in strike and lockout benefits; $45,755 in burial 
claims, while $36,500.72 was transferred to the Home fund. 
These beneficiary features undoubtedly add strength to the 
organization and are the means of holding together many of 
the smaller unions, as well as bringing into our ranks some 
who, but for these features, would never affiliate with us. Each 
and every member of the International can well be proud of 
the showing made during the past two years, for, although the 
membership shows a decrease from 31,379, in 1894, to 29,295, 
in 1895, and 28,838 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896, it 
must be remembered that we have had to contend with machines 
as well as the business depression. In addition to these obstacles, 
legislation permitting the withdrawal from our ranks of the 
pressmen, feeders, bookbinders and bindery girls (some 1,500 in 
all) was enacted. It is not surprising under these conditions 
that our membership should show a decrease. 

With some regret I refer to our claim against the Indianap- 
olis National Bank. A dividend of 10 per cent has been paid 
since my previous report, reducing the claim to $16,857.12, or 
55 per cent of the original sum. Three dividends, aggregating 
45 per cent, have been paid, and at least one and perhaps two 
more will be paid, which will reduce the claim and loss several 
thousand dollars. 

Typographical Journal — In relation to the publication 
of the Typographical Journal, which was dwelt upon 
at some length, the following is extracted : 

The cost of publishing the paper in its present shape is 
somewhat greater than in the old form, but its appearance is 
much improved and it is now justly accorded, a place in the 
front ranks of magazine literature, as becomes the journalistic 
representative of America's greatest and grandest typographical 
association. By referring to the official figures it will be found 
that the cost of the paper for the past two years aggregates 
$16,907.48. The revenue for the same length of time was 
$5,490.19, leaving the net cost for the two years $11,417.29, or 

524 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

39 cents and a fraction per member. When it is remembered 
that of the 23,000 papers printed each month over one-half 
are, by requirements of law, distributed free to local officers and 
chairmen of chapels, the cost of the paper is not exorbitant. 

Deaths — The report also showed that during the 
period covered there were 813 deaths, the average age 
at death being 40 years. The benefits paid out on account 
of these deaths amounted to $45,755- 

Organizers — The reports of the organizers for the 
sixteen districts gave with more or less detail the history 
of events in their respective districts during the two-year 
period. 

American Federation of Labor — The delegates to the 
American Federation of Labor presented a compact and 
interesting summary of the proceedings of that body 
and the report of the committee on governmental owner- 
ship and control of the telegraph gave a comprehensive 
history of its work. While no definite results had been 
reached in this line of work, the committee believed 
substantial progress had been made. 

Home Trustees — The report of the trustees of the 
Union Printers Home, coupled with that of the superin- 
tendent, was complete in all of its details and afforded 
ample information as to the operations of those officers 
in caring for the aged and infirm members. There were 
68 inmates on June 30, 1896. For the ten months of the 
last year and with the retirement of Superintendent 
Schuman in April the cost per week for each inmate was 
$7.35. In concluding their report, the trustees said: 

The unwarranted and unfair attacks that have been made 
upon the management have materially detracted from the peace 
and tranquillity of life among the inmates of this beneficent 
institution, and made it more difficult for your trustees to attend 
to their duties than under more favorable conditions. It has 
been our earnest endeavor to administer the affairs of the insti- 
tution to the end that our efforts might redound to the credit 

525 



History of The Typographical Union 

of our organization and add to the comfort of those domiciled 
at the Home. 

Out-of-Work Fund — The second day's proceedings 
were largely taken up in consideration of a report from 
the laws committee, the most important feature of which 
was a proposition to establish an out-of-work fund, which 
was approved and later presented to the referendum. 
Like similar propositions to create an out-of-work fund, 
it failed of endorsement by the membership. 

Unique Incident — Unique in the history of the organ- 
ization was the session of the third day, which was 
held on the summit of Pike's Peak, where the delegates 
were taken for a day's sight-seeing. 

While in session on the Peak the convention adopted 
resolutions extending thanks and appreciation for the 
splendid entertainment afforded the delegates and visitors 
by Colorado Springs Union and the press of Colorado 
Springs for courtesies extended. After this action Dele- 
gate Morrison, of Chicago, offered the following : 

Resolved, By the International Typographical Union in 
convention assembled on the summit of Pike's Peak, this 14th 
day of October, 1896, that we believe in the free and unlimited 
coinage of — 

Delegate Howell, of Portland, Ore., raised a point of 
order that the resolution was political in character and 
should not be entertained. 

The chair (First Vice-President Theodore Perry pre- 
siding) held the point of order not well taken. 

Delegate Kavanaugh, Salt Lake City, appealed from 
the decision of the chair. Pending a decision of the ap- 
peal the convention adjourned to meet at Colorado 
Springs at 8 P. M. 

At the evening session, Delegate Browne, of New York, 
moved that that portion of the morning's business relative 

526 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

to free and unlimited coinage of silver be expunged. The 
motion was carried. 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 

Typesetting Devices — The committee on typesetting 
devices submitted a report to the Colorado Springs con- 
vention adverse to the granting of a charter to New York 
local association No. I of the Associated Typesetting Ma- 
chine Engineers, and recommended that they apply to the 
International Association of Machinists for a charter, 
representatives of each of the rival machinists' organiza- 
tions having been given a hearing before the convention. 

Referendum Elections — Another important action was 
the adoption, over an adverse recommendation by the 
committee, of an amendment relating to the election of 
officers. According to its provisions all officers were to be 
elected by popular vote, any person of one year's con- 
tinuous membership to be eligible to any official position. 

Minor Legislation — Among a number of minor 
measures adopted was an amendment strengthening the 
law forbidding any member to apply for work to any 
person other than the foreman ; the obligation was 
extended to cover secret organizations and an amendment 
was adopted providing that no person should be eligible 
to apprenticeship in a machine office who was not a jour- 
neyman printer and a member of the union. 

Upon an adverse report of the laws committee, a large 
number of proposed amendments were rejected, including 
one to change the time of meeting from October to June 
and to remove the headquarters from Indianapolis. 

Increased Per Capita — A number of recommendations 
from the committee on Childs-Drexel Home were con- 
curred in, chief among which was an advance of 5 cents 
in the per capita tax, to be used for the benefit of the 

527 



History of The Typographical Union 

Home. The management of the Home was complimented 
and the officials and employes eulogized. 

Hospital Annex — A resolution was adopted levying 
an assessment of 50 cents on each member of the union 
to provide a fund to build a hospital annex to the Home, 
the assessment being due and payable on Christmas day, 
1896. This proposition was favorably acted upon by the 
referendum by a vote of 8,490 ayes, 6,750 noes. 

Civil Service — Resolutions were adopted condemning 
the application of civil service regulations in the govern- 
ment printing office as being detrimental to the union's 
interests, and asking that such regulations be discontinued. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Twenty-nine constitutional amendments were submitted 
by the Colorado Springs convention of 1896 to the refer- 
endum, 24 of which were adopted and 5 defeated. A 
summary of the various amendments follows : 

(1) To create an out-of-work benefit fund; defeated. 
(2) Increasing the per capita tax to 30 cents per month, 
providing that 10 cents of that amount should be paid 
into the Home fund; adopted. (3) Abolishing biennial 
conventions, and providing that, upon request of five 
unions, the president should submit the question of hold- 
ing a convention to a vote of the membership, and, upon 
the proposition meeting with the approval of a majority 
of those voting, that the president should call a meeting 
of the International Typographical Union, to be held at 
such place as the executive council might designate ; 
adopted. (4) Providing that delegates should serve until 
their successors were elected; adopted. (5) Providing 
that the executive council should submit propositions or 
amendments semi-annually to the referendum, upon the 
petition of five subordinate unions, also specifying the 
time in which subordinate unions should take a vote 

528 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

on the propositions submitted, and providing for the pub- 
lication thereof; this amendment also increased the num- 
ber of unions necessary to compel the submission of a 
question at any other time from twenty to fifty ; adopted. 
(6) The object of this amendment was to abolish the 
system of submitting questions to the referendum ; it was 
defeated and the law stood as amended by proposition 
No. 5. (7) Allowing subordinate unions sixty days, 
instead of forty days, in which to make returns on refer- 
endum votes; adopted. (8) To abolish the referendum; 
defeated. (9) Providing for the election of International 
officers by popular vote and specifying the manner in 
which the nominations should be made and elections held ; 
also providing that any member who was in continuous 
good standing for one year in a subordinate union should 
be eligible for election to an International office; and 
that the election board should be composed of three mem- 
bers of Indianapolis Union No. 1; adopted. (10) To 
strike out the section fixing the date on which election of 
delegates should be held ; defeated. (11), (12), (13) Pro- 
viding that the allied crafts not then having vice- 
presidents of the International body should be entitled 
to such officers, who should serve without salary and 
be consulted when the interests of their respective crafts 
were involved; adopted. ( 14) The object of this amend- 
ment was to have the executive council consist of five 
members, and thus avoid the unwieldiness which would 
result from making the additional vice-presidents pro- 
vided for members of that body; adopted. (15), (16) 
These amendments provided that the first vice-president 
should attend all sessions of the International Union, and 
fixed the salary of that officer at $150 per year and trav- 
eling expenses to the conventions; adopted. (17) 
Providing a new form of obligation for subordinate 
unions; adopted. (18) Providing an obligation to be 

5 2 9 



History of The Typographical Union 

administered to every delegate to the International Union 
immediately after the report of the committee on creden- 
tials of that body was acted upon; adopted. (19) Under 
this amendment all allied craftsmen were required to 
make application to the nearest union of their craft; 
adopted. (20) This amendment insured the election 
of one member of the allied crafts as a delegate to the 
Federation of Labor; adopted. (21) Making the law 
conform to the practice of depositing International funds 
in more than one bank; adopted. (22) Striking out a 
repetition appearing in section 6 of article vi of the 
constitution; adopted. (23) Granting power to the 
executive council to transfer money from one fund 
to another whenever necessary; adopted. (24) Amend- 
ing the law so that the executive council could use its 
discretion as to the character of advertisements appearing 
in the Typographical Journal; adopted. (25) Fining 
subordinate unions $15 for each failure to make annual 
returns or other reports required by the International 
Union or its executive council; adopted. (26) To strike 
out section dividing the jurisdiction into districts for 
organizing purposes; defeated. (27) To strike out all 
of the article making provision for district and state 
unions, except section 10; adopted. (28) To strike out 
the section providing that business of special interest 
to the allied crafts be confined to certain days at Interna- 
tional sessions; adopted. (29) Providing that the number 
of delegates to which a subordinate union is entitled 
must be determined by the average membership on which 
per capita was paid during the twelve months immediately 
preceding issuance of call; adopted. 

Various amendments to the general laws were enacted, 
among which was the following: 

Any member holding a position in an office is entitled to 
employ in his stead, whenever so disposed, any competent mem- 

530 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

ber of the International Typographical Union, without the 
consultation or approval of the foreman of said office. A fine 
of $25 shall be imposed upon foremen for violation of this law. 

NINE-HOUR DAY STRUGGLE 

After a prolonged discussion of the much talked of 
shorter workday, favorable action was finally had on 
the following: 

Resolved, That on and after the maximum 

hours of labor in book and job offices under the jurisdiction of 
the International Typographical Union be fixed at nine hours 
per day, or fifty-four hours per week. 

That subordinate unions be requested to levy an assessment 
which shall be under such unions' entire charge for the purpose 
of local disbursement only. 

That no part of such assessment levied be placed in the 
International Typographical Union defense fund. 

That local unions, in case of a strike for the inauguration of 
the shorter workday, be empowered to pay no strike benefits 
until members have been on strike two weeks. 

That the co-operation of the different affiliated organizations 
be requested, with the intention of securing the same hours 
of labor for pressmen, stereotypers, mailers, bookbinders and 
photo engravers. 

That, if the above legislation is passed by a majority vote of 
the referendum, a special committee of. five be appointed for 
its enforcement. 

This proposition was endorsed by the referendum by 
a vote of 8,332 ayes, 2,364 noes, and in accordance with 
the instructions of the convention contingent upon the 
approval of the shorter workday proposition by the refer- 
endum, President Prescott appointed the following nine- 
hour committee: James J. Murphy, New York; C. E. 
Hawkes, San Francisco ; Gordon H. Russell, Chattanooga, 
Tenn. ; David Hastings, Hamilton, Ont, and R. B. Pren- 
dergast, Chicago. This committee met at headquarters 
in Indianapolis on May 3, 1897, James J. Murphy being 
elected chairman and C. E. Hawkes, secretary. In the 

531 



History of The Typographical Union 

first report submitted it was pointed out that the com- 
mittee had been limited in the matter of assessments 
to a request from local unions, which request could be 
complied with or not, at their option. It was unanimously 
agreed by the committee that no general demand for a 
shorter workday, such as was contemplated by the resolu- 
tion, would be effective unless backed up by funds of 
reasonable proportions, and the committee was at that 
time unable to satisfy itself that such a fund could 
be obtained in the manner proposed. It was felt that 
the membership would have to be asked at some day in 
the future to vote on another proposition for an assessment 
which would be levied on and collected from all alike, 
the fund so raised to be available solely for the purpose 
of establishing the shorter workday. 

Pending the preparation and submission of the proposi- 
tion referred to, the committee decided to inaugurate 
an active propaganda in favor of a shorter workday, and 
in behalf of this to send a circular to each subordinate 
union inviting its co-operation in a manner and in accord- 
ance with a plan which was to be explained in the circular 
as a part of the complete plan which the committee had 
prepared. It was also decided that efforts should be 
made to enlist the assistance of the pressmen in the move- 
ment and to ask the executive council to provide funds 
to enable the chairman of the committee to attend the 
convention of the International Printing Pressmen's 
Union in Detroit and lay the matter before it. 

According to the Typographical Journal of July I, 
1897, following the visit of Chairman Murphy, the press- 
men's convention placed that branch of the business in line 
on the shorter workday question. After due considera- 
tion of the proposition it was decided to appoint a com- 
mittee to co-operate with the International Typographical 
Union. This committee was composed of Henry Dorsey, 

532 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

Dallas, Tex. ; Daniel A. McDonald, Chelsea, Mass. ; 
Lawrence F. Gibbons, Philadelphia; Will G. Loomis, 
Detroit, and Henry L. Kreutzer, St. Louis. 

In order to create additional interest among the mem- 
bers of subordinate unions in the struggle for the shorter 
workday, the general committee petitioned local bodies 
to appoint shorter workday committees in each local 
union. This request met with only partial success, in 
many jurisdictions no response being made to the appeal 
of the general committee. 

On November 3, 1897, after a campaign extending 
over many months, the committee, through the Interna- 
tional officers, submitted the following proposition to the 
referendum : 

That an assessment of one (1) per cent be levied on the 
earnings of all members under the jurisdiction of any subor- 
dinate union for a period of five months, beginning with Feb- 
ruary 1, 1898. The funds so raised shall remain in the posses- 
sion of each union, for local disbursement only, and under the 
supervision of the shorter workday committee. 

That where the nine-hour workday is already established, 
the assessment shall be one-half of one per cent, and the funds 
so raised shall be placed at the disposal of the International 
Typographical Union shorter workday committee through the 
executive council, for the assistance of those unions which shall 
have exhausted their funds, and for the general purposes of the 
committee. In the case of unions securing the shorter workday 
without the use of all the funds raised for the purpose, one-half 
of the remainder shall be placed to the credit of the executive 
council, for the use of the shorter workday committee, as above. 

If, in the opinion of the shorter workday committee, and 
the executive council, the struggle gives promise of being a 
long one, those bodies, acting jointly, are hereby empowered 
to submit to popular vote the question of levying a further 
assessment on all earnings during the progress of the contest; 
they are further endowed with power to name- the date on which 
the votes shall be polled, as well as arrange other necessary 
details looking to an expeditious decision. It is incumbent on 

533 



History of The Typographical Union 

subordinate unions to follow the directions of the executive 
council and shorter workday committee in the manner of taking 
this vote, all other laws and parts of laws to the contrary not- 
withstanding. 

Notwithstanding the efforts of the committee, assisted 
by the various local committees, the membership again 
refused to levy an assessment for the purpose of creating 
a fund to carry on the shorter workday campaign. While 
the action of the referendum was disappointing, the com- 
mittee determined to continue its labors, feeling confident 
of ultimate success. Independent action by subordinate 
unions was strongly urged. Many successes in securing 
the nine-hour day followed the efforts made in this 
manner. In March, 1898, the committee issued the 
following self-explanatory circular to the membership : 

The International Typographical Union shorter workday 
committee has fixed the date on which the shorter workday shall 
go into effect "in all book and job offices under the jurisdiction 
of the International Typographical Union." The day is not 
far distant — positively before the end of the present year. 

The committee deemed it expedient to create a general fund 
for the assistance of weaker unions in case of serious trouble, 
and submitted such a proposition, but the membership decided 
to stand by the original resolution and oblige each union to rely 
upon its own resources. 

You are, therefore, now called upon to levy an assessment 
immediately for the purpose of enforcing the shorter workday 
within your jurisdiction. 

The responsibility for the terms under which you gain the 
shorter workday rests upon your members, and each and every 
individual is urged to prepare for any emergency. Provide a 
local fund of sufficient size to warrant and support a demand 
for a continuance of the present scale under a reduction of 
hours. Remember, any loss in this respect will be chargeable 
to your own indolence or indifference. 

If you have not already done so, appoint at once an active 
and energetic shorter workday committee of five, whose special 
duty it shall be to attend to all matters in this connection and 



534 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

advise with the International Typographical Union shorter 
workday committee on local conditions and as to the progress 
of the work in your section. 

Do not get alarmed. Build up and strengthen your union 
in every way, and replenish your treasuries. 

There must be no shirking or evading of responsibility. 
Every union man has now an individual duty to perform. 

One united effort and the ten-hour day is a thing of the past. 

An effort to secure the co-operation of the bookbinders 
in the demand for the nine-hour day was duly described 
by David Hastings, one of the members of the Interna- 
tional shorter workday committee, as follows : 

The convention of the International Brotherhood of Book- 
binders was opened in Foresters' hall, Temple building, 
Toronto, on Tuesday, May 3, about fifty delegates being in 
attendance from all parts of the United States and Canada. At 
the suggestion of Chairman Murphy, of the International Typo- 
graphical Union shorter workday committee, I attended the 
convention as a representative of that committee, and was 
cordially received by President Boden and Chairman Weimar 
of the bookbinders' shorter workday committee. With the latter 
I had a long conference on the evening of Tuesday, comparing 
notes as to the progress made toward securing the shorter 
workday for the printers and the allied crafts. Mr. Weimar 
undertook to arrange for me to address the convention on the 
following day, and accordingly, on Wednesday, I returned to 
Toronto, and in the afternoon was admitted to the convention 
and addressed the delegates on the subject of the shorter work- 
day and the means to be adopted to obtain it with the least 
possible friction with the employers and the greatest possible 
certainty of success when the attempt is made. I endeavored 
to impress upon them the wisdom of working to perfect not only 
their own organization but that of the other allied crafts as 
well. I also touched on the desirability of being prepared with 
funds in the event of the employers seeing fit to put up a fight 
against a reduction in the hours of labor in our trades, and 
advised them to authorize their committee to co-operate with 
the International Typographical Union committee, and with 
that of the pressmen, when the date set by our committee 
arrives. I understand that this course was adopted, and as 

535 



History of The Typographical Union 

Mr. Weimar, the chairman of their committee, was elected 
president by the delegates there can be no reason to doubt that 
the bookbinders will be in line all right for the shorter workday. 

At the Syracuse convention, 1898, nearly two years 
after the appointment of the shorter workday committee, 
a report was made by that committee that it had, assisted 
by committees from the Pressmen's Union and the Broth- 
erhood of Bookbinders, signed an agreement with a com- 
mittee representing the United Typothetae of America 
providing for the inauguration of a shorter workday. 

Secretary -Treasurer Wines' Retirement — The follow- 
ing resolution, submitted by President . Prescott. was 
adopted by a rising vote : 

Resolved, That the especial thanks of this convention are 
due to A. G. Wines, retiring secretary-treasurer, for the faithful 
and masterly manner in which he has discharged his duties as 
secretary-treasurer of the International Union. 

Immediately following, Mr. Lambert of Bay City, 
Mich., on behalf of the delegates and friends, presented 
Secretary-Treasurer Wines with a gold-headed walking 
stick. 

Officers, 1896-1897 — Officers were elected as follows: 
President, William B. Prescott, Toronto ; first vice-presi- 
dent, Theodore Perry, Nashville ; second vice-president, 
G. W. Williams, Boston ; third vice-president, Hugo Mil- 
ler, Indianapolis; secretary-treasurer, J. W. Bramwood, 
Denver. Organizers — H. T. Elder, Boston; J. E. Mc- 
Loughlin, New York city ; E. E. Calhoon, Springfield, 
Ohio; Charles G. Kizer, Norfolk; E. M. Evans, Atlanta; 
Edward Beck, Detroit; G. W. Harris, Chicago; M. T. 
Burton, Memphis; J. W. Cline, Kansas City; H. W. 
Franklin, St. Paul; J. A. Staples, Topeka ; W. M. Reilly, 
Dallas; R. G. Sleater, Salt Lake City; H. H. Watts, San 
Francisco; G. H. Howell, Portland; George W. Dower, 
Toronto. Delegates to American Federation of Labor — 

536 




J. W. BRAMWOOD, Denver 

Secretary-Treasurer International Typographical Union 

November 16, 1896 - February 1, 1909 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

W. B. Prescott, Toronto (president) ; Edward Hirsh, Bal- 
timore; D. J. Sullivan, New York city; Frank Morrison, 
Chicago. Trustees of the Childs-Drexel Home for Union 
Printers — W. B. Prescott, Toronto; J. W. Bramwood, 
Denver; James J. Dailey, Philadelphia; Henry Dorsey, 
Dallas; Alexander Duguid, Cincinnati; L. C. Shepard, 
Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Thomas McCaffery, Colorado 
Springs. 

AFTER THE COLORADO SPRINGS CONVENTION 

After the Colorado Springs convention, 1896, had ad- 
journed, and during the two-year period intervening 
before the Syracuse convention assembled, the initiative 
and referendum was employed by the membership much 
after the fashion of a child enraptured by possession of 
a new toy. In addition to twenty-nine constitutional 
amendments submitted by the convention, the election of 
officers was had by referendum vote for the first time. 
Initiative propositions of some character were before the 
membership almost continuously during this period. 

Percentage Dues — Agreeably to instructions given by 
the Colorado Springs convention, the executive council 
prepared and submitted a plan for the collection of dues 
by what is known as the percentage system. The plan 
was distributed to the membership in circular form and 
it was arranged to take a vote on the proposition at any 
convenient day after June 10, 1897, and before August 
10, 1897. The vote of the membership on this question 
was overwhelmingly in the negative, a majority of more 
than 10,000 being cast against it, and thus the percentage 
system of collecting dues, which has since become so 
popular in many jurisdictions, was temporarily defeated. 

Additional Vice-Presidents — In the Typographical 
Journal of June 15, 1897, it was announced that, in 
accordance with the provisions of the amended constitu- 

537 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion calling for the election of a fourth vice-president, 
to be a practical mailer; fifth vice-president, to be a 
member of the newspaper writers' union; a sixth vice- 
president, to be a photo engraver, such officers had been 
elected. All unions composed of mailers and of newspaper 
writers were notified of the change in the law and had 
made nominations to fill the offices, while James Ryan 
of New York Photo. Engravers' Union No. I became the 
sixth vice-president by previous agreement, after the 
adoption of the amendment by the referendum. W. G. 
Harber, Boston, was chosen fourth vice-president, repre- 
senting the mailers, and J. F. O'Sullivan, Boston, was 
elected fifth vice-president, representing the newspaper 
writers. These positions were honorary, except that the 
holders thereof had a vote in the executive council on such 
matters as appertained to their respective crafts. 

Biennial Conventions — Immediately following the 
vote on the twenty-nine amendments submitted to the 
referendum by the convention, a great) deal of discussion 
took place regarding the amendment abolishing biennial 
conventions and providing that the president, upon 
request of five unions, should submit the question of hold- 
ing a convention to the membership. The delegates, after 
approving this amendment and sending it to the refer- 
endum, proceeded to select Syracuse, N. Y., for the next 
convention city. Syracuse Union went ahead with the 
understanding that it was to receive the convention of 
1898, but in a decision rendered by President Prescott, 
in reply to a communication from President T. M. Gafney 
of No. 55, it was held that there would be no con- 
vention in Syracuse in 1898 unless the membership, 
through petition and referendum, so decided. A dis- 
cussion of the matter was carried on through the columns 
of the Journal, and many propositions were submitted 
looking to a repeal of the action adopting the amendment 

538 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

referred to. Cincinnati Typographical Union submitted 
a proposition requesting the membership to vote on the 
question of holding a meeting of the International Union 
for the purpose of reconsidering the action which did 
away with the holding of conventions biennially. The 
suggestion received sufficient endorsements to require the 
executive council to bring the matter before the refer- 
endum. It having been explained in the columns of the 
Journal that the action desired by Cincinnati Union could 
be obtained by a direct referendum vote, without the 
necessity of calling a convention, the proposition was 
defeated. 

Shortly after the defeat of the Cincinnati proposition, 
five additional propositions were submitted to the refer- 
endum, including one to again provide for biennial 
sessions. This was approved by the membership, the vote 
being 5,754 in favor and 5,027 against. The section 
of the constitution as amended on this point was as 
follows : 

The International Typographical Union shall meet bien- 
nially on the second Monday in October in such city as the 
preceding convention shall determine upon, all the arrange- 
ments for the same to be made by and at the expense of the 
International Typographical Union; provided, that upon the 
request of five unions, stating the business desired to be con- 
sidered, the president shall, with the approval of the majority 
of all the unions, call a special meeting of the International 
Union; provided, that at least thirty days' notice of such spe- 
cial meeting shall be given to subordinate unions ; and pro- 
vided further, that no business shall be considered at such 
special meeting that is not specified in the call, such call, 
together with a statement of the business to be considered, if 
deemed advisable, to be published in the Typographical 
Journal. 

Additional Constitutional Amendments — The second 
referendum proposition was an amendment to change 
the law so as to require the endorsement of twenty unions 

539 



History of The Typographical Union 

prior to submitting questions to the vote of the member- 
ship. This was defeated. 

The third proposition was an amendment restricting 
the eligibility of holding International office, with the 
exception of organizers and Home trustees, to delegates 
attending the conventions and to vest the power to elect 
officers in conventions. This amendment also was 
defeated. 

The purpose of the fourth proposed amendment was 
to give the executive council power to fill all vacancies 
except in the office of president. This was defeated. 

The intent of the fifth proposition was to abolish the 
reference of any and all questions to the membership 
and to vest absolute legislative and executive power in 
conventions and the officers elected by them. It also 
provided for annual conventions to be held in August 
of each year. The majority against this proposition 
was 3.251. 

The last referendum vote between the adjournment 
of the Colorado Springs convention and the convention 
at Syracuse included four propositions. The first pro- 
vided for a sweeping change in the system of organizers. 
The object sought by the amendment was the appointment 
by the president of not to exceed three general organizers, 
to be under the immediate control of the International's 
executive council, the salaries of such officials to be fixed 
at $1,200 per annum each, and traveling expenses It 
was further stipulated that the district system be abolished 
and temporary organizers be appointed when deemed 
necessary. The proposition was defeated, the vote being 
2,800 in favor and 5,044 against. 

The second proposition, which was adopted by a large 
majority, provided that all unions of compositors be 
debarred from accepting applications for membership 
from allied craftsmen and that such of the latter as held 

540 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896 

membership in typographical unions "must deposit their 
cards with the nearest union of their craft." 

Favorable action was taken on the third proposition, 
amending the constitution so as to provide that the elec- 
tion of delegates to the International Union should be 
held on the last Wednesday in May preceding the 
International convention. 

More interest was manifested in the fourth proposition 
than those previously mentioned. It had for its object 
the withdrawal of the International Typographical Union 
from the American Federation of Labor. The proposition 
was defeated by a majority of 3,422 in a total vote 
of 8,120. 

Officers Elected by Referendum — Under the provi- 
sions of the amended constitution, the first referendum 
vote taken on the election of officers was had during 
the month of May, 1898, the law permitting subordinate 
unions to regulate the time, place and manner of voting. 
The officers elected for the ensuing two-year term, begin- 
ning November 1st, 1898, were as follows: 

President, Samuel B. Donnelly, New York; first vice- 
president, James M. Lynch, Syracuse; second vice- 
president (stereotyper) , John G. Derflinger, New 
York; third vice-president (German-American Typo- 
graphia), Hugo Miller, Indianapolis; fourth vice-presi- 
dent (mailer), W. G. Harber, Boston; fifth vice-president 
(newspaper writer), J. F. O'Sullivan, Boston; sixth vice- 
president (photo-engraver), James Ryan, New York; 
secretary-treasurer, J. W. Bramwood, Denver. Trustees 
of the Childs-Drexel Home for Union Printers — Samuel 
B. Donnelly, New York; J. W. Bramwood, Denver; 
James J. Dailey, Philadelphia; Thomas McCaffery, 
Colorado Springs; L. 'C. Shepard, Chicago; J. W. White, 
Kansas City, Kan.; William Aimison, Nashville; agent, 
Victor B. Williams, Chicago. Delegates to American 

541 



History of The Typographical Union 

Federation of Labor — Samuel B. Donnelly (president), 
New York; Eugene O'Rourke, New York; J. G. Cain 
(allied crafts), New York; Frank Morrison, Chicago. 
Organizers — Henry McMahon, Maiden, Mass. ; J. E. 
McLoughlin, New York; W. J. Hanafin, Baltimore; 
Charles G. Kizer, Norfolk; H. P. Blount, Atlanta; A. H. 
Smith, Detroit; William M. Higgins, Louisville; M. T. 
Burton, Memphis; J. W. Cline, St. Louis; John Hays, 
Minneapolis; T. F. Sturgess, Omaha; L, L. Daniels, 
Dallas; H. C. McDonough, Salt Lake City; C. E. Fisk, 
Los Angeles; G. H. Howell, Portland, Ore., and George 
W. Dower, Toronto. 

Convention at Syracuse 

[1898] — The forty-fourth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union convened at Elks' Hall, 
Syracuse, N. Y., October 10, 1898. 

The convention was called to order by President 
Prescott, who, after preliminary remarks, introduced 
President P. J. Coogan of Syracuse Typographical Union 
No. 55. Mr. Coogan welcomed the guests on behalf of 
the local union and expressed a regret that the mayor of 
the city was unexpectedly unable to be present to do the 
same. He, however, was authorized to extend the freedom 
of the city to the delegates. 

The Rev. Dr. Zimmerman then invoked the divine 
blessing, at the close of which he gave a hearty welcome 
and spoke enthusiastically of the occupation of printers, 
stating that the greatest joy that comes to our homes 
is through literature, and he would rather never have been 
born if he could not enjoy reading. There were some 
things printed, he said, of which he did not approve, but 
he that would denounce a newspaper because he did not 
like some portions of it was devoid of all sense of justice. 

542 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

President Prescott replied, reciprocating the good 
feelings proffered. 

Manner of Administering Obligation — After the list 
of delegates entitled to seats had been read by the secre- 
tary, a committee on credentials was appointed, to which 
all irregular credentials were referred. Considerable 
discussion arose over the manner of administering the 
obligation, it being finally decided that delegates should 
arise and pronounce their names and the union repre- 
sented, after which each took the obligation. 

Among other minor transactions of the opening session 
was the creation of a committee on officers' reports, grant- 
ing the privileges of the floor to the International officers- 
elect, and allowing all union members seats in the con- 
vention. 

REVIEW OF OFFICER s' REPORTS 

President's Address — In opening his address, Presi- 
dent Prescott congratulated the craft on the substantial 
progress made by the organization during the two-year 
period following the previous convention. Although 
there had been a slight decrement in membership — which 
was more apparent than real — it could be safely said that 
the International Union and many of its subordinate 
bodies had made pleasing and encouraging advancement 
along lines making for better discipline, and therefore 
greater stability and effectiveness. The evidences of this 
were manifold, and were especially manifest in the 
amount being disbursed for benefits and the comparatively 
few delinquent unions, or of members being disciplined 
for dereliction in the payment of dues, etc. Testimony 
justifying self-congratulation was also felt in the fact 
that, notwithstanding the almost uniformly downward 
tendency of wages, the typographical unions had gener- 
ally upheld the wage earning capabilities of their mem- 

543 



History of The Typographical Union 

bers, and might, without boastful egotism, even claim to 
have improved conditions in that respect. 

After some remarks to the delegates relating to law 
making, expressing the hope that the careful policy that 
had characterized the proceedings of the past decade 
would again prevail, the president said : 

We now occupy the proud position of being in numbers 
the greatest labor organization in America, and it is opined 
our prestige is in keeping with our numerical strength. This 
honor brings with it responsibilities and duties which I am 
afraid we can not plume ourselves on having fully appreciated, 
and if we have realized them, we certainly can not be said to 
have acquitted ourselves creditably. It is time we gave expres- 
sion on a point that has been the subject of much controversy 
and thought among many well-wishers in the trade union 
movement, and that is the lack of intelligent interest in what is 
commonly and euphemistically called "the labor movement." 
Not for one moment would I advocate the gradual conversion 
of our organization into a partisan political body, or even 
make it an auxiliary to one, by applying a political test — 
directly or indirectly, openly or covertly — to applicants for 
membership. * * * Notwithstanding my occupying such 
strong ground in opposition to a political typographical union, 
I am nevertheless convinced we should devote more attention 
to the study of questions relating to the social and economic 
phenomena which confront us at every turn. Trade unionists 
should be to the forefront in creating a healthy public sentiment 
on all questions affecting wage-earners, but we can not hope 
to sensibly impress public opinion, or otherwise benefit our- 
selves or our class, unless we pay more heed to and participate 
in political discussions of the higher type. It is erroneous 
to presume that the injection of such an enlivening and edify- 
ing feature into our meetings would be in any respect similar 
to the introduction of partisan politics. The purpose of the 
former is to gain knowledge regarding matters of vital import- 
ance to us as individuals and as an organization, with the 
ultimate aim of aiding us in efforts to better our condition in 
life. The object of partisanship in a union is the exact opposite 
of this, inasmuch as it is always accompanied — irrespective of 
its professions — by an effort to cajole or coerce the members, 

544 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

individually and collectively, into accomplishing something for 
another body or person. The one inures to the benefit of many, 
while the other utilizes many for the benefit of one or a few. 
We may safely scout the idea that there is danger of disruption 
or serious dissension in this proposition, as it is unreasonable 
and illogical to hold that organizations which have times with- 
out number endorsed men applying for positions within the 
gift of political managers can not with safety discuss subjects 
of overpowering interest, and probably remote from the prac- 
tical politics of the day. Considered from an immediately selfish 
standpoint, we should advance in this direction, as our back- 
wardness is causing us to lose the active sympathy of many lib- 
eral-minded citizens who, having been impressed with the 
imbruting conditions imposed upon the poor, are investigating 
and being convinced that there is something rotten in modem 
society. At present there is no avenue by which this large, 
influential and increasing class can co-operate with what should 
be the main body of the reform army — the trade unionists. We 
should draw them to us rather than repel them by obstinately 
neglecting or refusing to investigate or study social and political 
science. * * * 

But apart from those considerations, and the further one 
that we, as citizens, should be ever ready to express ourselves 
on all public affairs — and then, if true to our professions, to 
strike a blow for good government — it is imperative that we 
do something to stimulate interest among our members. There 
is not an earnest worker in our ranks who has not been pained 
and grieved at the slight interest taken in union meetings, as 
testified by the attendance, and I am constrained to admit that 
from the best possible information obtainable this lethargy is 
becoming more deep seated and widespread, which does not 
augur well for our future. And, sad to relate, the blight is not 
peculiar to our organization, but has been responsible for the 
steady decrease in membership of every considerable American 
union except ours. In the midst of this deplorable depression, 
men are earnestly asking themselves if existing trade unions are 
capable of meeting present exigencies. It is no answer to this to 
befoul our mouths by emitting invective and vituperation against 
the questioner or his union record — though the/ most insistent 
of these doubters are within our ranks, and have served so long 
and honorably their probity is beyond cavil. Nor does it suffice 

545 



History of The Typographical Union 

to direct attention to a long list of so-called remedial laws 
secured in the past, or a creditable array of victories in the 
economic field. The inquirer knows that the passage of laws by 
legislatures is of little moment if they are not enforced by the 
executive branch of the government, and even if the enforce- 
ment of an enactment is confided to one thoroughly in sympathy 
with its aims, the intelligent workingman has come to learn 
that the courts — to state the case kindly — by an overwhelming 
fondness for technicalitfes and precedents, and an unreasoning 
and unjust antagonism to legislative innovations, competent to 
meet changed industrial conditions, are likely to encompass the 
nullification of the majority of measures of an alleviatory 
nature. Our inquiring friends are influenced by these facts, for 
they know, as we should recognize, that capitalism has perfect 
machinery for its self-aggrandizement, with wonderful success 
within the last few years. In the industrial world, all have to 
admit the accomplishments of unions and their capability for 
continued effectiveness in many instances, but there can be no 
denial of the fact that perhaps the majority of those who 
formerly composed the union forces are not now working for 
employers whose actions are circumscribed — and hostility 
curbed — by fear of competition, but they are employes of great 
trusts, who calmly make their demands and resort to the bar- 
barous method of starving the workers into submission, and, 
aided by the skilful attorneys — whose yearly retainers probably 
exceed the union's income — and pliant officeholders, the trust 
is supported by all the power of government in the delectable 
work of reducing wages through the agency of starvation. All 
this time the corporation is secure. It has no fear of loss of 
market, and any pecuniary damage resultant from the rupture 
may be readily repaired when the famished workers return to 
their labors vanquished, and the wheels of industry again begin 
to increase the wealth of the land. Though there is usually 
unrestricted competition in the printing business, and we have 
not failed to profit by reason of it, there are not wanting indica- 
tions we may in future be called upon to face situations similar 
to those before which weaker — aye, and some stronger — and less 
well equipped unions have gone down. Recently the Chicago 
publishers, acting in concert, resisted a demand of the stereo- 
typers by suspending publication and agreeing to issue every 
paper simultaneously, or not at all. Their subscribers could 

546 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

obtain no papers, nor could ambitious citizens publish one 
worthy the name, and the employes had either to work for the 
provokers of this condition or leave Chicago. This was sur- 
prising to many — though not all of us — as it was unique in 
the annals of news publishing. But the publishers did nothing 
more than employers in other branches of industry have been 
doing for years, viz., suspended work, with the determination 
that they would not resume until their terms were complied 
with. This brings home to us with especial force the question : 
"Is trade unionism capable of coping with latter-day organized 
capitalism?" If it is, then it should be demonstrated so clearly 
as to convince those insistent interrogators, else we will suffer 
from their defection before many years have passed, as it is 
irrational to assume men will remain loyal to an organization 
that possesses for them no uplifting ideal, and which, to their 
mind, lives and has its being in the past, resolutely setting its 
face toward the setting sun rather than welcome the dawn of a 
new day. If the reverse be true and investigation develops such 
defects and shortcomings, even of an organic character, as com- 
pels a negative answer to the question, it is the part of wisdom 
and our duty to so change our methods as will best advance 
humanity's cause and preserve those principles we cherish. 
In order to pass upon these subjects rationally, it will be 
necessary for us to consider carefully our industrial environ- 
ment, and there is no place better fitted for this than the union 
room, with its freedom of discussion and usual honesty of 
expression, nor could we select a more suitable place to convince 
those who are at fault of their error. 

Organization Work — Under the head of "Organiza- 
tion," the president dealt at some length with the prevail- 
ing system, which he characterized as antiquated and 
not meeting the needs of the time, concluding that "it 
would be incomparably better to have one or two men 
devoting their entire attention to the work now devolving 
upon organizers. As practice makes for perfection, these 
officials would soon become adepts in the art of organ- 
izing, treating with employers and managing strikes, 
which always require a certain amount of personal super- 
vision. The latter qualification is no minor consideration, 

547 



History of The Typographical Union 

for in these days the conduct of industrial disturbances 
calls for the exercise of tact and skill. When an open 
rupture occurs, one trained and experienced in com- 
batting the enemy should be on the ground. The most 
effective blows are struck in the first few days, when 
enthusiasm is at its height, and it is folly, under these 
circumstances, to gain knowledge by experience, as that 
is not obtained until after the battle is won or lost. By 
this arrangement much effective work could be done in 
organizing new unions, strengthening weak ones and sub- 
stituting business principles for the slipshod methods that 
prevail in too large a number of our subordinate bodies, 
to their disgrace, and sometimes resulting in disaster." 
It was believed by the president that such officials should 
have power to inspect or audit the books of subordinate 
unions. 

Amnesty — After calling attention to the danger from 
non-unionists and urging special efforts for complete 
organization, the president continued : 

It can not be denied that in most localities book and job 
printers are not characterized by proper activity in union work, 
and to this apathy is largely due the existing state of affairs. 
I am not unmindful that the mere suggestion of an amnesty is 
distasteful to many; but, nevertheless, in justice to those unions 
which are well maintained and control the business in .their 
jurisdictions, it is imperative that a remedy be found for the 
condition here mentioned. To that end it is recommended that 
your executive council be clothed with authority — should 
occasion require — to invade the territory of a local union, 
suspend all laws regarding the admission of applicants, and 
proceed to thoroughly organize the city. This is a long step 
from the much-cherished doctrine of local autonomy, but that 
should not deter you from adopting legislation which would 
simultaneously strengthen a weak union and remove threatening 
danger from stronger ones. 

Allied Trades — Charters — In touching upon the or- 
ganization of the allied trades, the president reported 

548 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

measurable success. During the two-year period covered 
by the report seventy-five charters had been issued, three 
being for mailers, seven photo-engravers, sixteen stereo- 
typers and electrotypers, two newspaper writers, and one 
typefounders, the balance being for printers, altogether 
bringing in a membership of 1,156. During the same 
period twenty unions surrendered their charters and 
twenty-four were suspended for delinquency, involving a 
membership of 520. 

Proofreader Members — On the question of proof- 
reader members, attention was called to the matter of 
further legislation, the president affirming that the reason 
proofrooms were not under union authority was not due 
to the apathy of subordinate unions or its members. To 
assist unions not in control of proofrooms, two plans were 
proposed — one by insisting that all future vacancies be 
filled from the membership of the union ; but the incon- 
veniences incident to such an arrangement were obvious. 
The other resource was to admit all non-printer proof- 
readers to membership. While not advocating the open- 
ing of proofrooms to non-printer readers, the president 
felt constrained to urge that the latter suggestion pre- 
sented the most feasible and honorable solution of the 
difficulty. It had been represented that many of the non- 
printer proofreaders were desirous of affiliating with the 
union and, when viewed from a somewhat sordid stand- 
point, they without doubt derived substantial benefit from 
the wages maintained by union effort and should there- 
fore be contributors to union finances as well as bear some 
of the burdens inseparable from union work. It was sug- 
gested that a tentative amendment to the constitution be 
adopted empowering subordinate unions to admit all 
proofreaders who made application within six months 
from a certain named day. 

Machine Tenders — The president characterized the 

549 



History of The Typographical Union 

relations of the union with machine tenders as a fruitful 
source of controversy, and, after reviewing the acts and 
incident complications with the International Association 
of Machinists and the Associated Typesetting Machine 
Engineers, concluded that this class of legitimate com- 
posing room employes ought to be in typographical 
unions. 

Union Label — Regarding the union label, the presi- 
dent said that although it had been neglected by the In- 
ternational Union, and rarely pushed with commendable 
vim and vigor by subordinate unions, no single agency 
had proven of greater service than the union label, intro- 
duced seven years previously. It had reached an enviable 
position despite the opposition of some shortsighted mem- 
bers who, though unable to destroy the label movement, 
successfully retarded its development. As label success 
had silenced the opposition referred to, delegates could, 
without fear of having the judiciousness of their acts 
questioned, give official approval to some plan whereby 
the label's effectiveness and usefulness could be taken 
advantage of. 

Sick Benefit Fund — Referendum — The establish- 
ment of a sick benefit fund was recommended and a 
position was taken in opposition to a change from the 
referendum system of voting, the president on this point 
saying: "It will doubtless be represented to you that, 
if given the opportunity, the members would repudiate 
the entire system, or so much of it as relates to elections. 
I believe it would be a delusion for you to act on such a 
brash assumption in the face of the overwhelming major- 
ity which rejected the last effort to repeal the law, and 
feel it to be your duty to perfect present legislation, when 
the result of your deliberations can be referred to and 
passed upon by the membership/' 

Functions of Local Unions — The president decried 

550 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

against legislation affecting the internal affairs of printing 
offices properly under the domain of local unions or office 
chapels, saying, "When this organization undertakes to 
regulate some of the affairs legislated upon, it dignifies 
trifles and detracts from its own dignity by digressing 
from its most useful and proper work. It is earnestly 
hoped that you will refrain from assisting in the inordi- 
nate enlargement of these trivialities to the end that the 
International's machinery may be devoted to the more 
important needs that are properly within its province/' 

Seals — The president asked that seals be abolished 
and that a number of sections in the general laws of 
minor importance be repealed. 

Defense Fund — Under the head of "Funds," a satis- 
factory condition was reported, but there were expressions 
of regret that a large defense fund was not provided. 

The Home — Calling attention to Home affairs, it was 
shown that the institution had cost approximately a quar- 
ter of a million dollars, and that its maintenance would 
cost, on an average, $35,000 annually, with about no 
inmates, even under the most favorable circumstances. 

Minor Recommendations — Among a number of minor 
matters touched upon by the president, it was recom- 
mended that the laws should be so changed as to permit 
the admission of members by a majority vote; the repeal 
of the laws permitting district unions ; opposing appro- 
priations of money to subordinate unions by conventions, 
the executive council to control such outlays ; the consoli- 
dation of the offices of Home treasurer and secretary of 
the board on the score of convenience, the Home treasurer 
being out of easy reach with headquarters. 

Indianapolis Bank Failure — It was also recommended 
that the claim against the defunct Indianapolis National 
Bank be written off, 55 per cent having been paid by the 
receiver, with only 4 to 6 per cent more in sight. 

551 



History of The Typographical Union 

Strikes — No general strike was reported for the two- 
year term, such difficulties as had occurred for the most 
part being in defense of scales and to prevent reductions, 
which had generally received International help. 

Stereotypers and Electrotypers — G. W. Williams, sec- 
ond vice-president, in beginning his report, said : "When 
I took charge of the district there were twenty-two unions. 
At the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 1898, that number 
had been increased to thirty-eight, with several in embryo 
which we may expect to materialize in the near future. 
Today we. have a membership in good standing of about 
1,450, showing a gain of over 50 per cent." In reference 
to the burial fund, the report for the two years showed 
that $1,260 had been paid out in death benefits on twenty- 
one members of stereotypers and electrotypers. The strike 
fund showed an outlay of $2,365.17 and for organization 
purposes $380.21 had been paid out. Altogether there 
was expended the sum of $4,005.34 for support of the 
stereotypers' and electrotypers' branch. Better conditions, 
generally, were reported. Among other recommendations 
the second vice-president took strong ground against 
withdrawal from the International Typographical Union 
unless it could be accomplished in a friendly, manner, 
sanctioned by a referendum vote. 

German- American Typographia — Hugo Miller, in his 
report as third vice-president, said of the two-year period 
that it was with great pleasure he could say that the Ger- 
man branch had been not only generally active but very 
successful during that time, although the field was some- 
what limited, owing to the comparatively small number 
of German printers in this country. During the two years 
they had unionized quite a number of important German 
offices and had gained many points by renewing local 
scales, but seldom were compelled to appeal to that last of 
weapons, the strike — although trouble was brewing often 

552 







FRANK MORRISON 
(Chicago Typographical Union No. 16) 
Secretary American Federation of Labor, 189; 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

enough, and was only prevented by the solid and prompt 
action of the membership and the executive officers of the 
International Typographical Union. Just as good or even 
better than their standing in the union world was their 
financial condition at that time. A detailed account of the 
work of the term covered was included in the report. 

Mailers — Third Vice-President Harber for the mail- 
ers detailed the work in his department, in the course of 
which he complained that one of the great troubles that 
had handicapped the mailers had been the contracts made 
by local typographical unions, and he insisted that con- 
tracts ought not to be made with publishers that pre- 
vented the enforcement of obligations to sister unions. 

Newswriters — The report of Fifth Vice-President 
O'Sullivan said that the past term had been confined 
almost wholly to agitation among newswriters, with 
fairly satisfactory results. Strong ground was taken in 
favor of organizing under International Typographical 
Union charters as against other forms of press organiza- 
tion. In conclusion, he said : "Let me ask that after this 
convention adjourns you redouble your efforts to organize 
unions of writers. I am sure you will agree with me that 
no other organization can accomplish as much as ours in 
awakening the public mind to the desirability of the 
shorter workday and to the achievement of those other 
high aims to which the American trade union movement 
is committed. 

Photo Engravers — Sixth Vice-President James Ryan, 
for the photo engravers, reported that seven charters had 
been issued in his department in the two-year period, with 
an encouraging outlook for the future. The work of the 
unions had been quite successful for the period covered. 

Secretary Bramwood's Report — Secretary-Treasurer 
Bramwood presented a report covering in detail all the 
important transactions in his office during the term. Un- 

553 



History of The Typographical Union 

der the head of "Our Membership," the secretary said: 
"That the membership is to be congratulated upon the 
status of the organization is recognized by those who are 
conversant with the conditions surrounding the printing 
business during the past two years. Machines have con- 
tinued to invade both newspaper and book offices. The 
business depression of many months past has been limited 
only by local environments and yet the membership of the 
International has decreased so slightly as to make the 
loss of little moment. From an average paying member- 
ship of 28,838 in 1896, a loss of 742 brought the roll 
down to 28,096 in 1897, while an increase of 518 in the 
average for the following year swelled the figures to 
28,614 in 1898, making 224 the net loss in membership 
since 1896, and establishing an average of 28,355 f° r tne 
past two years." 

A summary of the receipts and disbursements for the 
twenty-four months ended June 30, 1898, showed the 
receipts to have aggregated $223,683.32, of which 
$14,013.95 represented the Home assessment, the balance 
being derived from per capita tax, supplies, Journal ad- 
vertising and subscriptions and sundry other sources. An 
increase of $35,737.76 was shown over the preceding two 
years, while the total business reached $290,518.86,. a 
figure beyond that of any single period in the previous 
existence of the organization. Expenditures amounted 
to $237,140.99, exceeding the income by $13,457.67. Of 
the expenditures, the sum of $70,209.30 was charged to 
the Home fund. 

In strike benefits the report showed that there was ex- 
pended, in the time covered, the sum of $57,752.56, or a 
little more than $2.03 per member. This was $9,665.38 
in excess of what was paid for similar purposes in the 
preceding two years. Of the amount included under the 
head of strike and lockout benefits* $45,262.55 went di- 

554 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

rectly to local unions, $12,202.18 was expended in defray- 
ing the traveling expenses of organizers and officers, 
whose assistance was invoked by local unions in the settle- 
ment of difficulties, and $287.83 was used for work 
entrusted to the executive council by a secret session of 
the Colorado Springs convention. Including strike 
and lockout benefits of the two years the International 
had paid for such purposes, since 1889, the sum of 
$270,876.15, an average of $30,097.34 yearly. Burial 
benefits paid in the fiscal year of 1897 amounted to 
$23,700, and in 1898 to $23,040, making a total of 
$46,740, or $1.65 per member for the two years, and 
swelled the total burial claims paid since the establish- 
ment of the fund, in 189 1, to $151,445, an average of 
$21,635 a year. 

The report also showed that 101,672 pieces of mail and 
express matter had been sent from headquarters during 
the two-year period, exclusive of the Journal. Of this 
mail, almost 30,000 pieces were typewritten letters. 

Typographical Journal — The official paper was dealt 
with at length, the following being an extract from the 
report : 

As editor of the Typographical Journal, the secretary- 
treasurer feels that special attention should be given this 
important feature of the organization. The official paper was 
established in 1889, appearing for the first time on July 15 of 
( that year, the issue containing eight pages, of which almost 
four were devoted to official matter, the balance of the space 
being given up to correspondence and general craft news. The 
paper was continued in its original shape until April 1, 1895, 
when a cover was added and the policy of accepting advertise- 
ments inaugurated. As the referendum decided in 1895 tnat 
the size and form of the paper should remain optional with 
the officers, it was determined to issue a publication that would 
be more creditable typographically, and the first number of the 
present form appeared January 1, 1896. Throughout its career 
the original intent of the Journal has remained unchanged. 

555 



History of The Typographical Union 

It came into the field as a disseminator of information of an 
official character among the members, and has continually grown 
in usefulness in this direction as the years have passed away, 
besides doing inestimable good in keeping before the public 
the aims, objects and accomplishments of the International 
Union, and giving the membership general information upon 
economic subjects and doings in the labor world, until our 
official paper is justly accorded recognition as a leader in craft 
journalism and one reflecting credit upon the organization. 

The cost of publishing the Journal for the past two years 
can not well be compared with the same preceding period, as but 
twelve issues of the paper were printed in its present form 
during the two years ending June 30, 1896. The report of the 
secretary-treasurer to the Colorado Springs convention shows 
the Journal to have cost (ten months in its original shape, 
eight months with a cover, and six months in its present form), 
$16,907.48, with receipts for the same period to the amount of 
$5,490.19, leaving a deficit of $11,417.29. By reference to the 
reports for the fiscal years of 1897 anc ^ 1898, in which there 
appeared forty-eight issues of the Journal in magazine shape, 
it will be seen that the gross expenditures reached $25,259.22. 
Advertising brought in $6,921.53, union cards and subscriptions 
produced $860.84, the sale of halftones, bound volumes and 
extra copies yielded $55.91, $175 was rebated on paper bills, 
and the individual subscriptions amounted to $2,108.29, 
making the total receipts from all sources for the two years, 
$10,121.57, and leaving a deficit of $15,137.65 ($8,216.41 in 
1897, and $6,921.24 in 1898) or 29 and 24 cents per member 
per year, respectively, an average of 26^2 cents per member 
per year for the time before mentioned. Should the amount due 
from advertisers ($484.94) on June 30, 1898, be deducted 
from the foregoing deficit ($15,137.65) the net cost of the 
paper for the two years amounts to but 51 cents, or 25^ cents 
per member per year. In the past two years there were printed 
and mailed 494,350 Journals, of which 247,175, or one-half, 
were mailed to chairmen and local officers in accordance with 
our laws. These papers cost, delivered to the reader, a fraction 
over 3 cents each net, or a total of $7,568.82. This sum, 
deducted from the net cost of the paper shown above, without 
allowing for money due for advertising, reduces the amount to 
$7,568.83, or 26^ cents per member for twenty-four months. 

556 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

From these figures it is readily recognized that the burden of 
the Journal's expense finds its origin in the law before men- 
tioned, which provides for its distribution to chairmen and 
local officials. The small sum received from individual sub- 
scriptions represents less than 4,300 contributing readers, out 
of a membership of almost seven times that number, and the 
excess accruing from individual subscriptions for two years 
($2,108.29) over the postage on the paper ($1,319.03) for the 
same time amounts to only $789.26. 

Past reports of the secretary-treasurer have compared the 
present cost of the Journal as a means of official communica- 
tion between the officers and the membership with the cost of 
administering the business of the International by the system 
of quarterly statements and the use of craft papers, which pre- 
vailed in 1888, and have fully covered the subject. It is 
therefore deemed unnecessary to do more at this time than direct 
attention to the fact, that with a membership almost doubled, 
the addition of all our beneficial features, and a three-fold 
increase in the financial transactions of the organization, the net 
cost of the Journal per member per year is not more than 
would be entailed by the old methods were they now in vogue. 
The Journal accomplishes all and much more than did the 
old-fashioned quarterly statement, which reached the officers 
alone, and is of untold advantage in winning for the Inter- 
national the respect and favor of the public and preserving the 
position of the organization among kindred ones. 

The claim has been made that the Journal would even- 
tually be a source of revenue to the International Union, but an 
experience of two years as secretary-treasurer and editor of the 
Journal convinces me that this idea is a fallacy. Trade papers, 
and especially official ones, in which the Journal is classed, 
are necessarily limited in the acceptance of advertisements, and 
although every possible effort has been made to increase this 
patronage of our official paper, the results have been, and are 
still, far from satisfactory. By purchasing paper direct from 
the manufacturers, additional advertising was obtained, and the 
deficit in the Journal account was reduced from $8,216.41 in 
1897 t0 $6,921.24 in the fiscal year of 1898, resulting in a sav- 
ing of $1,295.17, notwithstanding the fact that the magazine 
has contained more matter of all classes than in preceding years. 
Information received at headquarters indicates the system of 

557 



History of The Typographical Union 

sending the Journal to chapel chairmen is full of abuses, and 
complaints to the effect that the chairmen take the paper home, 
and thus prevent it coming into the hands of the members of the 
chapel for perusal, constantly reach headquarters. 

For the reason that the publication and form of dis- 
tribution of the Journal was a heavy drain on the general 
fund of the International, in making up the deficit, the 
secretary-treasurer suggested the following changes in 
the law governing the publication : 

First. Amend article xiii, of the constitution, in such a 
manner as' to provide for the furnishing only of one copy each 
to the president and secretary of each local union ; increase the 
subscription rate to 50 cents per. year, postage in addition to be 
charged foreign subscribers; the rate for single copies to be 
fixed at 5 cents each. 

Second. Amend the constitution as set forth in the first 
proposition, and further amend the article mentioned so as to 
provide that the Journal shall be published monthly instead 
of semi-monthly. 

Nine Years' Finances — The secretary presented a 
tabulated statement of the financial transactions of the 
organization for the previous nine years, giving receipts 
and disbursements from May 21, 1889, to June 30, 1898, 
showing the total receipts to have been $871,212.15. 

Mortality Statistics — A mortality table was also pre- 
sented showing the cause of death, age and number of 
deaths. It showed a total of 779 deaths, of which 328 
were on account of tuberculosis or related diseases, the 
average age at death being 42 years. 

Funds — The report showed the following under the 
head of ''Funds" : 

By the present law the burial fund received, as one-fourth 
of the per capita tax during the past two years, $51,039.15, 
which, with $16,026.19, the balance to its credit on July I, 
1896, placed to the credit of the fund a total of $67,065.34, 
from which burial benefits in the sum of $46,740 were paid, and 
$8,537.49 was transferred to the general fund, leaving 

558 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

$11,787.85 to the credit of the burial fund on June 30, 1898. 

At the disposal of the executive council, as a defense fund, 
there accumulated in the two years of this report, from one- 
fourth of the per capita tax and the return of cash advanced 
unions, $51,615.76. Add to this $20,706.65, to the credit of the 
fund at the beginning of the fiscal year of 1896, deduct the 
expenditures ($57,752.56) and a balance of $14,569.85 results. 

The Home fund, to which is apportioned one-third of the 
per capita tax, obtained from this, the special assessment and 
other sources, $70,275.47. This sum, with the balance of 
$957.95 on July I, 1896, less $70,209.30 transferred to Treas- 
urer Dailey, and $100 advanced Superintendent Clark, left 
$924.12 to the credit of the Home fund at headquarters on 
June 30, 1898, of which amount $706.15 represents the portion 
of this fund involved in the Indianapolis National Bank claim. 

Referring to the fund showing made elsewhere it is noted 
that the aggregate amount in the several funds is reported as 
$27,519.92. Deducting $231.10 due by local unions for sup' 
plies, the result is $27,281.82, from which the Indianapolis 
National Bank claim of $13,792.20 must be taken, if it is 
desired to know that the available cash in the hands of the 
secretary-treasurer on June 30, 1898, reached only $13,489.62. 
* * * The claim against the bank has been reduced from 
$16,857.12 to $13,792.20 since the Colorado Springs conven- 
tion. A further dividend is promised by the receiver within the 
next few months, but the amount as yet has not been announced. 

Government Bonds — In order to secure interest on 
surplus funds, the Indianapolis banks, declining any fur- 
ther favors in this direction, the secretary reported that 
the executive council, in 1897, had approved the invest- 
ment of $6,000 in United States 5 per cent bonds on 
which a premium of 15% per cent was paid, making a 
total investment of $6,945. This bond deal, if carried to 
its maturity (1904) would yield a benefit of $1,005. 

Organizers — A merican Federation of Labor — The 
reports of the organizers for the sixteen districts and of 
the delegates to the American Federation of Labor cov- 
ered in detail the work of the two-year period, but pos- 

559 



History of The Typographical Union 

sesses no features that can be profitably summarized, 
though there was much of interest to trade unionists in 
the reports. 

Shorter Workday Committee — The shorter workday 
committee closed an elaborate account of its work since 
the Colorado convention, with the following summary : 

Owing to the distance separating the members of the com- 
mittee, all communication after the first meeting was necessarily 
by mail. In every important matter letters were addressed to 
the secretary, giving the views of the various members; these 
were then compiled, copies sent to each member, and his revised 
opinion and vote returned. All reports received were sum- 
marized and copies sent each member of the committee. Copies 
have been preserved of all communications sent and received. 
All circulars issued here have been submitted to the full com- 
mittee for suggestions and approval. * * * Since February 
15, 1898, it has been necessary to employ a stenographer from 
time to time as the work accumulated, as in the opinion of the 
secretary more could be accomplished in this way than by devot- 
ing his time to the work and charging per diem to expense. 
Up to that time the only expense of the committee was for 
postage and printing, outside of the visit of the chairman to the 
pressmen's convention in Detroit. Since that time the expendi- 
tures have amounted to about $1,400. * * * 

Up to the time of filing this report fourteen different cir- 
culars have been issued, or about one each month. * * * 
Over 750 personal letters have been written by the secretary on 
shorter workday matters to various unions and committees, and 
this does not include correspondence with headquarters or 
between the members of the committee. 

Childs-Drexel \Home — The report of the trustees of 
the Childs-Drexel Home for Union Printers and Allied 
Crafts was quite voluminous, covering in detail all matters 
relating to that institution. The report of Superintendent 
Clark for 1897 showed the net cost of maintenance to 
have been $19,032.90; the average number of inmates 
being placed at sixty-nine. It was shown that the hospital 
annex had been erected at a cost of $13,829.72, leaving a 

560 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

balance of $185.23 in the special fund collected by assess- 
ment for that purpose. The report of Treasurer Dailey 
showed that on June 30, 1898, there was a balance to the 
credit of the Home fund of $10,662.85, and the report of 
the superintendent for 1898 showed an average cost for 
each inmate, per month, of $21.66. 

The various reports were concise and faithful accounts 
of the more important matters which had engaged the 
management's attention during the term. 

MISCELLANEOUS PROPOSITIONS 

Organizing System Changed — The convention de- 
voted considerable time to consideration of the recom- 
mendation of President Prescott providing for the 
appointment of a general organizer, with the result that 
it was finally determined to submit to the referendum a 
proposition that the territory under the jurisdiction of the 
International Typographical Union should constitute one 
organizing district, and for the purpose of organization 
the president was empowered to appoint organizers sub- 
ject to the approval of the executive council. In the 
appointment of organizers it was provided that the needs 
of the different locals comprising the district should be 
taken into consideration and the expenditure for such 
work should not exceed $6,000 per annum. The compen- 
sation of organizers was limited to the time lost from 
regular employment, but not to exceed $4 per day and 
traveling and hotel expenses. This proposition was de- 
feated by the referendum. 

Referendum Laws Amended — A number of amend- 
ments to the referendum laws were adopted, most impor- 
tant of which was the fixing of the third Wednesday in 
May as general election day instead of "during the month 
of May." Other amendments were passed tending to sim- 
plify the laws and remove demonstrated encumbrances. 

561 



History of The Typographical Union 

New Obligation — Among other minor propositions 
adopted was a new obligation for members, somewhat 
shorter than the old one but embracing largely identical 
features. 

Propositions Rejected — Of the propositions rejected 
was one making conventions subject to call by five unions; 
another providing for the abolition of seals and one 
empowering the executive council, for organization pur- 
poses, to invade the jurisdiction of local unions, suspend 
local laws and organize the city or town. A proposition 
to establish a politico-economic department in the Typo- 
graphical Journal was defeated. 

Use of Defense Fund — An amendment was made to 
the general laws that no strike or lockout be deemed legal, 
or money expended from the defense fund on any ac- 
count, unless the strike or lockout had been authorized by 
the executive council. 

Annual Conventions — Another proposition was 
adopted, providing for holding annual conventions of the 
International Union, to open on the second Monday in 
August. This went through over an unfavorable recom- 
mendation by the laws committee. 

Discussion of Economic Subjects at Union Meetings — 
After a prolonged and animated discussion the convention 
adopted, by a vote of 99 to 16, the following resolution: 

Whereas an intelligent investigation of social and economic 
phenomena is not only a duty imposed upon all mankind, but 
an understanding of questions relating to industrial conditions 
and the science of government is necessary in order that we may 
reap in full the possible benefits of trade unionism ; and 

Whereas there is a lamentable lack of interest among our 
members on such vital questions, and believing no better oppor- 
tunity for the dissemination of knowledge exists than is afforded 
by discussion within union rooms and at union meetings; 
therefore, 

Be it Resolved, That the International Union strongly urge 

562 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

upon its subordinate bodies the necessity of providing in their 
respective "orders of business" for the discussion of the various 
phases of the labor question and other matters of public moment 
having a direct bearing upon the welfare of wage-earners. 

A motion also prevailed instructing the delegates to 
the American Federation of Labor to endeavor to secure 
the adoption of a resolution on economic discussion. 

NINE-HOUR DAY ACHIEVED 

Probably the most important event of the convention 
transpired at the morning session of the fourth day, being 
the endorsement of an agreement entered into with the 
typothetae committee relating to the establishment of a 
shorter workday. A conclusion was reached after an ex- 
ecutive session, participated in by representatives from 
the Printing Pressmen's International Union and Inter- 
national Brotherhood of Bookbinders, at which the fol- 
lowing resolution was unanimously adopted : 

That the report of the committee be received and the agree- 
ment entered into with the United Typothetae of America 
receive the endorsement and approval of this convention. 

The report mentioned was from the International 
shorter workday committee and outlined the various con- 
ferences held with the typothetae committee. The agree- 
ment referred to was signed by representatives of the 
United Typothetae of America and the shorter workday 
committees of the three International unions, and was as 
follows : 

This agreement, entered into between the committee of the 
United Typothetae of America and the shorter workday com- 
mittees of the International Typographical Union, the In- 
ternational Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and the 
International Brotherhood of Bookbinders provides : 

That the said United Typothetae of America agrees to inaug- 
urate a shorter workday on the following basis : The nine-and- 
a-half-hour day, or the nfty-seven-hour week, to commence on 

563 



History of The Typographical Union 



November 21, 1898, and the nine-hour day, or fifty-four-hour 
week, on November 21, 1899. 

That said International Typographical Union, International 
Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and International 
Brotherhood of Bookbinders will endeavor in the meantime to 
equalize the scale of wages in the competitive districts where 
at present there are serious inequalities upon the basis outlined 
by the representatives of the pressmen's and typographical 
unions at the Milwaukee convention of the United Typothetae 
of America. 

Provided, That nothing in this agreement shall be construed 
or operate to increase the hours in any city where they are now 
less than those specified. 

Provided further, That nothing in this agreement shall be 
construed to prevent local unions, or establishments, from 
mutually arranging the fifty-seven or fifty-four hours, respect- 
ively, so that Saturdays may be observed as half-holidays. 

Provided also, That wherever the employers of any city 
will not, prior to November 21, 1898, enter into an agreement 
with the local unions to carry out the above-mentioned reduction 
of hours on the dates specified, the said union shall not be con- 
sidered as restrained from endeavoring to obtain from such 
employers the nine-hour, day, or fifty-four-hour week, on any 
such earlier date as they in their judgment may select. 

Supplementary to this agreement, the shorter workday 
committee immediately forwarded circulars to subordi- 
nate unions, giving official notice of the agreement, to 
which the following instructions and suggestions were 
attached : 

While this agreement may not be all the unions desire, or 
their members have been led to expect, it practically removes 
the danger of a prolonged and possibly disastrous strike for the 
purpose of reducing the hours, and it is hoped you will loyally 
carry out its provisions, as we are confident the United 
Typothetae of America will do. 

You are therefore advised to immediately call a special meet- 
ing of your union, that this matter may be laid before it, the 
employers given the agreed thirty days' notice, and proper steps 
taken to enforce the provisions of the agreement. 

564 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

The question of wage scale, as you have been repeatedly 
informed, is entirely a matter of local jurisdiction, but you are 
urged to maintain, so far as is possible and consistent with our 
agreement, the present wage scale. 

You are directed to act in concert with all the printing and 
binding trade unions in your city, either through the respective 
shorter workday committees or the allied printing trades council, 
where such exist, in order that the unanimity of action which 
is the essence of this movement should be brought about. 

In cities where no agreement can be reached with local 
employers for a nine-and-a-half-hour day, or a fifty-seven-hour 
week, and a nine-hour day, or fifty-four-hour week, on the dates 
specified in the agreement, you are at liberty to secure, if 
possible, the reduction to nine hours on November 21, 1898. 

Employing printers or bookbinders not affiliated with the 
United Typothetas are entitled to the privileges of the above 
agreement should they desire to avail themselves of them. 

This circular supersedes and nullifies any instruction on this 
question heretofore received from this committee. 

Following the adoption of the report of the shorter 
workday committee, President Bowman of the Interna- 
tion Printing Pressmen's Union addressed the convention, 
congratulating the delegates upon what had been accom- 
plished. He said : "Formerly, employer and employe got 
together with a club ; now they meet in a friendly and 
businesslike way." Not all had been secured, but a great 
step had been accomplished. He had sacrificed the nine- 
hour aspirations of the Chicago pressmen for the time 
being, but he had recognized the well-being of the weaker 
as well as the stronger unions, and peace would be 
preserved. 

President Weimar of the Brotherhood of Bookbinders 
stated that it gave him great pleasure to commend the 
action taken. Out of their fifty-six locals, fifty to fifty- 
two had levied assessments to enforce the nine-hour day. 
They were actively preparing for the attempt, but peace 
was preferable, under all the circumstances. There 

565 



History of The Typographical Union 

never was a fight without losses to both sides. This was 
the best settlement, and he was glad to say he had some- 
thing to do with it; it was an historical event. In closing, 
he asked the delegates to lend their aid to more thor- 
oughly organize the bookbinders in certain localities. 

In appreciation of the shorter workday committee, the 
following resolution was adopted : 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to. draw 
up a memorial, to be sent out by the secretary-treasurer to all 
subordinate unions, whereby a suitable and fitting souvenir 
of the appreciation of the International Typographical Union 
for the splendid and faithful work of the shorter workday 
committee may be devised and adopted, said souvenir to be 
presented the shorter workday committee at the next national 
convention. 

In compliance with the above, the chair appointed 
Delegates Lavery (Poughkeepsie), Greenberg (New 
York), and Fuchs (St. Louis). 

Stereotypers' Trade District — Another important act 
of the convention was the creation of a trade district 
union, to be composed of the stereotyped and electro- 
typers' unions, giving the district union autonomy in all 
matters relating to internal affairs of the stereotypers and 
electrotypers. 

Location of Headquarters — A proposition to change 
the headquarters of the International Union from Indian- 
apolis, Ind., to Washington, D. C, was tabled by a de- 
cisive vote, as was also a proposition to establish a defense 
fund involving a special assessment. 

Death of Henry George — The death of Henry George 
was noted by the adoption of the following resolutions : 

Whereas since the last session of this body, the printers of 
America have suffered the loss of one who had risen from their 
ranks to occupy a pre-eminent position among the great thinkers 
of the age ; 

Resolved, That in the death of that great philosopher and 

566 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

statesman, Henry George, humanity has lost a true friend, and 
the wage-earners of the world a fearless leader, and a con- 
scientious worker. 

Resolved, That the sympathy of this body be tendered to his 
family in their great bereavement. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded 
to the family of the deceased. 

Journal Free List — Concurring in the recommenda- 
tions of Secretary Bramwood regarding the publication of 
the Typographical Journal, two important changes were 
made, one increasing the subscription price to 50 cents 
per annum and the other practically cutting off the entire 
free list, one copy only being furnished, which was to be 
sent to the secretary of each local union. 

Machine Tenders — In dealing with some of the rec- 
ommendations contained in the report of President Pres- 
cott, two propositions met with favorable action among a 
number submitted — one providing that until July 1, 1899, 
non-printer machine-tenders might make application for 
membership in the union, and subordinate unions were 
empowered to admit them to membership irrespective of 
other laws and customs. After that date it was provided 
that all machine tenders should be members of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union. The other proposition 
stipulated that non-printer members should only be per- 
mitted to work at the particular subdivision of the craft 
at which they were employed at time of admission, and 
when issuing cards to such non-printer members the sec- 
retaries of subordinate unions were required to designate 
that particular subdivision on the card. 

Minor Home Affairs — After consideration of a report 
from the committee on the Childs-Drexel Home, it was 
ordered that residents of the Home be relieved from the 
payment of per capita tax. It was also provided that 
the trustees be instructed to make inquiries as to the 
advisability of establishing an electric light plant at the 

567 



History of The Typographical Union 

Home, the cost not to exceed $2,000, and it was further 
ordered that the board of trustees hold its annual meet- 
ings at the Home in Colorado Springs. A resolution 
heartily approving the administration of the Home's 
affairs by Superintendent Deacon was passed. 

Photo Engravers — A proposition was adopted author- 
izing photo engravers, or any of the other allied trades 
under the jurisdiction of the International, to form a 
trade district union, after the manner already provided 
for the stereotypers and electrotypers. 

Postal Telegraph — Acting on a report from the com- 
mittee on officers' reports, the following resolutions were 
concurred in, among a number submitted : 'That the 
delegates to the next convention of the American Federa- 
tion of Labor be instructed to request of that body that 
postal telegraphy be made a' preferred measure and that 
its legislative committee be directed to co-operate with the 
International Typographical Union committee in pushing 
the work among the membership and the committees of 
both houses of congress and all organizations represented 
in the federation be requested to take the necessary steps 
toward putting into practical effect the resolutions of 
1893, which had been readopted annually following that 
period." 

District Organizers — District organizers were elected 
as follows, it being understood these officials should hold 
office only until March 1, 1899, in case the action taken 
relative to organizers and districts was endorsed 
by the membership : First district, Henry McMahon, 
Boston; second district, John E. McLoughlin, New York; 
third district, W. J. Hanafin, Baltimore; fourth district, 
Charles G. Kizer, Norfolk; fifth district, H. P. Blount, 
Atlanta; sixth district, Alex H. Smith, Detroit; seventh 
district, William M. Higgins, Louisville; eighth district, 
M. T. Burton, Memphis; ninth district, J. W. Cline, St. 

568 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

Louis; tenth district, J. W. Hays, Minneapolis; eleventh 
district, T. F. Sturgess, Omaha; twelfth district, L. L. 
Daniels, Dallas; thirteenth district (no delegation being 
present, the president stated the incumbent would stand) ; 
fourteenth district, C E. Fisk, Los Angeles; fifteenth 
district (no delegation present, incumbent stands) ; six- 
teenth district, George W. Dower, Toronto ; West Indies, 

J. A. Gregory was elected special organizer by the 

11. 
convention. 

Indianapolis Bank Failure — The secretary-treasurer 
was instructed to write off the Indianapolis bank account, 
being carried as an asset, amounting to $13,792.20, after 
the payment of the next dividend, future dividends to be 
paid into the general fund. 

Union Label — Legislation affecting the label provided 
for registration in the various states, territories and 
provinces. A proposition to establish a universal union 
label was referred to the delegates to the American 
Federation of Labor, with instructions to present same 
to that body with the aim of securing its adoption on a 
basis that would be mutually agreeable to all the interests 
involved. 

To Abolish Referendum — A proposition to establish 
annual conventions, to be supreme law-making bodies, 
carrying with it the abolition of the referendum system 
of law-making and the election of officers, was adopted 
and sent to the referendum for approval or rejection. 

Retiring Official Honored — At this point, the secre- 
tary's desk being clear, President Prescott was called from 
the platform and First Vice-President Perry took the 
chair. Delegate Hays of Minneapolis then took the floor, 
paying a glowing tribute to the work of President Pres- 
cott during the many years he had served the Interna- 
tional Union as its highest officer. Mr. Hays closed his 
remarks by introducing a motion proposing that suitable 

569 



History of The Typographical Union 

resolutions be drawn up and presented to the president 
upon his retirement, expressing the appreciation of the 
assembled delegates. The motion was adopted. Secretary- 
Treasurer Bramwood, in addressing the convention, spoke 
feelingly of the work of President Prescott. It being 
announced that the delegates also desired to present a 
suitable token of regard to President Prescott before 
he left Syracuse, the chair appointed Delegates Hays, 
Greenberg and Smith to act in the matter. On motion 
of Delegate Greenberg, the council was authorized to 
present President Prescott with an engrossed testimonial 
on the occasion of his retirement from office. 

Delegate Boulton stated that the stereotypers and elec- 
trotypers had voted the convention their appreciation of 
the treatment accorded them. He also desired it recorded 
that they had voted a contribution to the offering to 
President Prescott. 

After the'convention had adjourned, an informal gath- 
ering of delegates, ex-delegates, wives and visitors took 
place in the ladies' parlors of the Vanderbilt Hotel. 
Secretary Bramwood presided and introduced Chairman 
Murphy, of the shorter workday committee, who, on 
behalf of many friends, presented President Prescott with 
an elegant silver tea set as a slight testimonial of their 
appreciation of his qualities as a man and the excellent 
service rendered the organization during his term of 
office. Mr. Prescott responded in a feeling manner, after 
which retiring First Vice-President Perry was the re- 
cipient of a present in the form of a silver water service 
and chocolate set, the presentation being made by 
Delegate Hays of Minneapolis. 

On June 25, 1899, President Donnelly, on behalf of 
the executive council, which had complied with the 
instructions of the Syracuse convention in preparing and 
having engrossed suitable resolutions commending former 

570 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

President Prescott for valuable services rendered, pre- 
sented the token, which was worded as follows : 

Resolutions Adopted by the Executive Council of the 
International Typographical Union 

Whereas William B. Prescott retired from the presidency 
of the International Typographical Union November 1, 1898, 
after serving continuously in that position over seven years ; and 

Whereas the period of the administration of Mr. Prescott 
was a most important and eventful one in International Typo- 
graphical Union affairs, witnessing the introduction of machin- 
ery, the success of which has caused a transformation amounting 
to a revolution in the printing trade ; and 

Whereas this transition was effected under the guidance of 
Mr. Prescott, without loss in membership or reduction in wages, 
while a noteworthy event of the closing hours of his administra- 
tion was the agreement reached for the inauguration of a shorter 
workday in the book and job branch, a reform which has been 
zealously championed by him; and 

Whereas the International Typographical Union, hereto- 
fore respected for its honorable age and its long and consistent 
record of fair dealing, has in the period referred to, not- 
withstanding the great changes in trade conditions and the 
difficulties attending the adjustment of the same, grown in the 
confidence and esteem of publishers and the employing printers, 
and in usefulness to its members ; therefore, 

Be it Resolved, by the executive council of the International 
Typographical Union, acting for the membership at large, That 
we hereby place on record, on the retirement of Mr. Prescott 
as aforesaid, our recognition and appreciation of his resourceful 
diplomacy, untiring energy and promptness in the discharge 
of his executive duties, the faithful performance of which has, 
in a large measure, contributed to the advancement of the 
organization during the time of his administration. 

Resolved, That we hereby tender to the said William B. 
Prescott our thanks for the honesty and singleness of purpose 
which he brought to the performance of his duties as president, 
and express our unqualified admiration of the marked ability, 
firmness and high courage which characterized his official 
acts; and 

Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be published in 

571 



History of The Typographical Union 

the Typographical Journal, and that they be suitably en- 
grossed and framed for presentation to Mr. Prescott, bearing 
the signatures of the executive officers of the International 

Typographical Union. _, „ _ 

Samuel B. Donnelly, 

President. 

J. W. Bramwood, 

Secretary- Treasurer. 

Indianapolis, November 28, 1898. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Twenty-two propositions to amend the constitution of 
the International Union were submitted to the refer- 
endum, eighteen of which were endorsed by the member- 
ship and four defeated. Three of the propositions 
defeated related to abolishing the referendum and pro- 
vided that delegates should have full power to elect 
officers and enact all laws. The fourth defeated proposi- 
tion attempted to establish a new system of organization 
to be under control of the president and executive council. 
A summary of the twenty-two propositions submitted and 
the majorities for and against, follows: 

( 1 ) To provide for admission of non-printer proof- 
readers until a certain date, and that all proofreaders 
should thereafter be members. Total vote, 10,721. 
Majority favoring, 2,675. ( 2 ) To provide for admission 
of non-printer machine-tenders until a certain date, and 
the controlling of such positions by the union. Total 
vote, 10,698. Majority favoring, 3,288. (3) To fix the 
third Wednesday in May as date for delegate elections. 
Total vote, 10,221. Majority favoring, 6,299. (4) To 
provide for annual sessions on second Monday in August, 
with full power vested in the delegates to elect officers 
and enact all laws. Total vote, 10,599. Majority against, 
2,5 19. (5) To provide for annual conventions on second 
Monday in August. Total vote, 10,343. Majority favor- 
ing, 289. (6) To abolish all laws relating to election of 

572 



Convention at Syracuse, 1898 

International officers by the membership. Total vote, 
10,653. Majority against, 4,293. (7) To abolish all 
laws relating to submission of questions to the member- 
ship. Total vote, 10,578. Majority against, 4,884. (8) 
To amend laws relating to election of International 
officers by the membership. Total vote, 10,217. Majority 
favoring, 1,003. (9) To establish a new system of 
organization, under control of the president and council. 
Total vote, 10,169. Majority against, 429. (10) To 
endow the executive council with power to fill all 
vacancies in office. Total vote, 10,221. Majority favor- 
ing, 2^,703. (11) To debar organizers from granting 
cards under certain conditions. Total vote, 10,086. 
Majority favoring, 4,124. (12) To fix the compensation 
of all unsalaried officials. Total vote, 10,290. Majority 
favoring, 6,062. (13) To place the Journal on a better 
financial basis. Total vote, 10,307. Majority favoring, 
6,277. (14) To insert in the constitution a decision 
regarding payment of burial benefits. Total vote, 10,358. 
Majority favoring, 4,896. (15) To make certain changes 
in the certificate of membership. Total vote, 9,820. 
Majority favoring, 4,730. (16) To grant complete trade 
autonomy to stereotypers and other allied trades. Total 
vote, 10,850. Majority favoring, 6,852. (17) To amend 
the laws relating to submission of questions to the mem- 
bership. Total vote, 9,907. Majority favoring, 3,001. 
(18) To amend the law relating to submission of ques- 
tions to the membership. Total vote, 9,397. Majority 
favoring, 1,861. (19) To strike out an unnecessary 
section of the referendum law. Total vote, 9,75 1. 
Majority favoring, 3,331. (20) To require petitions from 
ten unions for submission of questions semi-annually. 
Total vote, 9,987. Majority favoring, 2,885. ( 2I ) To 
change the obligation so as to make it apply to all mem- 
bers. Total vote, 10,196. Majority favoring, 7,580. 

573 



History of The Typographical Union 

(22) To give constitutional recognition to labels, etc. 
Total vote, 10,274. Majority favoring, 8,734. 

General Laws — Resolutions — Several changes were 
made by the convention in the general laws of the union, 
but these changes were chiefly of a minor character. A 
resolution was passed directing the executive council 
to ask for a conference with the cognate trades under the 
tripartite agreement at which an effort be made to have 
uniform laws enacted regulating contracts, labels, and 
other such matters, so as to remove the friction caused 
by the then existing agreement, and also for the purpose 
of legally amending the agreement to the end that such 
modifications of the regulations governing the distribu- 
tion of labels be made as would conserve the interests 
of proprietors of small offices who were members of the 
union and observed union customs; also that the Interna- 
tional Union attempt to have the tripartite agreement 
amended so as not to allow the stereotypers, or any other 
organization connected with the International Union, the 
right to compel the International to maintain any allied 
trades council by per capita tax without representation 
on the same basis. It was also ordered that the charters 
issued to district and state unions under an obsolete 
resolution be declared null and void and the custodians 
ordered to return them to headquarters. Subordinate 
unions were instructed to take measures looking to the 
publication by them in the several states of text-books 
used in the common schools providing the work could be 
secured for union labor. 

Defense Fund — Following the convention at Syracuse 
a referendum proposition, providing for an assessment of 
5 cents a week per capita, to be levied for a period of 
twelve weeks, the fund so raised to be credited to the 
defense fund and used for the assistance of such unions 
as the executive council might deem necessary, or in 

574 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

advancing the principles of unionism, was, by petition 
of more than the requisite number of unions required, 
submitted to the membership and adopted by a vote of 
9,337 ayes, 6,677 noes. 

Tripartite Conference — Complying with the instruc- 
tions of the convention, the executive council arranged 
for a conference with representatives of the pressmen and 
bookbinders. The conference was held at Pittsburgh, 
January 9, 1899. An editorial paragraph in the Typo- 
graphical Journal of February I, 1899, says: "Our 
executive council declined to ratify the conclusions 
reached by the Pittsburgh conference of the allied print- 
ing trades, relating to uniform rules governing allied 
trades councils and the distribution of the allied trades 
label, owing to the position taken by the representatives 
of the pressmen and bookbinders regarding small offices. 
The report of our representative at the conference and a 
statement outlining the efforts of the council to carry out 
the instructions of the Syracuse convention will be pre- 
sented at the next session of the International body. 
As a result, the rules drafted by the conferees amount 
to naught until such time as an understanding can be 
arrived at on the points involved." 

Convention at Detroit 

[1899] — The forty-fifth convention of the International 
Union was called to order by President Donnelly in 
Strassburg Academy, Detroit, Mich., on August 14, 1899. 
The session was attended by 182 delegates, representing 
135 subordinate unions. 

The president introduced Chairman Black of the recep- 
tion committee, who gave an outline of what was going 
to happen in the way of entertainment and then pre- 
sented President Bessler of Detroit Union, who welcomed 
the delegates and expressed the hope that their work 

575 



History of The Typographical Union 

would prove as profitable to the craft as their presence 
was pleasurable to Detroiters. Governor Pingree was 
absent from the city, as was also Mayor Maybury, but 
Private Secretary Hall welcomed the convention on 
behalf of the mayor. After the Rev. H. D. McCowan 
invoked the divine blessing, President Donnelly returned 
thanks for courtesies extended and to be extended, 
as well as for the kind expressions voiced by all who 
had spoken. 

ANNUAL REPORTS 

On presenting his annual report, President Donnelly 
complimented the membership on the excellent condition 
of the organization, at that time composed of 429 char- 
tered locals with a paid-up membership on June 30 of 
30,646, of whom 2,969 were allied craftsmen and 27,677 
compositors. This was not regarded, however, as a fair 
exhibition of the union's real numerical strength and it 
was estimated that the entire number who considered 
themselves members was not less than 38,000. The presi- 
dent regarded the year just closed as having been the 
most successful from a business standpoint of any since 
1892. Speaking of general trade conditions, he said: 

There has been a general revival of trade, which has been 
felt in all branches of industry. It is pleasing to note that 
the job printing trade has been excellent during the past season, 
many local unions finding it impossible on frequent occasions 
to supply the offices under their jurisdiction with a sufficient 
force of competent printers. The printing trade is, to a great 
extent, a thermometer of business conditions, the volume of 
work done being continually on the increase during good times 
and rapidly falling off as periods of industrial depression 
develop. The printing trade is affected as no other trade by 
general business conditions, as it is allied not particularly to any 
industry, or industrial occupation, but is general in its operation, 
printing being consumed by every industry, business, occupation 
and every intelligent citizen in the land. 

That form of combination of capital known as the trust has 

576 




\ 



SAMUEL B. DONNELLY, New York 

President International Typographical Union 

November i, 1898 -October 31, 1900 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

not as yet affected, to any appreciable extent, the printing trade, 
and so long as typesetting machines, printers' supplies and 
machinery are sold without restrictions in an open market there 
is little possibility of the formation of successful trusts or com- 
binations. Although books and publications are considered 
a necessity, it must be borne in mind that with a great portion 
of our population they are a luxury, and the demand for such 
products is one which greatly fluctuates, necessitating vast 
expenditures on the part of the producer in offering inducements 
to consumers. This condition results in an intense competition, 
which of itself is an obstacle to combinations. 

Since the introduction of the typesetting machine there has 
been, a tendency manifested toward the creation of specialists 
in the printing trade. This tendency should be opposed by the 
typographical union and general laws should be adopted for 
the governing of apprentices, not only as a protection 
to the competent printer, but as a protection to the employer. 
The "all-round" printer has not been displaced by the type- 
setting machine, but the specialist has. The man whose 
knowledge of the printing trade was limited to his ability 
as a typesetter on straight composition forms 95 per cent of the 
unemployed printers of today. The technical school for the 
apprentice should be the composing room, and his guardian 
should be the typographical union. Apprentices should be 
guaranteed an opportunity to learn the printing trade, and boys 
who, after a few months' experience, show no adaptability 
in the printing office should be discharged and their places 
taken by apprentices more competent. I would recommend that 
a committee be appointed for the purpose of preparing an 
address to the United Typothetae on the subject of apprentice 
regulations. 

In the New England states, women as compositors have been 
used by employers to demoralize the trade and reduce the rate 
of wages. The International Typographical Union maintains 
that 1,000 ems of type delivered to the makeup is worth a cer- 
tain amount, and that the question should not be asked by the 
establishment, "Was this type set by a woman?" Typographical 
Union No. 13 has been endeavoring to enforce a uniform scale 
for compositors, and we earnestly hope that the present negotia- 
tions with the employing printers within their jurisdiction will 
result in amicable adjustment of this important question. 

577 



History of The Typographical Union 

Organization Work — In discussing the subject of 
"Organization," the president reminded the convention 
that working printers in the Philippines and the Greater 
Antilles looked to the International Typographical Union 
for assistance and encouragement in their efforts to im- 
prove their condition. The essential feature of this 
portion of the report of the president, however, was a 
recommendation that the law providing for the system 
of sixteen organizers and their numerous family of 
deputies be repealed. In lieu thereof it was suggested 
that the president be empowered to appoint a sufficient 
number of organizers, provided the total yearly expendi- 
ture on account thereof did not exceed $6,000. This view 
was concurred in by several of the organizers, who, 
speaking from experience, declared the system in vogue 
as cumbersome and unsatisfactory. 

Strikes — During the eight months covered by the 
report there were four general strikes. Out of a total of 
nineteen strikes ordered by the International or by local 
unions seven resulted in victories, with three defeats and 
nine affairs pending. Through the timely mediation of 
International officials and organizers five general strikes 
were averted and forty-four threatened disputes were 
satisfactorily adjusted. Nine of the nineteen strikes were 
precipitated by proprietors who attempted to violate scale 
rates and three of the nine were fomented by employers 
alleged to be desirous of wrecking establishments so that 
they might profit personally at the expense of their 
partners. The president took strong ground for con- 
servative action, when a strike was imminent, in these 
words : 

The strike, as a weapon of organized labor, has been greatly 
abused. Its too frequent use has tended to lessen its effective- 
ness. Under no circumstances should local unions be permitted 
to engage in aggressive strikes without complying with all the 

578 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

laws of the International Union, and not then unless the union 
shall have sufficient funds on hand to pay strike benefits and 
expenses for a period of at least eight weeks. With a thorough 
organization, sufficient finances, and the sympathy of the public, 
strikes are successful. The officers and members of subordinate 
unions should make great preparation before engaging in 
a strike. The most important work is to secure hearty 
co-operation and a prompt response to the call of the union 
on the part of the men directly affected, and in future local 
unions requesting the endorsement of strikes will be compelled 
to first assure the executive council that they have such 
co-operation, and will be able to call out every man and boy 
employed in the shop or shops affected. The preliminary work 
incident to a strike is the most important, and neglect of this 
work has been in a majority of cases the direct cause of the loss 
of the contest. 

Shorter Workday — In speaking of the shorter work- 
day the president declared that if the future could be 
judged by past progress the nine-hour workday would 
within a short time be an established rule in all branches 
of the trade throughout the continent. With few excep- 
tions, the unions failing to enforce the Syracuse agree- 
ment were those which neglected the work of organiza- 
tion and in whose jurisdictions the spirit of unionism was 
weak. Of them the president said, and suggested : 

Organization work is their first need. In many cases they 
have shown themselves incompetent to perform the preliminary 
work of organization, and it is necessary for the International 
Union to place in the field, with the beginning of the fall 
season, for a period of at least three months, energetic organ- 
izers, who are experienced in the work of local organization, and 
know how to bring non-union men into the fold. 

While discussing this subject the proposition to 
endeavor to equalize wage scales was adverted to. It was 
pointed out that under the system existing the formulation 
and enforcement of scales was essentially the privilege 
and duty of subordinate unions, and although other 

579 



History of The Typographical Union 

trades, especially the iron, glass and mining industries, 
had adopted level scales in competitive districts, those 
organizations had not been freer from troubles or more 
successful than the International Typographical Union. 
In the president's opinion there was but one system of 
"wage equalization" which the union could propose that 
would prove satisfactory to all employers, and that was 
"to reduce the rates to the level of the cheapest towns. 
It is not supposed that the typothetae will expect us to 
take such a ridiculous step. The proper method is the 
gradual increase of the wage rates in towns where low 
rates prevail. Our efforts to increase the rates in low- 
priced towns have been met with determined opposition 
from the employers." 

Relations With Allied Crafts — Much of the space 
devoted to the allied craftsmen in the president's report 
was consumed by a review of the Chicago situation, 
arising out of the stereotypers' strike of the year previous, 
which had from time to time been commented on in the 
Typographical Journal. Further information was prom- 
ised the delegates when the convention went into executive 
session. The president, however, vigorously inveighed 
against legislation vesting allied craft unions with too 
much power. He showed how the obnoxious laws 
operated to give the allied crafts a weight in the higher 
councils of the organization entirely out of keeping with 
their numbers or financial contributions. In fact it was 
held that if the regulations were construed literally it 
would produce a condition whereby the allied crafts 
could reduce the International's revenues while making 
it responsible for greatly increased expenditures. Rather 
than be subjected to the conflicting authority and bur- 
dens which the existing law imposed, the president said 
it would be much better for the membership of the Inter- 
national to say to the stereotypers and electrotypers, "You 

580 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

can try the 'go-it-alone' policy ; the International Typo- 
graphical Union waives all jurisdiction or control over 
you ; the International Typographical Union will attend 
to its own affairs, and permit you to attend to your own 
affairs." But the International Typographical Union 
had distinctly stated on numerous occasions that there 
should be no further division in the printing trade. In 
this attitude it had the support of the International Print- 
ing Pressmen's Union and the International Brotherhood 
of Bookbinders. "If we still insist in our opinion that 
there should be no further division or subdivision, let 
us strike out entirely section 5 of the constitution, and 
in lieu thereof permit them to maintain, at their own 
expense, an executive board which shall have power to 
adjust all disputes as between the unions of their branch 
of the craft, treat each other honestly and fairly and 
cease this ridiculous talk of autonomy, when we know that 
autonomy means nothing but division and dissension." 

The president said, in concluding the subject, that 
under equal conditions no objection would be raised to 
granting stereotypers, etc., the same privileges as those 
extended to German printers but for the fact that there 
was no similarity between the Typographia arrangement 
and the existing law. Some designing and greedy 
employers had endeavored to create a secession movement 
among electrotypers, but their plans were frustrated, 
except in one case where the local officers returned the 
charter in an illegal manner. 

The president reported the mailers as having attained 
measurable success, they experiencing great difficulty in 
securing recognition of their unions and enforcement 
of their scales. On the other hand, employers had not 
to any appreciable extent opposed the formation of photo 
engravers' unions. The newspaper writers were slow 
to organize, one of the drawbacks being an impression 

581 



History of The Typographical Union 

among the publishers that the object in forming writers' 
unions was a desire to establish a press censorship in the 
interest of the International Union. After demonstrating 
that the International was opposed to even the existing 
censorship, the president declared that — 

The International Typographical Union does not, in any 
sense, desire to control printing establishments or publications. 
Our object is to maintain fair conditions, sustain the rights of 
labor and secure a fair day's pay for an honest day's toil, 
and the organized newspaper writer will be expected to follow 
the instructions of the management in the performance of his 
labor in the same manner as the compositor follows the instruc- 
tions of his foreman in performing the mechanical work upon 
the newspaper. 

With the hope of lessening opposition to, and thereby 
promoting the organization of, writers' unions, it was 
recommended that they be exempt from the laws regulat- 
ing allied trades crafts, as well as those affecting sympa- 
thetic strikes. The president took a hopeful view of future 
relations with affiliated allied crafts, saying that, so far as 
the pressmen were concerned, antagonism toward the 
International had apparently ceased. He said : 

The pressmen realize that the tendency of capital at the 
present time is to concentrate, and that the interests of the print- 
ing trade unions demand closer affiliation and concentration. 
The International Typographical Union is not only the organ- 
izer, but is the bulwark of the trade unions in the printing 
trade. We learn by experience, and I take pleasure in prophesy- 
ing that the experience of the next few years will be sufficient 
to convince all persons employed in the various branches of the 
printing trade that one successful, invincible union is far better 
than three organizations, whose interests frequently conflict, 
and who are hampered by those disputes which are always 
engendered by division of forces. 

The president recalled the fact that the single cause 
of controversy between the parties to the tripartite agree- 
ment was the label, and reproduced verbatim a portion 

582 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

of the proceedings had at the Pittsburgh conference. 
Commenting on this, he said : 

On the question of the issuance of the label your representa- 
tive found that it was impossible to secure the consent of two 
of the parties to the tripartite agreement to the enactment 
of the law recommended by the Syracuse convention. Your 
representative, after discussing the matter at length with the 
conferees, rested on the tripartite agreement as it is today 
printed in our International constitution. This agreement 
• provides that the label shall only be issued to such offices as 
comply with the rules and regulations of the unions affiliated 
with the local allied printing trades councils, and a resolution 
embodying this provision of the tripartite agreement was 
adopted. The executive council of the International Typo- 
graphical Union could not, however, in view of the instructions 
of the Syracuse convention, approve of the proceedings of the 
conference as they affected the distribution of labels. It should 
be apparent to every delegate to this convention that the Inter- 
national Typographical Union has forever relinquished all 
control or jurisdiction over presses, pressrooms and binderies, 
and that the allied label can not be legitimately issued to what 
is known as the one-man shop, under the terms of the tripartite 
agreement. 

It was pointed out that while in some instances the 
bad blood generated by the pressmen's secession move- 
ment had fostered disputes arising out of the distribution 
of labels, local unions being to blame in some instances, 
the great majority of difficulties had found origin in 
demands of platen pressmen and feeders, employers not 
having been disposed to recognize the rights of those 
craftsmen to organize. The subject was dismissed with 
the following recommendation : "That the convention 
reconsider the instructions given the executive council in 
the Syracuse convention and permit the council to exer- 
cise full discretion in all label and allied trade disputes. 
In consideration of the fact that the International Typo- 
graphical Union was responsible for the introduction 

583 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the label as a factor in the printing trade, and that 
the International Typographical Union had up to that 
time borne the expenses incident to label agitation and 
registration, it was expected that the pressmen and book- 
binders would consent to permitting latitude on the label 
question to the typographical unions which might become 
involved in a struggle to maintain the rates of wages 
and the right to organize." 

Machine-Tenders — Machine-tenders next engrossed 
the president's attention and he laid before the craft a 
lucid resume of occurrences incident to enforcement of 
the Syracuse law on the question. It was pointed out that 
the American Federation of Labor could not interfere 
with the enforcement of the law without stultifying itself. 

Funds — The funds of the union were reported to be 
in a healthy condition, and greater economy in making 
expenditures from the various funds was said to be out 
of the question, except in case of the defense fund, and 
any shortening of expenditures in that way could only 
be accomplished by pursuing a parsimonious policy after 
a strike had been inaugurated. It was recommended 
that the executive council be authorized to levy a special 
assessment should the defense fund at any time fall below 
$20,000, the levy not to exceed 50 cents per member in 
any three months. With a fund of such magnitude it was 
thought to be possible that the executive council could 
assist unions that were endeavoring to prevent labels 
being counterfeited by unfair employers. 

Proprietor Members — The question of whether work- 
ing employers should or should not be members of the 
union was discussed at some length. It was recommended 
by the president that this matter should be settled by 
requiring all persons performing the work of journeymen 
or foremen to be members of their local unions. 

584 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

Government Ownership — Copyright Laiv — The re- 
port closed \Vith the following reference to the legislative 
committee at Washington : 

Our committees on governmental ownership of the telegraph 
and copyright law have not heen authorized, during the past 
eight months, to incur any expenditures. The agitation for 
governmental ownership of the telegraph should be continued, 
but it is doubtful if this agitation merits, at the present time, 
any considerable outlay of money. Unfortunately, the attention 
of the organized workers has been diverted lately by the unwise 
action of many of our leaders, and a portion of the labor press, 
to the political issue of expansion and so-called imperialism, 
and while the conditions are such that it is impossible to secure 
municipal ownership of street railway franchises, a question 
which directly affects every worker and every citizen, it is very 
doubtful if any great headway can be made in agitation for 
governmental ownership of the telegraph, as the use and abuse 
of our present system is of interest only to a small proportion 
of our population, and principally to the business world. An 
agitation which at the present time promises to result in more 
benefit to organized labor, and which, if successful, would 
result in direct benefit to our organization, would be a systematic 
agitation against what is known as government by in]' unction. 

Stereotypers and Electrotypers — The report of Second 
Vice-President Derflinger treated for the most part with 
trade disputes, and especially the Chicago affair. An 
attempt had been made to absorb the rump electrotypers' 
union, but it failed owing to the obstinacy of the seceders. 
Efforts on their part to disrupt this branch of the Inter- 
national had proved futile owing to the energetic meas- 
ures taken to discipline the renegades. Chicago Union 
was the only one to surrender its charter and to advance 
the plea that the per capita tax of the International was 
excessive, although that local, during the ten months 
ended May I, 1899, had paid into the International 
treasury $230 and drawn therefrom $626. Vice-President 
Derflinger felicitated his fellow craftsmen on the position 

585 



History of The Typographical Union 

they occupied and expressed the hope that a dispute 
relative to the scope of the autonomy granted by the 
Syracuse law would be settled to the satisfaction of all. 

German- American Typographia — Third Vice-Presi- 
dent Miller reported the year as having been a quiet one, 
with no strikes to record. There had been no increase 
in membership. Mr. Miller said : "Owing to the de- 
crease in immigration, the German press of this country 
has to fight hard for its existence. During the past year 
several German papers have gone out of existence, while 
others consolidated, thereby throwing a number of mem- 
bers out of work and greatly burdening the out-of-work 
fund." Although the German branch expended over 
$ 11,000 in out-of-work benefits there remained in its 
treasury approximately $10,000, or $9 per capita. With 
the exception of a few religious papers, there were but 
three mon-union firms under the jurisdiction of this 
branch. 

Mailers — 'Tn reviewing my work for the past year," 
said Fourth Vice-President Harber, "I can see no par- 
ticular event that can be chronicled as unprecedented, 
nevertheless the progress of the mailers' unions through- 
out the country, as indicated by correspondence, has been 
of a steady and permanent nature." After reciting 
several successes attending the efforts of the mailers 
toward the formation of four unions, and the conviction 
that the coming year would be fruitful of new unions, 
Mr. Harber gave a hint of the obstacles that had been 
overcome. He said : "The presence of boys, and dis- 
couraging conditions in many cities, is such as to deter 
organizers in even making an attempt to organize our 
craft. Yet it is true that in each of the cities recently 
organized, and in fact in each city where a union exists, 
an organizer at one time or another has claimed that 
an organization was an impossibility, so that no matter 

586 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

how improbable success may appear at first investigation, 
perseverance and persistent agitation will almost invaria- 
bly be crowned with success." The existing organizing 
system was not looked upon with favor and it was sug- 
gested "that the convention should look to some plan 
whereby a maximum return might be had for the 
minimum expenditure." 

Newswriters — Fifth Vice-President J. F. O'Sullivan 
reported that he had corresponded with many cities for 
the purpose of awakening an interest in unionism in his 
profession and said "there isn't a city in the country 
where our documents are not in the hands of one or more 
newspaper men." As the result of all this effort, involv- 
ing the writing of 745 letters, two unions, New York 
and Kansas City, were organized. Wages continued to 
have a downward tendency, which was not surprising 
under the state of affairs existing: 

An agency in this country advertises to furnish employment 
to reporters and editors, and issues a circular to publishers 
offering to fill positions in all branches of newspaper work. 
As showing to what extent is the intensity of the struggle for 
employment, I desire to state that this "newspaper exchange" 
agrees to supply men as reporters at salaries ranging from $7 
to $40 per week. Among one of its applicants for employment 
is a gentleman with a college training, who is willing to advance 
his employer $1,000, and who is also willing to work as a 
reporter or special writer for $10 per week. I do not expect 
that the gentleman has yet secured a position, as publishers are 
aware that a $io-per-week man can not be expected to give 
$20 worth of brains to his work. 

On behalf of the interests he represented, Mr. O'Sulli- 
van recommended : 

That in all cities where the labor movement insists upon the 
label upon daily papers, the organizer in whose district this con- 
dition obtains shall urge the necessity of the organization 
of the writers as a condition of retention of the label; that 
the local unions take a more active interest in acquainting news- 

587 



History of The Typographical Union 

writers of the fact that, under the protecting shield of the 
International Typographical Union, they may come together 
for the purpose of securing advantages for their profession, 
which can best be secured by and through straight trade-union 
methods. 

Photo Engravers — James Ryan, sixth vice-president, 
did not report concerning the troubles of his trade, but 
indulged in a review of the work of labor organizations as 
a whole, retrospectively and prospectively, concluding in 
this way : 

Who could have thought fifty years ago that a trade union 
could have produced a trade magazine like the Typograph- 
ical Journal of the International Typographical Union? As 
a monument of intelligent perseverance it is a credit to the 
printers of the United States, as also its Home at Colorado 
Springs. Progress ! Looking back from where we started 
it is indeed phenomenal. All has been achieved by co-operative 
unionism. Helping those who are desirous to help themselves ; 
closing out none, expanding our opportunities, and helping all 
along who are struggling, with moral and, if need be, financial 
support, ever bearing in mind that moral victories gained 
in peace are far more valuable and of greater endurance than 
those of war, although our generals and officers do not strut 
about in gold lace paid for out of our taxes. 

Trade unionism is today a factor in our civilization, and 
society as at present constituted can not move without consult- 
ing with it. Let the good work continue and society will have 
to consult us. These are reflections of one who has exceeded 
the scriptural limit of age, and in every probability will not 
have the honor of again addressing you. 

Secretary -Treasurer's Report — To those interested in 
the statistics and finances of the organization, a summary 
of Secretary Bramwood's report, at once complete and 
conclusive, will be of interest. 

Attention was first devoted to the growth of the 
organization during the fiscal year, and of this the 
secretary said : 

An increase in the membership and a healthy financial con- 

588 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

dition augur well for the prosperity of the year we are just 
entering. For the year 1897 tne average paying membership 
was reported as 28,096. In 1898 the figures reached 28,614 
and an average of 28,355 was established for the two years 
intervening between the conventions at Colorado Springs and 
Syracuse. This was a slight loss over previous years. Now the 
tide has turned, and the per capita tax received during the fiscal 
year just closed shows an average membership of 30,646, which 
is only 733 short of the high-water mark of 1894, when the 
pressmen, pressfeeders, bookbinders and bindery girls were 
under the banner of the International Typographical Union. 
It is an increase of 2,550 over 1897, °f 2 >°3 2 over 1898, and 
2,291 over the two years of 1896-1898. As will be seen, the 
increase in membership is not wholly due to the formation of 
new unions. Apathetic organizations have been imbued with 
new life, and much valuable organization work has been done 
in the larger and smaller cities, which still present a fertile field 
for the seeds of unionism. 

Of the receipts and disbursements, the former reached 
the figure of $128,436.70, of which $8,241.50 repre- 
sented the special 5 -cent assessment which began April 
17, 1899, and was still in progress of collection when 
the year closed on June 30. The balance of the revenue 
for the year comprised per capita tax, supplies, Journal 
advertising and subscriptions and all other sundry items. 
An increase in receipts of $15,272.91 was shown over 
the year of 1 897- 1 898 and $17,917.17 over the twelve 
months of 1896- 1897. The total business aggregated 
$155,718.52. This last named sum was a decided increase 
over the previous two years and much credit was due 
the officers in charge of financial affairs of subordinate 
unions for the promptness with which the money belong- 
ing to the International body had been transferred to 
headquarters. The actual expenditures of the year 
amounted to $123,502.80. Add to this sum $12,259.74, 
lost in the Indianapolis National Bank, and a total of 
$135,762.54 is the result. 

589 



History of The Typographical Union 

Attention was called to the fact that aside from the 
special assessment of $8,241.50, the receipts for the year 
were only $120,195.20. This was $3,307.60 less than 
the expenditures and would indicate that without the 
assessment the available cash balance would have been 
reduced by the work of the year. In these figures was 
found the necessity of a retrenchment in expenses, or an 
increase in the per capita tax. The International was 
asked for financial assistance by many locals for 
innumerable purposes and the revenue was by no means 
adequate to the requirements. Unions with well-filled 
treasuries did not hesitate to solicit financial assistance 
from the International when work which was especially 
calculated to benefit the local's membership was under 
contemplation, while others, which continually struggled 
for existence, were content with their proper portion of 
benefits under the law. It was only by close adherence 
to the constitution that the revenue could have been made 
to meet the claims upon the organization, as the laws, 
framed in years gone by, did not contemplate the demands 
that were then being made on the parent body. The 
amount transferred to the Home fund was $36,618.15, 
while $19,080.74 had been expended in strike benefits 
and special assistance. Officers and organizers had 
received $7,806.81 for services and expenses in acting 
as mediators in adjusting disputes and building up weak 
unions. The expenditures on this account aggregated 
88 cents per member, and the total expenditure since the 
establishment of the defense fund had been $297,843.70. 
The expenses of the shorter workday committee amounted 
to $1,735.91. The deaths exceeded those of the fiscal 
years 1897 and 1898 by thirty-five and forty-six respect- 
ively, the benefits paid amounting to $25,800 (a fraction 
over 84 cents per member) on 430 deaths. Since the 
inception of the burial fund the payments from it had 

590 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

aggregated $177,245. To the secretary's mind, all funds 
except the general fund were in a healthy condition. The 
drain on the general fund had from time to time increased 
with the growth of the organization and there had been 
no corresponding increase in the apportionment, conse- 
quently there was annually a deficit, but it was hoped 
that the existing and contemplated economies in 
connection with the Journal would obviate even this. 

Some attention was devoted to the work at headquar- 
ters and the cost of doing it. During the fiscal year 
47,950 pieces of mail and express matter were delivered 
(exclusive of the Journal), of which 11,347 were type- 
written letters, 27,306 being other first class mail and the 
balance composed of packages of supplies, literature, etc. 

Typographical Journal — The Typographical Journal 
was discussed with much regard for detail in accounting 
for items of income and expense. While the secretary- 
treasurer suggested the publication of the Journal 
monthly, he defended the official organ stoutly in the 
following paragraph : 

The abolishment of the Journal and a return to the meth- 
ods of years ago has been advocated on .different occasions, 
and it has been claimed that the obsolete methods would prove 
less expensive than the publication of the Journal as an 
official medium. Figures of the most careful compilation 
do not prove this to be true, and the incorrectness of such 
theories was answered by one of my predecessors in the follow- 
ing words: "In 1888, when the official statements and business 
of headquarters were communicated to our members in the shape 
of quarterly reports and circulars, with a membership of 17,491, 
it cost 13 cents per member per year to thus convey quarterly 
to less than 250 secretaries what is now printed in the 
Journal, where it can be read by the entire membership semi- 
monthly at a cost of 19^2 cents per member. With the business 
of the office treble what it was in 1888, with a membership 
almost doubled, and the various benefit features in full opera- 
tion, it is safe to say that, under the old system of doing busi- 

591 



History of The Typographical Union 

ness, the cost of conveying official statements alone would have 
doubled, and would reach 26 cents per member per year, or an 
increase over the cost of the Journal of 6y 2 cents per year 
per member. It is evident that the projectors of the Journal 
saw the possibilities of the future when it was launched, and 
realized that it would prove to be not only less expensive but 
a more approved and satisfactory way of giving the membership 
knowledge of the business of the International." The foregoing 
being true in 1896, how much more cause is there for satis- 
faction now. In the last fiscal year the publication of official 
matter, made necessary by law, comprised one-fourth of the 
contents of the Journal. The actual cost of printing this 
matter, and the value of papers distributed free under the pres- 
ent and former laws, was $4,892.50, almost 16 cents per 
member — within $860.80 (or 2% cents per member) of the 
net cost. The cost per member of the Journal shows a 
decrease over the year referred to in the above quotation, as 
well as all others since it assumed magazine form. A corre- 
sponding decrease in the cost of printing official matter is 
therefore established, and there is no good reason for dissatis- 
faction, since everything goes to prove that the net cost of the 
paper is mainly the cost of printing and distributing the official 
matter of the organization, which would, without doubt, entail 
a greater expense if sent out in any other manner. In addition 
to this, the issuance of the Journal in its present form is of 
inestimable value to the organization, and it may well be ques- 
tioned whether as good a return (though it can not be reduced 
to dollars and cents) is derived from any other source. 

Organizers* Reports — With the exception of the fifth 
and thirteenth districts, respectively, the organizers all 
presented reports, the subject matter dealing chiefly with 
local disputes. One point on which these local organizers 
seemed to be nearer agreement than any other was that 
there was much organization work to be done, but that 
success could not be hoped for under the existing system. 
Several organizers recommended the repeal of the law 
creating district organizers. 

American Federation of Labor — The delegates to the 
American Federation of Labor submitted a resume of the 

592 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

business transacted at the convention of that body in 
Kansas City in December, 1898. The report was an 
excellent compilation of what was done by the convention. 
Shorter Workday Committee — The shorter workday 
committee presented an interesting* report, recounting 
the work accomplished following the Syracuse convention, 
summing the matter up in the following paragraph : 

The membership of typographical unions on November 21, 
1898, was 27,435, and the number of unions chartered was 317. 
Of these 24,967 members and 234 unions were in the enjoyment 
of the nine-hour day, or working under the Syracuse agreement, 
being 91 per cent of the membership and j6 per cent of the 
unions. The 83 unions, not having secured the shorter workday 
include but 2,468 members, an average of but 30 each. As a 
matter of fact, but 6 of these unions have 50 members or over, 
17 range between 25 and 50 members, while 60 unions have 
less than 25 members each. These unions are widely scattered 
and owe their delinquency to various causes. Six of them 
report that agreements with employers prevented the enforce- 
ment of the shorter workday on the date fixed, 7 report partial 
success, and 3 are at war over old disagreements. At the time 
of writing this report conferences are in progress in 5 unions, 
with good prospects of success, while 1 has secured an agree- 
ment for a shorter workday at a date other than November 21. 
One union has a half-holiday during the summer months, and 
3 report their members as working under an hour scale and less 
than ten hours per day. Reports as to the effect of the reduction 
of hours on the weekly wage scale are incomplete, but sufficient 
are in hand to show that less than 20 per cent of the unions 
suffered by reductions, these ranging from 20 cents on the week 
to a pro rata reduction. At the same time 7 unions secured 
an increase of wages while reducing the hours. In several 
instances, also, unions working nine hours or less seized the 
opportunity to reduce the working hours still lower. 

Home Trustees — The report of the Home trustees was 
a voluminous document containing much detailed infor- 
mation, together with the proceedings of the board 
meeting held in November, 1898. The financial affairs 
of the institution were felt to be in a healthy condition. 

593 



History of The Typographical Union 

It was shown that during the year 71 residents had been 
admitted, 14 had died, 23 vacated and II were expelled. 
The charge of extravagance against the management of 
the Home was convincingly resented by the superintend- 
ent in these words : 

The argument is frequently made that the Home is more 
expensive than other institutions of its kind. Assertions of this 
character are made without due consideration. The total 
expenditures of the Home the past year were $29,578.65, the 
average number of inmates being ninety, making the cost per 
inmate, per week, $6.38. In figuring the total cost of maintain- 
ing the Home for the past year, many items enter into the 
expense that will be found in no other institution. For instance, 
in addition to actual maintenance there has been expended 
the past year $227.48 for the installation of electric lights, 
$1,542.50 for remodeling lavatories, $qjj.j6 in permanent 
improvements on buildings, $582.43 for new furnishings, 
$48 for new lots and improving cemetery plot, $479 for burying 
our dead, and a cash consideration of 50 cents per week to each 
member in the Home not provided for by his local union, which 
amounted last year, to $1,238. It must be understood that when 
a member is admitted to the Home he is guaranteed everything 
that a man requires — clothing, medical attention, nursing and 
medicines, shaving and hair cutting, dentistry, first-class table 
service, first-class transportation, if he wishes to vacate, to the 
point where he came from, and, as above stated, a cash con- 
sideration of $26 per year. I would like to know where a man 
can secure such accommodations for $6.38 per week. Inmates 
of the Consumptives' Home in Denver pay $9 per week for 
board, medical attention and nursing alone, and I have it from 
Superintendent Oakes that he came out some $20,000 on the 
wrong side of the ledger the past year, which was made up by 
wealthy and charitably inclined people throughout the country. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Twenty constitutional amendments were acted upon 
favorably by the convention and transmitted to the 
referendum for approval or rejection, as follows: 

( 1 ) To empower the council to authorize admission 

594 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

of non-printer proofreaders when necessary, and striking 
out apprenticeship clause. Total vote, 14,259. Majority 
against, 1,337. ( 2 ) To strike out the clause restricting 
the employment of non-printer members. Total vote, 
13,969. Majority against, 2,155. (3) To strike out the 
word "annual" and make the law operative in all instances 
(referring to expenses of delegates). Total vote, 13,107. 
Majority favoring, 6,717. (4) To insert the words "or 
she" in law regarding eligibility to election as delegate. 
Total vote, 13,355. Majority favoring, 7,067. (5) To 
strike out the word "annual" and make law operative in 
all instances (referring to expenses of members of execu- 
tive council). Total vote, 13,114. Majority favoring, 
6,316. (6) To increase the initiation fee of provisional 
members from $1 to $2. Total vote, 13,837. Majority fa- 
voring, 5,807. (7) To empower the executive council to 
levy assessments when deemed necessary. Total vote, 
14,416. Majority against, 5,960. (8) To empower the 
executive council to levy a limited special assessment when 
defense fund falls below $20,000. Total vote, 14,330. Ma- 
jority against, 2,100. (9) To fix the salary of sixth vice- 
president at $50 per annum, with additional compensation 
under certain conditions. Total vote, 13,952. Majority 
favoring, 1,512. (10) To strike out a superfluous sec- 
tion regarding salaries of organizers, etc. Total vote, 
13,461. Majority favoring, 4,899. (11) To provide 
that each member pay 10 cents additional monthly dues 
for establishing a permanent defense fund. Total vote, 
14,189. Majority against, 4,705. (12) To provide for 
the collection of International dues and assessments by 
the stamp system. Total vote, 13,772. Majority against, 
360. (13) To provide special forms of cards for stereo- 
types and electrotypers in lieu of regular International 
certificates. Total vote, 13,544. Majority favoring, 
5,852. ( 14) To empower the president, with the approval 

595 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the council, to appoint all organizers. Total vote, 
13,878. Majority favoring, 1,646. (15) To amend the 
referendum law so as to avoid unnecessary delay in sub- 
mitting questions to the membership. Total vote, 13,773. 
Majority favoring, 6,889. (16) To strike out semi- 
annual referendum law and provide for submitting ques- 
tions to membership when fifty unions petition therefor. 
Total vote, 13,479. Majority favoring, 2,835. ( l 7) To 
improve the reading of uniform obligation by striking out 
the word "brother." Total vote, 13,252. Majority 
favoring, 8,068. (18) To provide that all laws shall 
take effect sixty days after canvass of vote. Total vote, 
13,905. Majority favoring, 7,575. (19) Repealing all 
laws in conflict with the constitution and instructing sec- 
retary-treasurer to make necessary changes. Total vote, 
13,422. Majority favoring, 6,082. (20) Asking an 
expression of opinion from members on establishment of 
a five-day law at a future date. Total vote, 14,151. 
Majority against, 4,371. 

As will be seen by the foregoing summary, thirteen 
of the proposed amendments were adopted by the refer- 
endum and seven defeated. Three of the seven defeated 
amendments proposed increased taxation. 

GENERAL LAWS, RESOLUTIONS, COMMITTEE 
REPORTS, ETC. 

A general discussion arose on the proposition of pub- 
lishing the Typographical Journal monthly, which took 
wide range, provoking many amendments, viz. : That 
the price be increased to $1 per year; that the price be 
5 cents per month and that amount added to the per 
capita tax; that a special Journal. fund of $1 per year 
per capita be established and the paper sent to every 
member; but all were consigned to the table. The conven- 
tion refused to amend the constitution so as to admit of 
the formation of distinctive proofreaders' unions and also 

596 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

laid upon the table a far-reaching proposal which con- 
templated the formation of unions embracing printers 
and the allied craftsmen, thus doing away with unions of 
kindred trades. A scheme for the establishment of an 
International sick benefit failed to pass. The law govern- 
ing auditing committees was amended by empowering 
the International president, on the appearance of inac- 
curacies in a committee's report, to have the books of the 
local union examined by an expert accountant. An effort 
to make it a punishable offense for a printer to work 
as a pressman, stereotyper or mailer met with defeat, 
as did a proposal which sought to limit strike benefits 
to eight weeks and make them payable only after mem- 
bers had been out two weeks. The general law relative 
to foremen was amended so as to declare that subs should 
have the preference in filling vacancies on the regular 
force. The report of the shorter workday committee 
was received, its recommendations concurred in and the 
committee discharged with thanks. Consideration of the 
report of the committee on resolutions resulted in thanks 
being extended to Public Printer Palmer for his action 
in restoring wages of employes of the government print- 
ing office, together with instructions that the union's 
delegates to the federation have that body adopt similar 
resolutions. Thanks were also extended to First Assist- 
ant Postmaster General Heath for. directing that all print- 
ing in his department be given to union offices, and to 
Judge Advocate General Lemley, U. S. N., for upholding 
the eight-hour law. Approval was expressed of the prin- 
ciples which led to the peace conference at The Hague 
and war was declared to be "destructive and useless, a 
breeder of poverty, a fosterer of crime and a destroyer 
of national honor by introducing a counterfeit patriot- 
ism," but the delegates refused to condemn "the attempt 
to subjugate the people of the Philippine Islands." The 

597 



History of The Typographical Union 

executive council was instructed to assist Canadian unions 
in their efforts to secure the passage of competent label 
laws by he Canadian Parliament and also instructed to 
distribute among the members an address explanatory of 
the necessity for a permanent increase in the defense fund. 

Postal Savings Bank — The postal savings bank system 
received hearty endorsement and local unions were urged 
to petition their congressional representatives to vote for 
the necessary legislation. 

Machine -Tenders — A special committee on machine- 
tenders and typesetting devices reported unfavorably on 
a proposition to issue separate charters to machine-tenders 
and the report was concurred in. The convention refused 
to reopen the machine-tenders' controversy by re-refer- 
ring it to a popular vote, at the same time earnestly re- 
questing subordinate unions to supplant piece scales with 
time work in machine offices. The convention refused to 
decree that members should not be allowed to act as ma- 
chinist and operator in a plant having more than three 
machines and would not express disapproval of the lino- 
meter or "clock" system on machines. The functions of 
machine-tenders and the position of apprentices were 
finally defined in these sections of the general laws : 

All machine-tenders shall be members of the International 
Typographical Union, and the local unions shall provide and 
maintain a scale covering such positions, and they shall at all 
times be under the control and amenable to all laws and regula- 
tions of said local union; provided, that assistants or helpers 
employed by foremen to assist machine-tenders shall be journey- 
men members of the local typographical union, and the local 
union shall provide and maintain a scale covering such posi- 
tions ; provided, further, that such apprentices shall not be 
considered as in conflict with the number already allotted by 
local laws ; provided, further, that this shall not be construed 
as applying to those now working as machine-tenders' helpers 
or apprentices. 

598 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

In machine offices under the jurisdiction of the International 
Typographical Union no person shall be eligible as a "learner" 
on machines who is not a member of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. The time limit and compensation of 
"learners" shall be regulated by local unions. Regularly 
employed apprentices in machine offices shall be privileged to 
practice on machines during all of the last three months of 
their apprenticeship. All laws conflicting with the provisions 
of this section are hereby repealed. 

District Organizers — It having been decided by the 
president that there was no provision in the law governing 
the election of organizers, the delegates from the several 
districts made selections, with the understanding that the 
executive council approve them. 

New York Sun Strike — The convention spent con- 
siderable time in executive session considering the New 
York Sun strike, at the conclusion of which a resolution 
was adopted authorizing the executive council to use all 
available funds for the purpose of assisting No. 6. The 
council was also empowered to spend whatever moneys 
it deemed necessary, not to exceed $10,000, for the 
purpose of securing the Michigan state printing contract 
for a union firm. 

Controversy With Chicago Publishers — On the morn- 
ing of the fifth day, the union again went into executive 
session to discuss the Chicago situation. At the afternoon 
session the following resolution was adopted : 

That the unions in Chicago subordinate to the International 
Typographical Union be, and they are hereby, instructed to 
submit to the executive council, without- restriction, all matters 
in connection with the controversy between the Publishers' 
Association and the aforesaid unions, with full power to act, 
and the executive council is hereby instructed to take charge 
of the matters aforesaid, and use every means to effect a settle- 
ment in their judgment for the best interests of all the union 
men interested. 

599 



History of The Typographical Union 

Labels — The committee on labels and boycotts pre- 
sented a report in which it disposed of all the matters 
referred to it. As a result the executive council was in- 
structed to have a steel stamp or stencil made in facsimile 
of the allied printing trades label, so that stereotypers, 
electrotypers and photo-engravers could more readily 
mark their products. The officers were also told to corre- 
spond with the officials of other international bodies 
relative to the propriety of introducing a "universal label 
device," and delegates to the American Federation of 
Labor were instructed to advocate the adoption of such 
a design. 

Government Ownership and the Copyright Law — As 
a result of the recommendations of the special committee 
on governmental ownership of the telegraph and the 
copyright law, the executive council was instructed to 
consider the advisability of employing one or more mem- 
bers to urge the measures oh senators and representatives. 
The principal recommendations of the standing committee 
on copyright law (located at Washington) were approved 
by the convention. 

Socialism — Miscellaneous Propositions — The com- 
mittee on miscellaneous business reported its inability to 
agree on a resolution referring to the referendum for 
confirmation or rejection a resolution endorsing socialism 
and also urging members to affiliate with the socialist 
labor party. After some discussion a motion to table 
prevailed by a vote of 64 to 42. The convention without 
hesitancy avowed itself as favoring the initiative and 
referendum as applied to state constitutions, etc. The 
delegates determined not to approve the proposition to 
establish an International allied trades council, believing 
the tripartite agreement sufficient for all of the purposes 
sought to be served. In the hope of promoting interest 

600 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

in the discussion of economic subjects, the officers were 
instructed to solicit contributions of that nature through 
the Typographical Journal, those of the highest merit 
to receive honorable mention during the year. Several 
Canadian unions protested against the payment of per 
capita tax to the American Federation, maintaining that 
their portion of it should go to the Canadian Trade Con- 
gress, but as the secretary of that body said a satisfactory 
rebate was made to the congress by the federation, no 
action was taken. 

Union Printers Home — The principal results of the 
Home committee's report were that the institution be 
thereafter designated as the "Union Printers Home" ; 
that benefits of inmates be reduced to 25 cents per week; 
that a cottage be erected for the use of the superintendent ; 
that the memorial rooms and those occupied by the super- 
intendent on the main floor, with the exception of the 
Childs parlor, be furnished for the reception of residents, 
thus materially increasing the accommodations ; that an 
elevator be provided for the main building and that Trus- 
tee McCaffery be suitably rewarded for his valuable 
services. 

Subordinate Union Affairs — Under the guidance of the 
committee on subordinate unions, the convention refused 
to interfere with the prerogatives of locals by saying that 
no member should be entitled to hold office unless actively 
engaged in the business. This important recommendation 
of the committee was approved : 

That the executive council of the International Typo- 
graphical Union take into consideration the feasibility of the 
amalgamation of all crafts pertaining to the printing industry 
and report at the next session of this body, by which each 
separate branch would be given complete autonomy, or control 
over its distinctive technical trade affairs and scale of wages. 
By this it is believed the strength of subordinate unions, as 

601 



History of The Typographical Union 

well as the general body, will be greatly enhanced, and the 
greatest good result to the workers in the printing industry. 

CONTROVERSY WITH THE MACHINISTS 

Incident to the introduction of typesetting machines 
came the question of dealing with machine-tenders. After 
experimenting with the matter for a considerable period, 
and after failure to come to any satisfactory agreement 
with the International Association of Machinists, as a 
measure of self-preservation, the International Union re- 
quired that, after a certain date, all machine-tenders 
should be members of the International Typographical 
Union. A great deal of bitterness was caused by this ac- 
tion of the union in some circles, but the wisdom displayed 
at that time in making this requirement has long since 
been demonstrated. Incident to the action referred to, re- 
quiring that machine-tenders should be members of the 
International Union, James O'Connell, president of the 
International Association of Machinists, addressed the 
following letter to the various subordinate lodges of his 
association : 

[Confidential Letter.] 

Office of the Grand Lodge, I. A. M., 

, ^ 7 7 Chicago, III., July 17, 1899. 

To the Order Everywhere. 

Greeting: Notice is hereby given to our membership at 
large that the International Typographical Union has, wherever 
possible, enforced its law to the effect that machinists in print- 
ing offices must join that organization or lose their positions. 

I have carried on the fight in the interest of our association 
going on five years, and believed that when the question came 
to an issue the linotype machinists would stand by me, but my 
faith in the great majority of them has been badly shaken, for 
the white feather was shown in a large number of instances, 
and rather than involve themselves in a strike of any duration 
they took out cards in the I. T. U. 

If the linotype machinists had stood manfully together in 
defense of their right to carry a machinist's card, we would 
have unquestionably defeated the printers in their dastardly 

602 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

efforts to oust the machinists from the printing offices. As it is 
the printers temporarily have the upper hand, because of the 
large number of linotype men joining their union. 

After consultation with our general board of trustees upon 
this question, in order that our members who have stood loyally 
by us, and are willing to sacrifice their positions in the defense 
of a principle, may not be compelled to walk in the streets, they 
are hereby permitted to join the Typographical Union, under 
protest, and still retain their membership in our organization. 

We have a purpose in view in issuing this permit, and that 
is to fight for our rights inside the ranks of printers as well as 
on the outside. Again, knowing full well that the printers have 
no hesitancy in "ratting" or scabbing our men out of their 
positions, we do not at this time propose to see our good men 
displaced. 

Where the printers are not in league with the printing office 
proprietors, or are not in a position to force the machinist to 
join by scabbing his position if necessary, it would not be 
expected that a member of the I. A. M. would so far forget 
himself as to willingly join an organization composed of "white- 
washed rats." 

Our local lodges are hereby instructed to bring charges 
against the printers' unions in the central bodies throughout 
our jurisdiction where the I. T. U. has accepted linotype 
machinists as members on the ground of violation of trade 
autonomy and a dastardly attempt to disrupt a sister union. Our 
local lodges will keep up a constant fight on the printers at 
every opportunity, so they will not for a moment get the idea 
that we have conceded our claim for jurisdiction over the 
linotype machinist. 

See that the delegates! from your Central Labor Union to 
the next convention of the A. F. of L. are instructed against the 
action of the printers and in favor of our association. 

What the printer is for, we are against ! That is your motto. 

Keep me fully posted as to the result of your efforts in the 
direction indicated by this letter, and consider this strictly 
confidential. 

Secretaries will please read at several meetings. 

Fraternally yours, 

Jas. O'Connell, 
International President. 

603 



History of The Typographical Union 

Commenting on the foregoing letter, the Typograph- 
ical Journal said: "On the opposite page will be found 
a facsimile of probably the most malicious communica- 
tion that was ever penned in the name of unionism. We 
are not going to reply in kind, for we know one can not 
play with pitch without becoming defiled. As respect for 
labor's cause compels us to be as mild in expression as 
we are charitable in disposition, the reader will have to 
read the letter, then read it again, consider the method 
of dissemination, and calmly come to his own conclusion 
regarding the writer. He can also express that opinion, 
but it would be unseemly for the Journal to do so. 

"As this circular is a private and confidential 'pointer' 
to machinists on how best to harass printers, we must 
needs deal with some of the assertions made, so our mem- 
bers may be better fortified to meet the enemy in central 
labor bodies. The burden of Mr. O'Connell's song of woe 
— and the line intended to catch unionists — is that the 
printers are 'making dastardly efforts to oust machinists 
from printing offices. ' Mr. O'Connell gives this assertion 
the lie when he says that many machinists joined the In- 
ternational Typographical Union and kept their jobs. 
Now, if the printers desired to 'oust' the machinists, would 
they have admitted them to membership? Certainly not; 
and in order to disprove charge No. I all we have to do 
is to quote Mr. O'Connell. And when we quote him in 
this we dispel another of his fancies, which he fondly 
hopes is galvanized into the semblance of facts : If great 
numbers of the machine-tenders joined us, is that not a 
good indication that they want to be in the International 
Typographical Union? As all students of the question 
have known for years, if unnatural and artificial restric- 
tions were removed, the machine-tenders would be in the 
International Typographical Union. As a matter of fact, 
the International Association of Machinists never was 

604 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

fully competent to control a majority of the tenders, even 
after our International forced the tenders to be members 
of a machinists' union ; and now it is safe to say not more 
than a beggarly corporal's guard — if that many — regard 
Mr. O'Connell as their chief executive. Then we are 
guilty of attempting to disrupt a sister union, says Mr. 
O'Connell, says he. The International never asked a 
single member to leave the machinists' union. That body 
placed a boycott on any one joining the International 
Typographical Union. Now, the machinists' executive 
board, says Mr. O'Connell, allows members to join typo- 
graphical unions and retain connection with the machin- 
ists' union. Ordinarily, no objection could be raised to 
this, but the letter tells us 'we have a purpose in view in 
issuing this permit, and that is to fight inside the ranks of 
printers as well as on the outside.' And then we learn 
that 'what the printer is for we are against ! That is your 
(our) motto.' That is charming manliness, truly. Such 
good unionism, too. We are to nurse an array of Benedict 
Arnolds, whom we have admitted in good faith, but who 
will be plotting with our enemies on the outside to destroy 
our union, forsooth. Mr. O'Connell must think us dense, 
indeed, if he cherishes the notion we can not protect our- 
selves against such transparent marplotting as this is an 
attempt at Members can be expelled for doing just 
what Mr. O'Connell boasts that certain men are doing 
now. But we hope no union will proceed against any 
member on the assumption that the communication under 
review is a sufficient basis for an investigation. Some 
strong corroborative evidence would be necessary, for the 
circular is so erratic and weak it should not of itself even 
arouse suspicion. 

"If delegates to central labor bodies will but 'read up' 
on this subject and analyze Mr. O'Connell's letter care- 
fully, there will be no danger of any sensible body con- 

605 



History of The Typographical Union 

demning the printers. To refer to our organization as a 
body of 'whitewashed rats' is an insult likely to rouse 
one's blood, we admit, but perhaps the writer did not 
appreciate that it was an insult any more than he realized 
the enormity of the falsehood he emitted when saying it. 
So we must be charitable, and not make much of that 
feature, born of a constitutional failing, when combatting 
machinists in their chosen field — the central bodies. If 
we were delivering a charge to one of our delegations we 
would say : In explaining our position to the central 
union keep to the facts and ignore the insults and billings- 
gate, as they are beneath notice. If that is done, the fol- 
lowing will be but a sample of what is sure to occur 
almost everywhere. We quote from an occasional cor- 
respondent : 

11 'At the trades council meeting last night a most abusive 
statement was made — (evidently based on Mr. O'Connell's 
letter. — Ed.) — by the machinists' delegates, which raised a 
commotion in the* council, as the printers were all denounced as 
rats. An attack of one international body on another and the 
venomous wording of the statement was something that had 
heretofore seemed impossible among union men. But I am 
happy to record that after the printer delegates got through 
with their side of the story the machinists' union's proposition 
was thrown out. Had Mr. O'Connell been present and 
witnessed the alacrity with which the delegates sat upon his 
factotums he would have broken all records for speed in finding 
a hole to drop in and pulling it in after him. However, 
President Donnelly, Secretary Bramwood and the rest of the 
rodents ought to feel thankful to the machinists for their dis- 
covery that all the printers have received a new coat of 
whitewash since July I.' 

"There is another feature of this case which interests 
every unionist owing allegiance to the Federation of 
Labor, and while disclaiming any intention of formulat- 
ing a line of policy, or even suggesting one, the writer 

606 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

can not refrain from expressing a few thoughts which 
have occurred spontaneously to nine-tenths of those who 
have seen the letter. It is not impertinent to expect the 
Federation of Labor — yea, even its executive council — 
to take cognizance of this attack on one of the oldest, 
strongest and most loyal of its affiliated bodies. Here is 
Mr. O'Connell, not only a vice-president of the Federa- 
tion, but one of its delegates to Great Britain. He is 
clothed with all the outward habiliments of a leader, and 
yet he calls the International Union an organization of 
whitewashed rats, and says 'what the printer is for we are 
against.' There is no doubt as to the impropriety of the 
remark first referred to, but in the last one all sense of 
right and justice has been abandoned, as, for aught this 
leader cares, the whole movement may be placed in jeop- 
ardy, for machinists are bound, if they heed their leader, 
to obstruct anything — be it right or wrong — that printers 
support or want. Under this doctrine, machinists will op- 
pose the most meritorious proposition if it emanates from 
a printer. That is not only foolish in the extreme, from a 
tactical standpoint, but is an open attempt to sow the tares 
of dissension and discord in every city where there are 
machinists' and typographical unions. It is a clarion call 
to stand up for the always fatal and ever damnable rule 
or ruin policy. He wants it read several times, so that the 
machinists may gradually become inured to the monstrous 
idea. Nothing like it has ever occurred in the stormy 
history of the American labor movement, and the ques- 
tion is : Will the federation's officers stand by and see 
such pernicious advice given without protest or repudia- 
tion? Mr. O'Connell is using his prestige as a federa- 
tion official to help his cause along, and he can not 
disassociate himself from his official character when he 
issues a letter, even if the inevitable result of which will 

607 



History of The Typographical Union 

be to harm the movement. It seems to us the main duty of 
the federation's officials must obtrude itself upon them in 
a painful manner. 

"If we look at the situation from a lower and narrower 
plane it is also evident something should be done. The 
pressmen, bookbinders and International members com- 
pose a trade alliance numbering over 50,000 unionists in 
good standing — not on paper, but in good standing — and 
an attack on one must necessarily affect all, sooner or 
later. These men and women contribute toward the sup- 
port of Mr. O'Connell as a federation official. The money 
consideration is a very small matter, but it is galling to 
be buying fine feathers for a parrot which shouts 'rat' at 
men who were in the movement before the epithet-hurler 
was born, and who have been consistently in it ever since 
their initiation. Surely his fellow officials must appre- 
ciate the situation, Aside from that, Mr. O'Connell, while 
an officer of the federation, unblushingly proposes to hurt 
our organization and its members whenever and wherever 
he can, and brazenly boasts of having engaged spies to 
work us harm — and the greater the injury the better 
pleased Mr. O'Connell will be. In the nature of things, 
the allied printing trades must have questions before the 
federation's executive council, and is one of the councilors 
to sit in judgment on those disputes, after declaring in the 
most solemn way, in his official capacity : 'What the 
printer is for we are against?' So far as this one man is 
concerned, any case we may be interested in is prejudiced 
against us. It is intolerable to think that we are to be 
treated in that manner, and we don't believe there can be 
two answers to the question : Is Mr. O'Connell competent 
to sit as a judge in an organization constituted like the 
federation after he has declared war on the trade having 
the greatest number of members? If justice could be ex- 
pected, an affirmative answer might be justified; but Mr. 

608 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

O'Connell has told us he is against us on any and all 
occasions and under all circumstances. Therefore we 
should not be compelled to be subject to him, nor should 
he be allowed to trade on a prestige and power to which 
we are heavy contributors. 

"If Mr. O'Connell does not relieve the tension by re- 
signing — the only honorable course open — the federation 
officials would be doing the cause a service by promptly 
declaring themselves in no unmistakable terms. This is 
said rather in sorrow than in anger, and is prompted by 
an honest and heartfelt desire to conserve the interests of 
the trade union movement. 

"Meantime, act on Mr. O'Connell's advice and read the 
circular 'several' times, and then — read it to other 
unionists." 

In a later issue of the Typographical Journal we find 
that the O'Connell letter was taken up by the American 
Federation of Labor and the following action from the 
minutes of a meeting of the executive council of that body 
is reproduced : 

At a meeting of the executive council of the American 
Federation of Labor at Washington, D. C, during the week 
of October 16, 1899, the question of the strained relations 
between the International Typographical Union and the Inter- 
national Association of Machinists was discussed, and in con- 
nection therewith the contents of the circular letter issued from 
the Grand Lodge, International Association of Machinists, 
Chicago, 111., July 17, 1899, was considered. After deliberation 
of the latter document, expression was given to the effect that 
the general tenor of the letter covered the subject-matter 
absolutely affecting the International Association of Machinists, 
and its prerogative and autonomy. Paragraph 6, however, was 
considered as applying disrespectfully to all the members com- 
posing the International Typographical Union, and in connec- 
tion with which the international president of the International 
Association of Machinists submitted the following statement: 

"While without waiving any of the prerogatives which 

609 



History of The Typographical Union 

belong to the Grand Lodge of the International Association 
of Machinists, as voiced in the circular letter sent out to sub- 
ordinate lodges, dated July 17, 1899, and reference to which 
is made in the foregoing, I withdraw the statement made in 
paragraph 6 in as far as it reflects on the unionism of the entire 
membership of the International Typographical Union, my 
intention having been to have the force of the paragraph 
in question apply to such members as have taken the places 
of members of our union employed in printing offices, and to 
those who directly aided and abetted them in so doing. The 
statement was written under great provocation and some excite- 
ment and had it received the revision usually given official 
documents the intention of the statement would have been 
made more clear, and certainly not subject to the construction 
the language implies. James O'Connell." 

President Gompers, on behalf of the federation offi- 
cials, added the following: 

It is the sincere hope of our council that so far as the 
reflection upon the integrity and unionism of the membership 
of the International Typographical Union is concerned, the 
above may be accepted as satisfactory. 

Fraternally yours, 

Samuel Gompers, 
President American Federation of Labor. 

PITTSBURGH LOCKOUT 

At a meeting of the executive council, held at head- 
quarters on Thursday, March 29, 1900, it was decided to 
submit the question of levying a weekly assessment of 
10 cents per member, payable three weeks in each month, 
to a vote of the membership. A circular letter dealing 
with this subject was sent out to the president and secre- 
tary of each subordinate union. The date fixed by the 
council for taking this vote was Thursday, April 19, 1900. 
The action of the council in this instance was based upon 
the receipt of more than the number of endorsements re- 
quired by the constitution to submit a referendum propo- 

610 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

sition. The proposition originated in Pittsburgh Typo- 
graphical Union, which had for a period of ten weeks 
been fighting a lockout on seven of the eight daily news- 
papers in that city. Never, perhaps, in the history of 
the typographical union had a strike presented more 
peculiar phases than this one. In all other strikes or 
lockouts in which the union had previously engaged they 
had to fight but one enemy — the employer. In Pittsburgh 
the printers had to fight a whole lot of enemies besides the 
employers who locked them out. While engaged in their 
battle with the publishers, a serious diversion was cre- 
ated in favor of the latter by the attack which the lino- 
type machinists, backed, though spasmodically and some- 
what indifferently, by the regular union machinists of 
that city, made upon them. This was the more surprising 
and uncalled for as the Pittsburgh printers had had no 
fight with the machinists' local, and the machinists 1 ' 
situations were safe no matter how the contest went. To 
all intents and purposes they were out of the fight, but 
they fought the printers all the same. There were only 
about ten of them, but it would be useless to deny that 
they put the typographical union to considerable trouble 
in warding off their attacks from the rear, if for no other 
reason than that these attacks weakened the blows that 
the typographical and other unions were delivering at the 
publishers' association. According to the Pittsburgh cor- 
respondent of the Typographical Journal at the time it 
was not necessary that the Pittsburgh machine-tenders 
possess any ability to put up a fight. Their masters, the 
publishers, spent money like water, but all to no purpose, 
in their fearful desperation to make the public believe 
that they were not opposed to organized labor and that 
the trouble of the printers was but a fight for control be- 
tween the labor unions, when in fact the whole trouble 

611 



History of The Typographical Union 

was the refusal of these publishers to recognize the proof- 
readers, or to submit to arbitration, or to sign a scale of 
prices for the printers. 

The correspondent said: "It is pleasing to be able to 
relate that in the fight with the machinists the printers 
have been completely victorious. The linotype machinists 
are beaten and beaten badly. Of that, there can be no 
question. We will hear no more about the machinist 
question during the progress of this great contest; or, if 
we do, it will have the same effect on us, and less, if, 
indeed, it have any at all, than the antics of the 'ratted' 
stereotypers have had, who were also launched by the 
publishers' association when that body discovered that the 
policy of putting forth the linotype machinists as so- 
called victims of the tyranny of labor was waning. But 
the printers paid little attention to the stereotypers. They, 
to use a familiar term, did not 'bother their heads' much 
about them. And well they could afford not to. The at- 
tempt to use the scab stereotypers by the publishers, to 
create another diversion in their favor, fell absolutely flat. 
True, they managed, or rather tried, to create a fearful 
din for the purpose of attracting attention to their al- 
leged woes. They may have attracted attention in some 
quarters, but it is certain that the only attention they at- 
tracted amongst all of the labor organizations, and the 
friends of the latter, was to be most soundly condemned 
by them. The gall of the ratted stereotypers was refresh- 
ing. Posing — under orders of, and supplied with plenty 
of 'sugar' to carry out these orders by, the publishers — as 
aggrieved parties and as defenders of their masters 
against the strikers by the circulation of all manner of 
false statements ! Falsely assuming the name and seal of 
the stereotypers' union in work of this kind! It was ridic- 
ulous; the more so as there is a real stereotypers' union in 
Pittsburgh — No. 47 — members of which were employed 

612 



Convention at Detroit, 1899 

on the scab newspapers up to a few months ago, and who 
are now out on strike side by side with members of No. 7. 
No wonder these two unions were not long troubled with 
the stereotyper question. 

"No sooner was the machinist and stereotyper game 
played out than along came another game of much the 
same kind. The publishers and their supporters this time 
secured the Knights of Labor to pull their chestnuts out 
of the fire. In its desperation to keep the public on the 
wrong scent, the publishers' association and its greatest 
backer, a leading advertiser of this city, secured a couple 
of Knights of Labor assemblies to take the field against 
the striking printers. More 'sugar.' The remarkable thing 
about this, under the circumstances, is that these same 
assemblies had previously strongly endorsed the printers' 
strike. But, as the typographical union had already 
beaten off in this fight other alleged trade unions and 
fraudulent unions, it can be depended upon to put a 
quietus, and that quickly, to the latest allies of the pub- 
lishers and their supporters." 

The proposed 10-cents-a-week assessment was carried 
by the referendum. 

Officers, ipoo-ipoi — During the interim between the 
Detroit convention, in 1899, and the Milwaukee conven- 
tion, 1900, the election of officers for the two-year period 
beginning November I, 1 900, was held. The successful 
candidates were as follows : 

James M. Lynch, Syracuse, president; C. E. Hawkes, 
Chicago, first vice-president; James J. Freel, Brooklyn, 
second vice-president; Hugo Miller, Indianapolis, third 
vice-president; T. J. Canary, New York, fourth vice- 
president; J. F. O'Sullivan, Boston, fifth vice-president; 
James Ryan, New York, sixth vice-president; P. G. 
Nuernberger, Chicago, seventh vice-president; J. W. 
Bramwood, Denver, secretary-treasurer. Organizers — 

613 



History of The Typographical Union 

First district, Henry McMahon, Boston; second district, 
J. E. McLoughlin, New York; third district, T. H. Crea- 
ger, Springfield, Ohio ; fourth district, S. D. Hope, Nor- 
folk; fifth district, Clint C. Houston, Atlanta; sixth 
district, W. H. Stewart, Grand Rapids; seventh district, 
M. B. Palmer, Peoria ; eighth district, C. J. Deaton, Bir- 
mingham, Ala. ; ninth district, T. R. Drake, Council 
Bluffs, Iowa; tenth district, J. W. Hays, Minneapolis; 
eleventh district, H. E. Dunn, Denver; twelfth district, 
R. F. Radley, Waco, Tex. ; thirteenth district, S. G. Gos- 
nell, Anaconda, Mont. ; fourteenth district, C. M. Jones, 
San Francisco; fifteenth district, C. A. Derry, Seattle; 
sixteenth district, P. M. Draper, Ottawa, Ont, for Prov- 
ince of Ontario, and Felix Marois, Quebec, for Province 
of Quebec. Delegates to American Federation of Labor — 
James M. Lynch (president) ; Eugene F. O'Rourke, New 
York city; Frank Morrison, Chicago. Trustees Childs- 
Drexel Home for Union Printers — James M. Lynch, 
Syracuse; J. W. Bramwood, Denver; William Aimison, 
Nashville; Daniel Black, Detroit; L. C. Shepard Chi- 
cago ; R. L. Tatem, Philadelphia ; Thomas McCaffery, 
Colorado Springs. Agent, William Kennedy, Chicago. 

Convention at Milwaukee 

[1900] — The forty-sixth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order by Presi- 
dent Stearns, of Milwaukee Union No. 23, at Masonic 
Hall, Monday, August 13, 1900. Chaplain Jetter, an 
honorary member of Milwaukee Union, opened the 
proceedings with prayer. Chairman Walsh, of the local 
arrangements committee, and Mayor Rose, also an ex- 
printer, tendered a most hearty welcome, to which Presi- 
dent Donnelly replied, and, with a gavel presented by 
No. 23, declared the convention ready for business. 

Secretary Bramwood reported that 166 delegates, rep- 

614 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

resenting 122 unions, had presented credentials and were 
entitled to seats; that the representatives of four unions 
had been elected irregularly and that three unions finan- 
cially delinquent to the International had sent delegates. 
Agreeably to precedent, the irregular credentials were 
referred to a special committee. This committee reported 
in favor of seating the four delegates that had been ir- 
regularly chosen, and the recommendation was adopted. 
Seven delegates, representing as many locals, subse- 
quently presented credentials and were seated and three 
of the delinquent unions discharged their indebtedness, 
so the total attendance was 180 delegates from 135 unions. 

The president having named the reading clerk and 
other convention officers, and the delegates being obli- 
gated, a resolution was adopted ordering the appointment 
of a committee to visit Chicago and interview the pro- 
prietors of the News and Record relative to more thor- 
oughly unionizing those offices. The gentlemen appointed 
on this committee were: Bandlow (Cleveland German- 
American), Miller (Cincinnati), Flader (St. Louis 
photo engravers), Dellagana (Boston stereotypers) , Gil- 
bert (Chicago photo engravers), the latter representing 
the mailers, by request. 

Messrs. Hays (Minneapolis), Paddleford (Austin) and 
Higgins (San Francisco) were appointed a committee to 
extend an invitation to Mr. Frederick Driscoll, of the 
arbitration committee of the American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association, to address the convention. 

officers' reports 

President's Address — President Donnelly opened his 
address to the craft generally, and the delegates assem- 
bled at Milwaukee in particular, with felicitations on the 
progress and growth of the International Typographical 
Union in spite of the fact that the organization had been 

615 



History of The Typographical Union 

compelled to support financially about 250 members who 
were on a strike for eleven months of the year. Of busi- 
ness conditions he said : 

It is admitted by publishers that the season of 1899- 1900 
has been most profitable. The volume of advertising has been 
greater than in many years. Business has been excellent in the 
book and job trade, and the inauguration of the nine-hour day 
last November was really the only general demand made 
by the unions which could be construed as an increase for labor. 
Last November the executive council decided that the Interna- 
tional would support local unions in an effort to maintain, with 
the inauguration of the nine-hour day, the scale formerly paid 
for nine and one-half hours. Local unions have met with 
almost universal success in this demand, and in a few instances 
our locals secured an increase of wages with the nine-hour day. 

Defense Fund — After declaring that the officers had 
almost invariably succeeded in enforcing the laws of the 
organization, the president launched into a discussion of 
the ever important question of the necessity of a more 
substantial defense fund. Although previous agitation 
along this line had proved fruitless, it had been made 
apparent during the year that the membership would 
respond in case of emergency and dire necessity and fur- 
nish necessary funds, and while, in the president's opinion, 
this willingness to contribute the sinews of war was a 
commendable trait, it should find expression in a more 
business-like way than in the payment of sporadic assess- 
ments. Prefacing a recommendation to the convention for 
legislation on this subject, President Donnelly said: 

A radical change in policy should be at once taken and ade- 
quate finances furnished for the performance of such work as 
legitimately belongs to the International Typographical Lmion. 
There is a growing tendency on the part of local unions to 
petition the International for support and assistance in diffi- 
culties which the locals are competent and able to handle. 
Locals involved in strikes invariably request extensions of 
benefit and find fault with the council when their requests are 

616 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

refused, even though the benefits have been extended for as long 
a period as sixteen weeks. The council should be prohibited from 
paying more than eight weeks' strike benefits. In exceptional 
cases, where unions are small and weak, section 53, general 
laws, extends to the executive council ample power to protect 
the interests of such locals. 

The revenue apportioned to the defense fund at the present 
time is barely sufficient to pay continuous benefits to eighty men. 
It should be apparent to our membership that the defense fund 
is not adequate for the present needs of the organization. The 
organization work now being conducted by a number of local 
unions is bound to result in difficulty. The organization of 
offices will be followed by a request for the recognition of a 
scale of wages and the enforcement of the nine-hour day with 
an overtime rate. The employers affected are, in many cases, 
of that class known as "union haters" and strikes will result. 
The Kansas City strike is still on and must be carried to a 
successful conclusion even should it involve a contest of five 
years' duration. There are a number of cities where the employ- 
ers' organization is too strong for the local unions to contend 
with, and in these particular cases financial support must be 
extended. 

The influence of our organization in the large cities has been 
such that the employers have been compelled to draw upon the 
smaller country towns for their force of non-union men. In a 
majority of cases these men are entirely ignorant of unionism, 
and it is absolutely. necessary to inaugurate an organizing cam- 
paign that will result in bringing every journeyman printer in 
the land in contact with our International organization. If this 
work is to be performed, the practice of assisting local unions 
amply able to care for themselves, through convention grants 
and special assistance, must entirely cease, the payment of 
strike benefits to a local for a longer period than eight w T eeks 
prohibited, and the revenues of the International increased. 
I would recommend the following amendments to the 
constitution : 

Revenue. Article ix, section 1, fifth line to read as follows: 
"Forty cents dues paid to the International Union." 

In section 3, substitute "40 cents" for "30 cents." 

Amend section 4 to read as follows: "The revenues of the 
International Union shall be apportioned to the several funds 

617 



History of The Typographical Union 

as follows: Three-twentieths to the general fund, to defray the 
expenses of {his body ; three-eighths shall be placed as a defense 
fund to the credit of the executive council ; nine-fortieths shall 
be placed to the credit of the burial fund, and one-fourth shall 
be placed to the credit of the endowment fund of the Childs- 
Drexel Home for Union Printers and Allied Crafts." 

By increasing the per capita tax to 40 cents per month and 
apportioning the same as above suggested the effect upon our 
funds will be as follows : The receipts to the defense fund 
will be doubled ; a sufficient increase allowed the burial fund to 
permit of raising the death benefit from $60 to $75, an increase 
in the general fund which will make future transfers of money 
to that fund unnecessary. 

Jurisdiction — The president also thought that the con- 
stitution could be advantageously amended by having it 
assert that the International Typographical Union as- 
sumes and maintains jurisdiction ''over all mechanics 
employed in printing offices or in the production of print- 
ing," except pressroom and bindery employes. He was 
also of the opinion that the provision restricting the 
employment of non-printer readers to the proofreading 
branch of the business was unconstitutional. After direct- 
ing attention to some minor defects and suggesting 
amendments intended to make the International's election 
law clearer, the president advocated modifying the con- 
stitution to make it possible for members of suspended 
unions desiring to do so to retain connection with the 
parent body. 

Annual Conventions — The president also took the po- 
sition that annual conventions were costly luxuries and 
expressed the hope that the delegates would take the 
steps necessary to bring about their abolition and hold 
meetings only when it became apparent to a majority of 
the members that the interests of the organization re- 
quired it. It was asserted that a convention at that time 
cost the International $3,500, sufficient to keep an organ- 
izer in the field for one year, while the local unions 

618 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

expended in the aggregate $25,000 per annum on the 
convention feature, which could be put to better use if 
applied to the maintenance of scales and the resistance of 
encroachments of unfair men. 

Disreputable Campaign Literature — An alleged 
growing disregard for the requirements of the obligation 
was deplored and the case of a member conducting a 
paper which strenuously opposed the enforcement of the 
machine-tender law, and which was popularly supposed 
to have been supported by the machinists' union, was 
cited. The decadence of the spirit of brotherhood and 
fraternity and the development of intense factional feel- 
ing among the members of many important unions were 
thought to be fatal dangers threatening the union's future 
welfare. In this category were placed an anonymous 
circular and certain unmentioned craft papers. The presi- 
dent recommended the adoption of a regulation "prohibit- 
ing any member from attacking, in print, a fellow member 
or causing a fellow member to be attacked in print," and 
said it was necessary to protect "our membership against 
the attacks of the unprincipled, blackmailing adventurer 
who, under the guise of a craft paper, preys alternately 
upon the politicians, the employers and the members of 
the union." That indulgence in the practices complained 
of had proven the referendum system a failure in the or- 
ganization the president most emphatically repudiated, 
and said that any proposition to abandon the popular 
system of electing officers on that account would be an 
evidence of weakness. 

Organization Work — Though the work of organiza- 
tion had been given much attention during the year, 
assurance was given that the extraordinary expenses in- 
cident to strikes had had the effect of curtailing necessary 
effort in that direction. 

Pursuant to instructions, the president had visited San 

619 



History of The Typographical Union 

Francisco and other far western unions and said of them : 
"Our locals on the Pacific coast, taken as a whole, are in 
much better condition than the unions in the New Eng- 
land states, and in some respects they excel the typo- 
graphical unions of any section of the country." 

The law which placed the appointment of organizers 
and the direction of organization work generally under 
the immediate control of the president and council was 
declared to have proved most satisfactory. The result of 
the year's propaganda was epitomized as follows : 

The net increase in membership for the past year was 1459. 
Seventy-six charters have been issued. Thirteen charters have 
been suspended, thirteen surrendered and two revoked. Of the 
seventy-six charters issued, five were to unions of stereotypers 
and electrotypers, two to photo engravers, two to mailers, three 
to typefounders, five to newspaper writers, one to German- 
Americans, and fifty-eight to typographical unions. The larg- 
est organization formed during the past year was a union of 
typefounders in the city of Philadelphia, consisting of 1 90 
members. 

New York Sun Strike — Under the head of strikes the 
president devoted much space to an exposition of the 
union's attitude in the New York Sun strike and the trou- 
ble in Kansas City with the typothetae, and included a 
statement regarding the much-talked-of Pittsburgh strike. 
In speaking of the New York Sun affair, the president 
said : 

"One week previous to the assembling of our last con- 
vention the New York Sun locked out 215 members of 
Typographical Union No. 6 and 16 members of Stereo- 
typers' Union No. 1. 

"The convention instructed the executive council to 
extend financial support to No. 6 to the extent of all 
available funds then in the treasury of the International 
Union. According to the instructions of the convention, 

620 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

sixteen weeks' strike benefits were allowed by the Inter- 
national Union. 

"You have been made familiar, through the columns 
of the Typographical Journal and the labor press, with 
the conduct of the Sun fight. The representatives of the 
Sun, in making application for an injunction against 
No. 6, admitted that the losses of the paper exceeded 
$300,000. 

"The dispute which led to the lockout on the part of the 
Sun originated in the question of a scale for the Lanston 
typesetting machine. The records of the case do not show 
that the Sun management ever requested a conference 
with the representatives of No. 6 for the purpose of dis- 
cussing a scale; neither had the union considered the 
question of a scale for this particular machine. This is 
the only question which could possibly have been at issue, 
and should have been readily adjusted. Later develop- 
ments have made it clear to all persons familiar with the 
case that the Sun management was convinced that a 
favorable opportunity for wrecking the typographical 
union had arrived. Deliberate preparations were made 
and a force of men employed secretly and the entire staff 
of union men locked out. 

"Immediately upon being informed that it was prob- 
able that the Sun would lock out its employes, I com- 
municated with the management of the paper, but re- 
ceived no response to my telegram. The local unions 
involved have conducted the contest in an energetic 
manner and are confident of success." 

Kansas City Trouble — Following the foregoing state- 
ment the president took up the Kansas City trouble and 
transmitted for the information of the membership the 
correspondence had with officials representing the 
typothetae, together with a statement of the position 

621 



History of The Typographical Union 

occupied by the executive council in the conduct of that 
strike. This portion of President Donnelly's report is a 
bitter denunciation of the attitude assumed by the typoth- 
etae from the inception of the Kansas City difficulty. In 
conclusion, he said : 

"Although repeatedly requested to confer, no repre- 
sentative or officer of the International Typographical 
Union or the local union has ever been able to secure a 
conference with the executive committee of the Kansas 
City Typothetae, or any person authorized to act for said 
typothetae. 

"The pressmen and pressfeeders were finally compelled 
to call off the contest without qualification. But few 
of their members have been re-employed, and they have 
not succeeded in securing a conference with any of the 
employers or with the representatives of the typothetae. 
The local union is continuing the fight aj^d has made 
decided gains. The strike has resulted in establishing 
a number of strictly union offices with facilities to com* 
pete with the typothetae establishments, and thtfre are 
more union men employed in the book and job trade in 
Kansas City today than for many years past. The fight 
should be continued and No. 80 should receive all pos- 
sible support from the International Union. " 

Pittsburgh Strike — Of the Pittsburgh affair, the re- 
port submitted by President Donnelly said : 

"The members of Typographical Union No. 7 had for 
a number of years been working under an agreement with 
the Publishers' Association which specified the particular 
branches of the trade which were considered to be under 
the jurisdiction of the typographical union. For the 
purpose of enforcing the provisions of sections 6 and 7, 
article i, International Typographical Union constitution, 
and securing an increase in wages, Typographical Union 
No. 7, on September 25, 1899, requested the opening of 

622 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

the scale agreement. The agreement under which the 
union was working provided for ninety days' notice in 
case either of the contracting parties desired to change 
any of the terms of said agreement. Having been notified 
by the officers of No. 7 that the Publishers' Association 
had refused to consider the new scale proposed until such 
time as the local union withdrew the demand for juris- 
diction over machine-tenders and proofreaders, I ar- 
ranged for a conference with the officers of No. 7 and 
the Newspaper Publishers' Association, which was held 
in Pittsburgh on December 9, 1899. 

"At this conference the Publishers' Association posi- 
tively demanded the withdrawal of the request of No. 7 
for jurisdiction over machine-tenders and proofreaders. 
Their reasons for not desiring the enforcement of section 
6, article I, were numerous and trifling, but in reference 
to the machine-tenders they maintained that an agree- 
ment had been entered into some days previously between 
the Publishers' Association and the so-called local of the 
International Association of Machinists, of which the 
machine-tenders in their employ were members. 

"The attitude of the publishers was briefly stated by 
their president somewhat as follows : 

" 'We will not consent to the typographical union securing 
any greater control in our offices than it possesses at present. 
We refuse to discuss the new scale of wages until such time 
as you withdraw the demand for jurisdiction over machine- 
tenders and proofreaders, and if such demand is withdrawn we 
will agree with you upon a scale rate and tie up the town for 
you for a period of years.' 

"I promised to furnish the publishers with a response 
to their demands for the withdrawal of the request for 
jurisdiction over machine-tenders and proofreaders on 
the following Thursday (the promise was fulfilled) and 
I further agreed to return to Pittsburgh as soon as 

623 



History of The Typographical Union 

possible. I then reported to the executive council. It is 
impossible to reproduce all the correspondence and docu- 
ments in reference to this case, and I will confine my 
report to the following statement : 

"On Friday afternoon, December 15, after receiving 
a reply from the Publishers' Association in relation to the 
demand of No. 7 for jurisdiction over the proofreaders, 
negotiations were declared at an end by the officers of 
No. 7, the original demands of the union renewed and a 
strike declared by the representative of the International. 
This representative had received no orders from either 
the executive council or president of the International 
Union to call out the members of No. 7. It developed 
later that the membership of No. 7 did not vote upon a 
proposition to order a strike according to the provisions 
of section 55, general laws. 

"On Sunday, December 16, I secured a conference with 
members of the Publishers' Association, and on behalf 
of the International Union submitted to them a proposi- 
tion for a settlement of all disputes. This proposition 
was rejected and I submitted a second proposition to 
which the publishers promised to reply on the following 
day. Their response forms a part of the records in the 
case, and was in substance to the effect that they would 
decline to confer any further with the representatives of 
the International or the local union, and that applica- 
tions of their former employes for reinstatement, if made 
as individuals, would be received by them up to and 
including a certain date. 

"The executive council convened in Pittsburgh on the 
following Wednesday, but was unable to secure a con- 
ference with the Publishers' Association. The attitude 
of the publishers was such that the executive council was 
compelled to recognize the strike, extend financial sup- 
port to No. 7, and at a later date the council was com- 

624 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

pelled to adopt radical measures for the purpose of se- 
curing funds to conduct the Pittsburgh and Kansas City 
contests. 

"The officers of the American Federation of Labor 
endeavored to secure such action on the part of the 
machinists as would result in the elimination of the 
machinists' question as an issue in the fight. It was found, 
however, that both the local and international officials of 
the machinists' union had agreed to stand by the pub- 
lishers. 

"The members of the executive council were confident 
that it lay within the power of Pittsburgh Stereotypers' 
Union No. 20 to force a settlement of the difficulty. A 
special meeting of that union was called at the request 
of Vice-President Derflinger, and the situation was 
plainly stated to the stereotypers. The members of that 
union, however, refused to comply with the request of 
the executive council, and on Thursday, December 21, 
the members of Stereotypers' Union No. 20 were ordered 
to cease work in accordance with the provisions of section 
59, general laws, International Typographical Union. A 
number of the members of the union obeyed the order 
of the council, a charter was issued to them, and the 
charter of the old union revoked. 

"On June 9, the executive council declared the strike 
at an end, and took such further steps as were deemed 
necessary to protect the local and International Unions." 

Nine-Hour Day — The nine-hour day had been en- 
forced in the book and job offices throughout the jurisdic- 
tion. ' The only important cities not observing the law 
were San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Louis- 
ville. Members of the typothetae were entirely responsible 
for its non-enforcement in those places, except the last 
named, and there an agreement had prevented the union 
taking action. 

625 



History of The Typographical Union 

Chicago Stereotypers — What had become known as 
the ''Chicago situation" was discussed by President Don- 
nelly, under the head of stereotypers and electrotypers, 
as the dispute originated in that craft. The history of 
the case following the Detroit convention was fully re- 
counted in the correspondence reproduced by the 
president, and he expressed himself on the situation thus : 

While some members of the International Typographical 
Union maintain that the executive council should have im- 
mediately forced the issue with the Publishers' Association of 
the city of Chicago, it should be apparent to the entire member- 
ship, at the present time, that the commissary department of 
the International Typographical Union is not adequate for the 
conduct of such an extensive campaign as might possibly have 
resulted. Our locals in Chicago, which have so far failed to 
receive recognition of their organization and a scale of wages 
by the Publishers' Association, should be instructed to cease 
blowing their trumpets and inaugurate a quiet organizing cam- 
paign. When they have performed their full duty in this 
respect, they should receive the unqualified support of the 
International Typographical Union in an effort to secure 
recognition of their wage scales. 

Relations With Allied Trades — After calling attention 
to the material advancement made by the typefounders, 
photo engravers, mailers and newspaper writers, the 
president announced that the Brotherhood of Bookbind- 
ers and the Printing Pressmen's Union -reported substan- 
tial increases of membership and that those organizations 
had enacted legislation that would ultimately result in 
increases in their defense funds. It was reported that 
label disputes existed in several cities, mainly between 
the typographical and pressmen's unions. It was asserted, 
however, that where the local unions of both organiza- 
tions manifested a regard for the rights of each other 
and evinced a spirit of conciliation the difficulties had 
been easily adjusted. There had been differences of 
opinion as to the working jurisdiction of stereotypers and 

626 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

pressmen through the latter performing in many cases 
such duties as usually fall to the lot of the first-named 
craft. On the other hand, the pressmen complained that 
many compositors in the smaller towns did press work, 
claiming jurisdiction over all work in the press room. 
Members of the typographical union had been re- 
luctant to join a union located at a remote point and 
failed to see any reason for the drawing of fine lines 
of jurisdiction. In the New England district, particularly, 
this question had caused great friction and in some in- 
stances seriously interfered with the progress of the 
typographical union. It had been expected that the 
pressmen and bookbinders would, at their conventions, 
make a pronouncement on these questions, but both 
organizations appointed special committees to meet with 
a like committee representing the International Typo- 
graphical Union to undertake a revision of the tripartite 
agreement and it was urged upon the convention to par- 
ticipate in the proposed revisional conference. The 
Detroit convention had instructed the executive coun- 
cil to consider the feasibility of amalgamating all 
printing trade unions and, through the president, the 
executive council reported that such an amalgamatioa 
was practicable and recommended "that what is known 
as the autonomy plan recently granted the branches of 
the trade other than compositors, and as interpreted at a 
conference held between the executive council and the 
representatives of the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' 
Trade District Union, be adopted as the plan for the 
government of all printing crafts." 

Machine -Tenders — The machine-tender question next 
engaged the attention of the president and he said that 
the International had asserted and was maintaining ju- 
risdiction over all mechanics employed in composing 
rooms. In relation to the attitude of the International 

627 



History of The Typographical Union 

Association of Machinists it was contended that the reso- 
lution adopted by that body at its last convention was 
an insult to all union printers and that the International 
would be justified in refusing to deal with the offending 
organization until such time as it retracted the declara- 
tion complained of. While not opposed to arbitration, 
and confident the International could win a decision from 
any fair-minded board, the president emphatically denied 
the right of the American Federation of Labor to compel 
arbitration against the wishes of the International 
Typographical Union. 

Injunctions — Although hopeful that the courts would 
themselves rob the injunction process of its most dis- 
reputable features, a hope based upon the character of 
modifying orders handed down, the president said of 
this judicial procedure : 

It is apparent that the injunction is merely a form of intimi- 
dation used by capital with the consent and assistance of the 
judiciary. No employer has applied for an injunction against 
a trade union except for the purpose of using the injunction 
to intimidate strikers. When an injunction is issued, wholesale 
arrests are made for alleged violation thereof, a number of 
the members of the union detained in court for days through 
the continuation of cases, and finally released on bail after 
being warned and threatened by the judge, and the power of 
the court and the officers of the law are used for the purpose 
of intimidating the strikers in the hope that their ranks may 
thereby be broken. The injunction is merely a form of threat 
or intimidation which has proven, in some cases, a most potent 
weapon in the hands of capital. 

Minor Recommendations — It was thought there should 
be greater uniformity in contracts entered into with em- 
ployers and the president submitted a draft of one 
together with the suggestion that all such contracts there- 
after be approved by the executive council. This was 
followed by a renewal of the proposition that the law be 
amended so as to prohibit members from operating plants 

628 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

under any guise which in its effect permitted "sweating 
the scale." The president closed with the recommendation 
that the secretary-treasurer be authorized to destroy old 
and useless correspondence that was taking up room at 
headquarters. 

Stereotypers — Second Vice-President Derflinger sub- 
mitted the following report: "As all of the work con- 
cerning Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District 
Union done in the past year was by President Donnelly's 
instructions only, he, no doubt, will make a detailed 
report I have nothing to say." 

Typographic! — Third Vice-President Miller reported 
that the year had been a prosperous one for the German 
branch, not a strike of moment having occurred during 
the period. The membership was congratulated on the 
unionizing of the Cincinnati Freie Presse, after a seven- 
years' struggle, and the principal non-union German 
newspaper, the Chicago Freie Presse, was reported to be 
losing ground. Of the beneficial features and funds of 
this branch, its chief officer said : 

To better assist these unfortunate (unemployed) members, 
our membership decided by referendum vote to raise the gen- 
eral dues from 40 cents to 45 cents per week, and to increase the 
maximum sum of out-of-work benefit allowed a member during 
a fiscal year from $60 to $80. Notwithstanding this increase, 
the total amount paid for out-of-work benefits has been reduced 
from $11,000 last year to about $9,000 this year. Our member- 
ship is about the same, and our finances are, as usual, in a very 
good condition, the funds in our general treasury amounting to 
almost $12,000, or about $11 per capita. 

Mr. Miller congratulated the International Typo- 
graphical Union on its "splendid success in the trade 
union line," and expressed the hope that the day was 
not far distant when its members "will hold the same 
rank in the class-conscious political line." 

Mailers — The organization of a prosperous union of 

629 



History of The Typographical Union 

mailers in Detroit was cited as one of the direct results 
of the last convention by Fourth Vice-President Harber. 
Several attempts to organize unions failed for various 
reasons, the chief obstacle being the employment of boys. 
N ezvswriters — "The work of organization has been 
exceedingly slow," said Fifth Vice-President O'Sullivan, 
although he expressed the opinion that the seed sown must 
soon bear fruit, as official correspondence showed more 
interest being taken in the movement by editors and 
reporters than ever before. He said : 

Not a single case has come to my notice of any hostility to 
the organization of the writers on the part of publishers, but, 
on the contrary, words of encouragement have been given us by 
employers from unexpected sources. The arguments which 
have been advanced to urge writers to join an organization can 
not be contradicted by those to whom we have presented them. 
In nearly every instance the general principles of organization 
as applied to our calling are agreed to, but the principal objec- 
tion to joining with us in the work for the improvement of our 
condition seems to be that it is not a practical proposition. 

Wages have not risen in this branch of the International 
Typographical Union during the past year, even though in 
many cases more attention is required and a constant improve- 
ment in the reporters' work is manifest. Few reductions in 
wages have been reported among the members, but outside of 
our fold wages have been reduced in some instances consider- 
ably. In some cities men have been dismissed to make way for 
less able and cheaper newspaper men, but this is not a condition 
which seems to be forceful enough to induce organization. 

That there was a determination on the part of the 
officers to effect an organization of practical value to wage 
earning newswriters rather than form a mere society of 
writers is evidenced by this clean-cut expression : 

Several attempts have been made to organize unions, which 
did not receive the encouragement ordinarily given, due entirely 
to the belief on the part of the general officers that encourage- 
ment to organize in the direction referred to would not be for 
the best interests of the craft. In the instances referred to, 

630 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

applicants for membership have come from those not engaged 
as wage earners on daily publications, but rather from persons 
who were conducting news enterprises and other publications, 
whom we believed were not eligible to membership in this 
branch of the International Typographical Union. This branch 
of the organization is intended only for such writers as are 
employed as such upon the daily press of the country. They 
are the ones who, in my judgment, need the protecting fold of 
unionism, and to admit other than these would tend to discredit 
our branch of the union. 

Photo Engravers — According to Sixth Vice-President 
Ryan, the photo engravers had been most prosperous 
during the year, both in respect to natural expansion and 
the growth of union principles among its members. But 
one cloud obscured the sun of prosperity and that was 
caused by the unauthorized strike of New York Photo 
Engravers' Union No. I, which resulted in a compromise. 
Mr. Ryan, having exceeded the scriptural limit of years, 
was conscious that this report might afford his last oppor- 
tunity of addressing fellow unionists, and delivered an 
exhortation and pronounced a benediction in these words : 

In conclusion, may the glorious work of labor organization 
proceed. Let us be true to ourselves, protecting the weak 
against the strong, stretching out a helping hand to others. 
Never forget that we should not attempt to live for ourselves 
alone, remembering that we have neighbors, and our duty 
toward them. Looking back fifty years, I am compelled to 
admit, with gratification, the progress of organized labor has 
been highly satisfactory. The education our children are receiv- 
ing, and the self-culture that has taken such a permanent hold 
upon so many workingmen in all directions, indicate that a 
greater share of this world's wealth will accrue to labor in the 
next fifty years than in the past. To attain this, we must watch 
and work for this desirable end. That the reasonable desire 
of labor may attain the full ratio of its production is the 
heartfelt wish of one who has rejoiced in every forward stride 
that has elevated the masses and procured for them something 
nearer to a plane of existence that can be called human and 
civilized, and who heartily and sincerely believes he has in a 

631 



History of The Typographical Union 

measure, however trifling, helped along the good cause, paying 
the usual penalties ungrudgingly ; who, in spirit, is inseparably 
attached to printing and its progress, having entered into it in 
1840, and feels proud of living in a country where an Interna- 
tional Typographical Union exists. 

Secretary -Treasurer — To the average mind the report 
of an organization's fiduciary officer is the best possible 
reflex of the society's condition, and especially is that 
true when the officer deals with affairs in a comprehensive 
manner. According to the printed report of Secretary- 
Treasurer Bramwood, it was shown that the total receipts 
for the year (including $19,955.98 on hand July I, 
1899) were $197,440.77, while the expenditures 
(exclusive of $12,407.20 on hand June 30, 1900) totaled 
$185,033.57. The receipts for 1899- 1900 exceeded those 
of 1 898- 1 899 by $49,048.09, and those of 1 897- 1898 by 
$64,321. The expenditures exceeded those of the pre- 
vious year by $61,533.77, and were $7,548.78 in excess 
of the receipts. The numerical strength of the' organiza- 
tion was treated of in the following paragraph : 

By the per capita tax received it is shown that the average 
paying membership of the different branches of the organiza- 
tion was as follows: Compositors (including German- Ameri- 
can), 28,864; stereotypers and electrotypers, 1,459; photo 
engravers, 861 ; mailers, 555 ; typefounders, 282 ; newspaper 
writers, 84; total 32,105. This is an increase of 1,459 over tne 
previous year, and 3,491 larger than the year of 1898. In fact, 
the paying membership of the past year reached a figure never 
before attained by the International body, it being 726 higher 
than that of 1894, the banner year of the organization, in which 
(before the withdrawal of the pressmen, pressfeeders, book- 
binders and bindery girls) an average of 31,379 members paid 
dues to the International Union. * * * Whether or not our 
membership has increased as it should in these propitious times 
is a question rather difficult to determine. The increment in 
membership has been gradual, and the growth of the organiza- 
tion substantial in every way, yet its field has not been fully 

632 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

cultivated. Certain sections of the jurisdiction, mainly the 
larger cities, offer an excellent opportunity for organization 
work. If each union will make an earnest effort to completely 
organize the craft in its jurisdiction during the fiscal year it is 
believed that an increase of several thousand members 
would result. 

The secretary-treasurer was convinced that another 
effort should be made to augment the defense fund and 
if no steps were taken in that direction a law effectually 
curtailing the right of unions to make demands upon the 
fund was, in his opinion, an imperative necessity. The 
report said, in part : 

The regular revenue accruing to the defense fund was not 
calculated to meet expenditures of a character now requested 
by many unions. If the International is to provide funds for 
local organization work, furnish money to advertise our trade 
mark, pay the expenses of law suits growing out of label legis- 
lation or boycotts levied by local bodies, send a representative 
whenever asked by a subordinate union, pay strike benefits for 
an indefinite period whenever trouble occurs, and provide 
money for divers other purposes for which it is now asked, an 
increase in per capita tax is absolutely necessary, for the officers 
of the International can not meet the present demands with the 
money placed at their disposal. All the expenditures enumer- 
ated must be paid from the defense fund, the normal receipts 
of which, on our present membership basis, reach a total of 
$28,894.39, or about $2,400 per month — not a large sum for 
disbursement among 474 local unions, when the diversified 
nature of the requests for assistance, outside of regular strike 
benefits, is taken into consideration. 

It has also been fully demonstrated that our regular defense 
fund is inadequate to conduct, for an indefinite period, strikes 
involving large numbers of members, such as have occurred 
during the past year. The lessons of the past either prove the 
need of a larger sum of money for defensive purposes, or indi- 
cate the necessity for the restriction by law of expenditures 
from the defense fund to the conduct of necessary organization 
work and the payment of strike benefits for a fixed period, 
together with the abolition of convention grants and other 

633 



History of The Typographical Union 

forms of special assistance and the insistence by the Interna- 
tional Union that our membership shall closely adhere at all 
times to a policy of conservatism and conciliation. 

It is within the province of the convention to restrict the 
expenditures from the defense fund in such manner as is deemed 
advisable. Even if the convention should decide that an 
increase in revenue is necessary, and submit such a proposition 
to the membership, it would also be well to amend the general 
law relating, to the disposition of the defense fund, such amend- 
ment to take effect only in case the membership defeats the 
proposition to increase the general revenue. The subject in its 
entirety is well worthy of the earnest consideration of every 
delegate and member, and should receive the attention its 
importance demands. 

Union Printers Home — General Fund — The Home 
was seemingly well provided for, as a handsome balance 
remained, even after a considerable sum had been 
expended in extraordinary improvements. For the first 
time in years the general fund, from which is defrayed 
Journal and convention expenses, officers' salaries, the 
expenses of delegates to the American Federation of 
Labor, per capita tax to that body, the maintenance of 
headquarters and the various items of expense connected 
with the International's business, had a balance to its 
credit, though very small. 

Burial Fund — The burial fund was reported to be 
in a healthy condition, so opulent, in fact, that the secre- 
tary-treasurer recommended increasing the benefit from 
$60 to $65 without a proportionate increase in per capita 
tax. The number of deaths during the year was 419 and 
the average age at death 41.25 years. 

Typographical Journal — The Typographical Journal 
and its affairs were dealt with exhaustively. The net cost 
was shown to have been reduced to 1 1 % cents per mem- 
ber, the lowest price since the inauguration of magazine 
form. Complaint was made of the limited number of 
subscribers, which had remained at about 4,000 for sev- 
eral years, notwithstanding the adoption of many plans 

634 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

to increase circulation. It was asserted that the Journal 
should be read by each member, and the assistance of 
local officers in building up the subscription list of the 
official paper, and thus extend its sphere of usefulness, 
was earnestly desired. To this end the plan of making 
each local financial secretary an agent for the Journal, 
and the allowance of a commission on subscriptions 
obtained by such officials, was respectfully suggested. 

Official Business — An idea of the increased volume 
of the International's business was contained in a state- 
ment that "a total of 55,323 pieces of mail and express 
matter were shipped from the office during the year, of 
which 12,556 were typewritten letters, and the other first- 
class pieces of mail numbered 31,961, the balance of the 
total being supplies, organizing literature and incidental 
copies of the Journal. " Accompanying the secretary's 
report was an elaborate table giving the "receipts from 
all sources and the benefits paid to locals" for the fiscal 
year. From it the reader could see at a glance just what 
any union paid to the International, the funds to which 
the payments were applied and the amounts received in 
return as benefits. 

Organizers' Reports — All the organizers presented 
reports dealing with troubles in their districts, the causes 
and results of which were given with great regard for 
circumstantiality, in most instances, but were not of gen- 
eral interest, although of paramount importance to those 
concerned. Those who mentioned the subject, however, 
were in agreement as to the necessity of organizing the 
non-union printer as an act of self-protection and while 
there was an absence of that general complaint at the inad- 
equacy of the system that distinguished organizers' reports 
of previous years, it seemed tfo be the consensus of opinion 
that the plan of distributing literature must be accom- 
panied by a system of personal visitations by union 
officials before notable results could be achieved. 

635 



History of The Typographical Union 

American Federation of Labor Delegates — The report 
of delegates to the American Federation of Labor, at 
its nineteenth annual convention in Detroit, was a com- 
prehensive document, covering the subjects discussed 
and acted on by that body. Much space was devoted 
to what occurred on the floor of the convention relating 
to the machine-tender controversy. 

Home Trustees — The report of the Home trustees, in 
the nature of things, was lengthy and full of detail. The 
proceedings of the board meetings were given in full, 
together with the receipts and expenditures for the year 
and the balance on hand. The expenditures had been un- 
usually heavy because of permanent improvements made 
at the institution, the more important of which were 
a five-room stone cottage for the superintendent, a stone 
gateway at the entrance to the grounds, storm doorways, 
water tanks, etc. The number of residents during the 
year averaged 90 and the cost of maintenance was $5-40 
each, per week. During the year 9 deaths occurred at 
the Home, 27 residents vacated voluntarily and 5 were 
expelled. All the deaths resulted from tuberculosis. 
Speaking on this subject, the superintendent said: 

It seems impossible to impress upon the membership that 
some cases should not be sent to this altitude. * * * But it 
appears, in some instances, at least, that the local unions, or 
examining physician, wilfully misrepresent the applicant in 
order to gain him admission to the Home. * * * Either 
through ignorance or misrepresentation, men have been sent to 
the Home that it was positively cruel to bring to this high 
altitude. Of the nine that died, one was an inmate for five 
days, one twelve days, and two arrived together from the east 
and both were dead in less than one month. 

LEGISLATION 

Constitutional Amendments — Fifteen constitutional 
amendments were passed upon favorably and submitted 
to the referendum. Only one failed of adoption, that 

636 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

being a proposition to increase the per capita tax from 
30 to 40 cents per month and provide a reserve fund and 
increase the burial benefit. Summarized, the constitu- 
tional amendments were : ( 1 ) To more clearly define 
the jurisdiction of the International Union. Total vote, 
12,767. Majority for, 9,453. (2) To provide for alter- 
nate delegates and a new election in case of a tie. Total 
vote, 12,590. Majority for, 9,626. (3) To grant the 
typefounders a vice-presidency. Total vote, 12,373. 
Majority for, 8,765. (4) To provide for the election 
of such number of delegates to the American Federation 
of Labor as its laws allow. Total vote, 12,423. Majority 
for, 4,263. (5) To more clearly define the qualifications 
for International office. Total vote, 12,409. Majority for, 
10,125. (6) To make the law regarding the furnishing 
of blank delegate certificates of election conform with 
other portions of the constitution. Total vote, 12,045. 
Majority for, 9,973. (7) To make the law regarding 
the publication of the convention proceedings conform 
with other portions of the constitution. Total vote, 1 1,998. 
Majority for, 10,384. (8) To define the duties of organ- 
izers and make specific the law governing provisional 
membership cards. Total vote, 12,525. Majority for, 
9>653. (9) To increase the per capita tax to 40 cents 
per month, provide a reserve fund and increase the burial 
benefit. Total vote, 13,339. Majority against, 3,695. 
(10) To make a necessary change in the date of the be- 
ginning and ending of the fiscal year. Total vote, 12,294. 
Majority for, 9,666. (11) To exempt inmates of the 
Union Printers Home from the payment of per capita 
tax. Total vote, 12,945. Majority for, 10,537. (12) To 
increase the burial benefit to $65 without increasing the 
per capita tax. Total vote, 13,537. Majority for, 6,117. 
(13) To make the acceptance of withdrawal cards sub- 
ject to the approval of the issuing union. Total vote, 

637 



History of The Typographical Union 

12,594. Majority for, 9,536. (14) To provide for the 
issuance of certificates of membership to members of 
suspended unions on the payment of all arrearages. 
Total vote, 12,758. Majority for, 10,162. (15) To more 
clearly define the autonomy granted trade district unions 
by article xix of the constitution, adopted in 1899. Total 
vote, 12,066. Majority for, 9,496, 

General Laws — The general laws were amended to 
provide that local unions could prevent employers from 
becoming active members of their organization if they 
so desired. The laws relative to charges and trials were 
amended in order to make the procedure more definite 
and the laws regulating strikes were so amended as to 
prevent the expenditure of moneys from the defense fund 
on account of any strike unless the same had been author- 
ized by the executive council. The secretary of each 
subordinate union was directed to act as subscription 
agent for the Typographical Journal, 10 per cent of all 
moneys received by such officer for subscriptions being 
allowed as compensation for his labor. The following 
new section was added, under the heading "Typesetting 
Machines" : "No member pf the International Union 
shall engage in speed contests, either by hand composition 
or on machines. Violation of this law shall be punished 
by a fine of not less than $25, or suspension; provided, 
that said penalty shall be imposed in accordance with the 
laws regulating trials and charges." The stamp system 
in relation to International dues was inaugurated by a 
law passed at this convention. It required the secretary- 
treasurer to prepare and sell to subordinate unions, at 
face value, according to the monthly per capita tax of 
the International Union, adhesive stamps and working 
cards with stamps of equa4 value thereon, known as 
International due stamps and working cards. With 
the purpose of endeavoring to stamp out and curtail 

638 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

the dissemination of scurrilous literature during political 
campaigns, the following section was added to the gen- 
eral laws : "Any member or members of a subordinate 
union publishing, or causing to be published, in news- 
papers, circulars or pamphlets, malicious and untrue 
articles reflecting upon the standing or character, private 
or public, of any member or members of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, shall be deemed guilty of 
ununionlike conduct, and upon conviction before a trial 
board shall be suspended or expelled, as two-thirds of 
the members may determine. The trial for such offense 
shall be conducted according to the rules and regulations 
governing uniform charges and trials. Secretaries of 
subordinate unions are ordered to post this law in all 
chapels." 

Resolutions — The following were among the numer- 
ous resolutions adopted by the convention : 

That the president is instructed to reply to the letter 
of Mr. Gompers relative to the machine-tender contro- 
versy and inform him that the organization is not in 
position to arbitrate its own laws. 

That a special committee be appointed to draft and 
present suitable engrossed resolutions to Samuel B. Don- 
nelly on his retirement from the presidency of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union. 

That the delegates from the International Typograph- 
ical Union to the American Federation of Labor be 
instructed to introduce and support in that body a resolu- 
tion favoring submission to the referendum all amend- 
ments to state constitutions on petition of voters. 

That San Francisco Typographical Union No. 21 is 
hereby instructed to obey the mandate of its superior 
body and inaugurate the nine-hour workday within its 
jurisdiction, to go into effect October I, 1900. That in 
the event this order is resisted by any establishment 

639 



History of The Typographical Union 

within the jurisdiction of No. 21 the executive council 
is hereby authorized to render the necessary financial 
assistance, to the end that the nine-hour workday be 
successfully established in San Francisco. That the sum 
of $150, separate and apart from the above, be allowed 
San Francisco Typographical Union each month for as 
long a period as the executive council deems necessary, 
the same to be expended by that union in an effort to 
regain the offices lost in the strike of 1898. 

That the executive council communicate with the 
proper officials at Washington, pointing out to them the 
advantages to be gained and the justice which would be 
done our trade by the establishment of a government 
printing office in the Philippines, to be conducted by and 
for the government, and thereby abolish the existing 
system of sub-letting to private institutions; that abuses 
existing in the Philippine islands be guarded against in 
other newly acquired territory by legislation looking to 
the establishment of government printing plants and the 
securing of the union rate of wages. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Stereotypers Ask to Withdraw — The Stereotypers' 
and Electrotypers' Trade District Union came before the 
convention with a proposal that those crafts be permitted 
to withdraw from the International Union, which, after 
a prolonged discussion, was negatived by a decisive vote 
of 103 to 51. 

Conditions in Pittsburgh — The committee on sub- 
ordinate unions reported the condition of Pittsburgh 
Union to be most deplorable and a menace to the Interna- 
tional, and recommended that the council be instructed 
to use every effort to restore the union to its former posi- 
tion, in which the convention concurred. 

District Organizers — The following selections for 
organizers were reported : First district, Henry Mc- 

640 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

Mahon, Boston; second district, J. E. McLoughlin, New 
York; third district, T. J. Creager, Springfield, Ohio; 
fourth district, S. D. Hope, Norfolk; fifth district, C. C. 
Houston, Atlanta; sixth district, W. H. Stewart, Grand 
Rapids; seventh district, M. B. Palmer, Peoria; eighth 
district, C. J. Deaton, Birmingham ; ninth district, T. R. 
Drake, Council Bluffs, Iowa; tenth district, John W. 
Hays, Minneapolis ; eleventh district, Homer E. Dunn, 
Denver; twelfth district, R. F. Radley, Waco, Tex.; 
thirteenth district, W. J. A. McVety, Boise City; four- 
teenth district, John R. Winders and C. P. Jones, San 
Francisco; fifteenth district, C. A. Derry, Seattle; six- 
teenth district, P. M. Draper, Ottawa, for Province of 
Ontario, and Felix Marois, Quebec, for Province of 
Quebec. 

Request for Tripartite Conference — President Bow- 
man of the International Printing Pressmen's Union 
addressed the delegates, urging them to appoint a com- 
mittee to confer with similar committees from the press- 
men's and binders' organizations for the purpose of con- 
sidering changes in the tripartite agreement. 

CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION 

On the second day of the convention Frederick Dris- 
coll, representing the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association, was invited to address the convention. In 
view of Mr. Driscoll's long connection with the Pub- 
lishers' Association and his activity as chairman of their 
arbitration board, it is thought that his address to the 
Milwaukee convention, being the first direct word ever 
received by the International Union from the Publishers' 
Association, should be reproduced here: 

Mr. President and Gentlemen: It is a very great pleasure for me, officially 
representing the daily newspaper publishers of the country, and the special 
standing committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, to have 
the opportunity of meeting you in session assembled as the delegates of the 
International Typographical Union. 

The American Newspaper Publishers' Association at its annual convention 

64I 



History of The Typographical Union 

in February last provided for the appointment of a special standing committee, 
as follows: 

"Resolved, That the president of the American Newspaper Publishers' Asso- 
ciation appoint a national committee of three members to take up labor questions 
affecting generally the members of the American Newspaper Publishers' Associa- 
tion, and that said committee is hereby empowered to take all measures necessary 
in its judgment to protect the interests of the members of this association, who 
may be in trouble with labor unions, subject to the direction of the board of 
directors. 

"Resolved, That no local member or association decide upon questions involv- 
ing the jurisdiction of national unions, or changes affecting members at large, 
until such matters shall have been passed upon by the special standing committee. 

"Resolved, That no rule of a labor union passed on and after this date, 
affecting the properties of the members of this association, can be recognized 
unless it has first been passed upon by the special standing committee appointed 
by this association. 

"Resolved, That the special standing committee be directed to forthwith ne- 
gotiate with each of the allied organizations for the establishment of joint arbi- 
tration committees to adjust disputes between members and local unions, that can 
not otherwise be settled. 

"Resolved, That the special standing committee be instructed to bring the 
subject of the employment of proofreaders to the attention of the next meeting 
of the International Typographical Union, in order that its law may be so 
amended as to allow proofreaders to be employed without regard to their connec- 
tion with the union. 

"Resolved, That it is the sense of the American Newspaper Publishers' Asso- 
ciation that linotype machinists should not be members of the International 
Typographical Union." 

Upon the adjournment of the convention, the president appointed the follow- 
ing named gentlemen to constitute the special standing committee: Alfred 
Cowles, Chicago Tribune (chairman); Herman Ridder, New York Staats-Zeitung; 
M. J. Lowenstein, St. Louis Star. 

Immediately after its appointment the following statement was published by 
the special standing committee: 

"The American Publishers' Association, in view of the conflicts of greater or 
less gravity between its members and their employes, and with an earnest desire 
to prevent such conflicts if possible in the future, appointed at its recent meeting 
a special standing committee, with authority to secure the services of a compe- 
tent commissioner. This committee is substantially an arbitration committee. Its 
duty is to obtain data respecting wages paid in the several cities, the condition 
of labor in the offices of the various members of the association, and such other 
information as may be useful and beneficial to both employer and employe. 

"This committee feels charged with the sacred task of settling disputes 
whenever possible, and to that end will labor to secure the establishment of joint 
national arbitration committees to adjust labor troubles between members and 
their employes that can not otherwise be settled. 

"The committee was not appointed to provoke controversies, or to antagonize 
labor, but on the contrary to promote a better understanding between members 
and their employes. The services of the committee and its commissioner will be 
at the disposal of any member of the association, and the good offices of the 
committee will gladly be extended to any member on request." 

Early in April I had the honor of being appointed by the committee as com- 
missioner. At its last meeting, held early this month, the following resolution 
was adopted: 

"Resolved, That it is the sense of the special standing committee of the 
American Newspaper Publishers' Association that the publishers should have the 



642 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

right to be heard on all proposed amendments to the constitution, general laws 
and rules of the International Typographical Union affecting their interests." 

I quote these resolutions of our association and the statements of the com- 
mittee to place before you their views, which were adopted by them with absolute 
unanimity. 

It is perhaps pertinent here to state that there are directly connected with 
our bureau more than two hundred of the daily newspapers published in all the 
principal cities of the country, with nearly twenty millions of dollars invested 
in the mechanical plants of their business, and employing more than twenty 
thousand persons outside of their editorial staff, correspondents and counting- 
room employes. From recently gathered statistics we learn that about 60 per 
cent of the mechanical employes are members of labor unions. The publishers of 
this mighty aggregation of newspapers rank as high in the business world in 
points of intelligence and broad business requirements as any class of gentlemen 
that can be found in the sixty cities where they dwell. The resolutions which I 
have presented to you for information represent their ideas concerning some of 
the changes which should be made in your laws and methods of transacting that 
portion of your business which affects their interests. They have not intended 
to ask your body to do anything but that which is fair and just, and to assist 
them in establishing a basis whereby friction can be avoided and permanent 
industrial peace secured. 

I call your attention to the fact that a considerable bitterness of feeling has 
been engendered in the minds of publishers because of your action at your last 
convention in compelling proofreaders and linotype machinists to bacome mem- 
bers of the typographical union. These two classes of employes are in no sense 
entitled to be called printers, and these new requirements have occasioned a great 
deal of trouble. In some cases the requirements have been ignored, and in one 
notable case the requirements covering the machinists caused one of the most 
disastrous strikes, which occasioned large assessments and expenditures of strike 
funds, drove scores of printers from their homes to seek work elsewhere, and 
inflicted a great amount of sore distress on hundreds of workmen's families. 
There can not be to exceed three hundred linotype machinists employed by the 
publishers. It would seem to an impartial observer that it was hardly wise for 
an organization claiming to number more than thirty thousand to cause such 
trouble for the very few employed to take care of the linotype machines, with 
whom there has been before this no substantial trouble. 

With reference to the matter of proofreaders, the publishers regard it as a 
needless interference with the conduct of their business. They claim that many 
valued employes, whose services have been acceptable in this occupation, do not 
desire to join the unions; that there is no more propriety in requiring them to 
join the union than to ask counter clerks or employes who are not printers; but, 
above all, it is claimed the maintenance of this rule will impair the service; 
that membership in the union, rather than skill in their occupation, will be con- 
sidered the requirement on the part of the employe. For these reasons and 
others which might be noted, I am directed to ask you to repeal these two new 
features grafted on your constitution last year. 

You are also asked by the publishers to unite with them in establishing a 
joint arbitration committee to adjust disputes between the publishers and local 
unions that can not otherwise be settled, and to act as a board of appeal. If you 
would do this, a long step would be taken toward the abolition of the strike, 
boycott and lockout. 

Your attention is particularly directed to the resolutions of the publishers 
and also of the committee, that the International Typographical Union should 
make no changes in its constitution or general laws, bearing upon the rights or 
affecting the interests of the publishers, without first having a consultation with 
the authorized representatives of the newspaper publishers and learning their 



643 



History of The Typographical Union 

viev/s on any proposed changes. There is not a member of this union who will 
deny the fairness of this proposition, if he will be candid and just both to 
himself and his employer. I confidently hopes that upon reflection you will all 
agree that, now the publishers have appeared before you, through their repre- 
sentatives, your laws or rules will be so amended as to comply with these reso- 
lutions. The local contracts of the publishers have, to a large extent, protected 
them against changes by the local unions, but the local unions themselves are 
constantly affected by new obligations placed on them by the International Typo- 
graphical Union in its annual legislation. 

Complaint is made that the International Typographical Union does not at 
all times respect as sacred the contracts made between local unions and the pub- 
lishers. If I have been correctly informed the International Typographical 
Union can modify or annul any such contract, unless it has been specifically and 
formally approved by the parent organization. I venture to say that nine-tenths 
of the local contracts in existence have not been so formally approved. Bear in 
mind that while the publisher is generally financially responsible and can be 
compelled to perform his part of the contract, it would be impossible for him to 
legally enforce the performance of a contract on the part of the unions. There 
should be no uncertainty as to the validity of a contract with the local union, 
so far as the action of the International Typographical Union is concerned. 

A cause of friction is the frequent practice of local unions in forming and 
ratifying new scales in secret session without consulting in advance with the 
publishers, who are expected to pay the bills. Before any new scale is submitted 
to the local union for adoption a full consultation should be had with the em- 
ployers to be affected thereby. Section 149 of your general laws recommends 
"conciliatory methods in making important changes in prices," etc. All proposed 
changes should be made only after mutual conference. Allow me to suggest the 
amendment of your laws to secure this result in the future. 

^■'"'Another cause of friction arises in many cases from the fact that the fore- 
men are required to be members of the union. The foreman is placed in charge 
of the room to protect the interests of his employer. The workmen are present to 
represent themselves and in addition have the father of the chapel to look after 
their interests. At a convention of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, 
one of your affiliated organizations, held in St. Louis in 1896, the question arose 
as to whether foremen should belong to the union or not. After discussion it 
was decided they must not. If a workman belonging to the union was advanced 
to the position of foreman he was allowed to take a withdrawal card, which 
would entitle him to come back into the union if he should lose his position. This 
rule governs today. C. E. Weimar, president of the International Brotherhood 
of Bookbinders, in a letter dated February 18, 1900, and since published, states 
that "foremen can not very well carry both the interest of their employer and 
the interest of the union on one pair of shoulders without causing difficulties 
for both." From my personal experience as publisher for more than a score of 
years, I can state that the local union never had any trouble with my foreman 
by reason of his not being a member of the union. I earnestly recommend an 
amendment of your laws to carry this suggestion into effect. I am sure it would 
result in the establishment of far better and more cordial relations than has 
previously existed. 

Within the present year, the last of the nineteenth century, a most notable 
instance of the peaceful settlement of the relations between capital and labor 
has taken place. I refer to what I call the treaty of peace between the Interna- 
tional Machinists' Association and the National Metal Trades Association, 
consummated May 18, 1900. Both organizations were acknowledged by all to 
be strong and powerful. A statement published at the time the event occurred 
announced the decision to abolish strikes and uphold arbitration in this case 
benefited two hundred thousand workmen and seventy-five millions of capital. 



644 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

May I suggest this as an object lesson to your organization? Are not the 
members of the International Typographical Union as intelligent, progressive 
and fair-minded as the metal workers? Is it unreasonable to hope that the 
International Typographical Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association may get together and establish friendly relations, such as have not 
previously existed? Sweep out of your constitution, general laws and rules, all 
matters which are unfair or unjust to both parties interested, and thereby remove 
all principal cause of friction. Provide for the settlement by peaceful methods 
of any differences which may arise. Provide, that while differences are being 
settled by arbitration, the men must stay at work, and likewise that the employer 
shall not lock them out. 

Then you can return to the constituents you represent and report to them 
that permanent industrial peace has been secured, and harmonious relations 
established between the members of the typographical unions and their employes. 
These results attained, would bear witness to the experience acquired and the 
progress gained in the closing year of the semi-centennial existence of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union and most fittingly usher in the beginning of the 
twentieth century. 

In considering the address of Commissioner Driscoll 
and dealing with the propositions contained therein the 
convention went on record regarding changes in wage 
scales and conditions, as follows : 

Resolved, That it is the sense of the International Typo- 
graphical Union that subordinate unions should adopt con- 
ciliatory measures at all times when changing their scales of 
prices, and that before any change in the scale of prices is 
adopted it should be submitted to all publishers who are in- 
terested. Also, that the International Typographical Union, 
when requested, shall allow a representative of the American 
Newspaper Publishers' Association to be heard on important 
changes in the laws affecting their interests. 

After a full discussion in executive session the conven- 
tion adopted the following resolutions : 

Resolved, That the executive council be instructed to confer 
with the secretary or commissioner of the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association with a view to arriving at an agreement 
providing for the amicable adjustment of all differences that 
may arise between any member of said association and the 
typographical union and its affiliated bodies ; and 

Be it further resolved, That if the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association shall agree to submit to arbitration all 
disputes, pending and future, between the members of said 
association and the typographical union and its affiliated bodies, 
then the council is instructed to prepare laws governing such 

645 



History of The Typographical Union 

agreement, have the same printed and sent to all subordinate 
unions, and if endorsed by fifty subordinate unions, shall 
submit them to a referendum vote of the membership, and use 
its influence to the end that they may be adopted by popular 
vote of the members of the International Union. 

Copies of the resolutions above quoted were furnished 
Commissioner Driscoll and from subsequent correspond- 
ence it developed that the special standing committee of 
the publishers had no power to arbitrate pending disputes 
as outlined in the seccmd resolution, and that it would 
require action by the publishers at their next convention 
to enable the committee to deal with that phase of the 
question. Mr. Driscoll, in behalf of the committee, at a 
later date, asked the executive council to determine 
whether it was authorized to proceed under the terms of 
the first resolution alone and confer with the representa- 
tives of the Publishers' Association with a view to arriv- 
ing at an agreement providing for the amicable adjust- 
ment of all difficulties that might arise between any mem- 
ber of the Publishers' Association and the Typographical 
Union and its affiliated bodies. By unanimous vote, the 
executive council decided that it had authority to proceed 
in this way, and announced its willingness to do so. 
Owing to the fact, however, that a change in administra- 
tion was to take place on November I, 1900, the out- 
going council expressed the belief that the negotiations 
should be conducted by the incoming administration. 

Shortly after November I the question ©f conducting 
negotiations with the publishers' representatives was laid 
before the new council and that body authorized Presi- 
dent Lynch to appoint a committee of three councilors 
for that purpose. The conferees met in Chicago, Novem- 
ber 16, 1900, with the following present, in addition to 
Commissioner Driscoll : Representing the American 
Newspaper Publishers' Association — Alfred Cowles, A. 
A. McCormick (proxy for Herman Ridder) and M. J. 

646 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

Lowenstein. Representing the International Typograph- 
ical Union — James M. Lynch, C. E. Hawkes and J. W. 
Bramwood. 

An organization was effected by the election of Alfred 
Cowles as chairman and J. W. Bramwood as secretary. 
Propositions offered by both parties were fully discussed 
during Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17. On 
the afternoon of the second day a special committee was 
appointed to reconcile existing differences in the proposi- 
tions presented, the committee being instructed to report 
at 7:30 o'clock Saturday evening. The report of this 
committee was carefully revised and an arbitration 
agreement approved and signed by the conferees and 
Commissioner Driscoll. 

The board of directors of the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association, at a meeting held shortly after 
the Chicago convention, endorsed the agreement and the 
association at its meeting in February, 1901, approved 
the action taken. 

By a referendum vote of the International Typograph- 
ical Union, taken in March, 1901, the membership en- 
dorsed the arbitration agreement by a majority of 9,000 
out of a total of 16,074 votes cast. The arbitration agree- 
ment was as follows : 

Arbitration Agreement Betzveen the American Newspaper Publishers' Association 
and the International Typographical Union 

Section i. On and after , 1901, and until , 1902, any 

publisher who is a member of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, 
employing union labor in any department, or all departments, of his office, under 
an existing contract or contracts, either written or verbal, with a local union, or 
unions, chartered by the International Typographical Union, shall be protected 
under such contract or contracts by the International Typographical Union, 
against walkouts, strikes, boycotts or any other form of concerted interference 
with the peaceful operation of the department or departments of labor so con- 
tracted for by any union or unions with which he has contractual relations; 
provided, said publisher shall enter into an agreement with the International 
Typographical Union to arbitrate all differences that may arise under said ex- 
isting verbal or written contract or contracts between said publisher and union 
employes in said department or departments, in case said differences can not 
first be settled by conciliation. 

Sec. 2. If conciliation between the publisher and a local union fails, then 
provision must be made for local arbitration. If local arbitration or arbitrators 

647 



History of The Typographical Union 

can not be agreed upon, all differences shall be referred, upon application of 
either party, to the national board of arbitration. In case a local board of arbi- 
tration is formed, and a decision rendered which is unsatisfactory to either 
side, then an appeal may be taken to the national board of arbitration by the 
dissatisfied party. 

Sec. 3. In cases of appeal from a local board of arbitration, the national 
board of arbitration shall not take evidence except by a majority vote of the 
board, but the appellant and appellee may be required to submit records and 
briefs and to make oral or written arguments (at the option of the board) in 
support of their several contentions. The parties to the controversy may sub- 
mit an agreed statement of facts, or a transcript of testimony properly certified 
to before a notary public by the stenographer taking the original evidence or 
depositions. 

Sec. 4. Pending decision under such appeal, work shall be continued in 
the office of the publisher, party to the case, and the award of the national 
board of arbitration shall, in all cases, include a determination of the issues in- 
volved, covering the period between the raising of the issues and their final 
settlement; and any change or changes in the wage scale of employes may, at 
the discretion of the board, be made effective from the date the issues were 
first made. 

Sec. 5. If, in any case, any number of the newspaper publishers of any 
city, forming a local publishers' association, enter into contract, verbal or 
written, with any of the subordinate unions belonging to or affiliated with the 
International Typographical Union, then and in that case such associations shall 
enjoy all the rights and be subjected to all the obligations hereby applying to 
any individual publisher as noted above. 

Sec. 6. Employers whose offices are union in all mechanical departments 
under the jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union, and in whose 
offices disputes arise affecting one or all of those departments, which can not 
be settled locally, shall have the right to demand the services of the national 
board of arbitration. Employers whose offices are union in one or more 
mechanical departments under the jurisdiction of the International Typograph- 
ical Union shall have the right to demand the services of the national board of 
arbitration as to disputes which may arise in any of these union departments 
which can not be settled locally. 

Sec. 7. Local unions of the International Typographical Union becoming 
involved in disputes with a publisher concerning the union departments of the 
offices heretofore described shall have the right to demand the services of the 
national board of arbitration, if such disputes can not be settled locally. 

Sec. 8. The words "union department" as herein employed shall be con- 
strued to refer only to such departments as are made up wholly of union em- 
ployes, in which union rules prevail, and in which the union has been formally 
recognized by the employer. 

Sec. 9. It is understood that this agreement shall apply to individual 
members of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, or local associa- 
tions of publishers accepting it and the rules drafted hereunder, at least thirty 
days before a dispute shall arise. 

Sec. 10. The national board of arbitration shall consist of the president of 
the International Typographical Union, and the commissioner of the American 
Newspaper Publishers' Association, or their proxies, and in the event of failure 
to reach an agreement, these two shall select a third member in each dispute, 
the member so selected to act as chairman of the board. The finding of the 
majority of the board shall be final and shall be accepted as such by the par- 
ties to the dispute under consideration. 

Sec. 11. In the event of either party to the dispute refusing to accept and 
comply with the decision of the national board of arbitration, all aid and sup- 
port to the firm or employer or local union refusing acceptance and compliance 



648 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

shall be withdrawn by both parties to this agreement. The acts of such recal- 
citrant employer or union shall be publicly disavowed, and the aggrieved party 
to this agreement shall be furnished by the other with an official document to 
that effect. 

Sec. 12. The said national board of arbitration must act when its services 
are desired by either party to a dispute as above, and shall proceed with all 
possible dispatch in rendering such services. 

Sec. 13. All expenses attendant upon the settlement of any dispute, except 
the personal expenses of the commissioner of the American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association and of the president of the International Typographical 
Union, shall be borne equally by the parties to the dispute. 

Sec. 14. The conditions obtaining before the initiation of the dispute shall 
remain in effect pending the finding of the local or of the national board of 
arbitration. 

Sec. 15. The following rules shall govern the national board of arbitration 
in adjusting differences between parties to this agreement: 

First. It may demand duplicate typewritten statements of grievances. 

Second. It may examine all parties involved in any differences referred to 
it for adjudication. 

Third. It may employ such stenographers, etc., as may be necessary to 
facilitate business. 

Fourth. It may require an affidavit on all disputed points. 

Fifth. It shall have free access to all books and records bearing on points 
at issue. 

Sixth. Equal opportunity shall be allowed for presentation of evidence 
and argument. 

Seventh. Investigation shall be conducted in the presence of represent- 
atives of both parties. 

Eighth. The deliberations of the board shall be conducted in executive 
session, and the findings, whether unanimous or not, shall be signed by all the 
members of the board in each instance. 

Ninth. In the event of either party to the dispute refusing or failing 
to appear or present its case after due notice, it may be adjudged in default 
and findings rendered against such party. 

Tenth. All evidence communicated to the board in confidence shall be 
preserved inviolate and no record of such evidence shall be kept. 

Sec. 16. The form of contract to be entered into by the publisher and 
the International Typographical Union shall be as follows: 

[Form of Contract.] 

It ife agreed between publisher (s) or proprietor (s) of the 

of , duly authorized to act in its behalf, party of the first part, and the 

International Typographical Union, by its president, duly authorized to act 
in its behalf, and also in behalf of union(s) of , as follows: 

That any and all disputes that may arise under the existing contract (s), 

verbal or written, between publisher(s) or proprietor(s) and the 

union(s), or any member thereof, now operating in the 

department(s) of the shall first be settled by conciliation between 

the publisher and the authorities of the local union, if possible. If not, 
the matter shall be referred to arbitration, each party to the controversy to 
select one arbitrator, and the two thus chosen to select a third, the decision 
of a majority of such board of arbitration to be final and binding upon both 
parties, except as hereinafter provided for. 

If local arbitration or arbitrators can not be agreed upon, all differences 
shall be referred, upon application of either party, to the national board 
of arbitration, consisting of the president of the International Typographical 
Union and the commissioner of the American Newspaper Publishers' Associa- 



649 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion, or their proxies, and if the board thus constituted can not agree it shall 
be authorized to select an additional member, and the decision of a majority 
of this board, thus constituted, shall be final and binding upon both parties. 

Pending arbitration and decision thereunder, work shall be continued as 
usual in the office of the publisher, party to this agreement, and the award 
of the arbitrators shall, in all cases, include a determination of the issues 
involved, covering the period between the raising of the issues and the final 
settlement; and any change or changes in the wage scale of employes, or other 
ruling, may, at the discretion of the arbitrators, be made effective from the 
date the issues were first made. 

In case a local board of arbitration is formed and a decision rendered which 
is unsatisfactory to either side, then an appeal may be taken to the above 
described national board of arbitration by the dissatisfied party. Pending 
decision under such appeal from a local board of arbitration, work shall be 
continued as usual in the office of the publisher party to the case, and the 
award of the national board of arbitration shall, in all cases, include a deter- 
mination of the issues involved, covering the period between the raising of the 
issues and their final settlement; and any change or changes in the wage scale 
of employes may, at the discretion of the board, be made effective from the 
date the issues were first made. 

In consideration of the agreement by the said publisher (s) or proprietor (s) 
to arbitrate all differences arising under existing verbal or written contract (s) 

with the union (s), the International Typographical Union agrees to 

underwrite the said existing contract (s) and guarantees their fulfilment on 
the part of union(s). 

It is expressly understood and agreed that the sections numbered from 
one to seventeen, inclusive, of the agreement between the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association and the International Typographical Union, hereunto 
attached, shall be considered an integral part of this contract, and shall have 
the same force and effect as though set forth in the contract itself. 

This contract shall be in full force and effect from day of , 

190.., to day of , 190.., unless terminated sooner by mutual 

consent. 

In witness whereof, the undersigned publisher(s) or proprietor(s) of 
the said newspaper, and the president of the International T} r pographical Union, 
have hereunto affixed their respective signatures, this day of ,190... 

This covenant between the International Typographical Union and the 

American Newspaper Publishers' Association shall remain in effect from 

day of , 1901, to day of , 1902, unless terminated sooner 

by mutual consent. 

Whereas in pursuance of resolutions adopted by the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association at New York, in February, 1900, and the International 
Typographical Union in annual assembly at Milwaukee, in August, 1900, an 
agreement entitled "Arbitration Agreement Between the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association and the International Typographical Union" has this 
day been devised by a committee of the executive council of the International 
Typographical Union and the special standing committee of the American 
Newspaper Publishers' Association; 

Now, therefore, it is mutually agreed as follows: 

First. This agreement shall be published simultaneously by the two bodies 
at such time as may hereafter be decided upon. 

Second. The agreement shall be submitted for ratification to the American 
Newspaper Publishers' Association at its annual meeting in February, 1901, 
and immediately thereafter either to the executive council of the International 
Typographical Union or to a referendum of the membership of the International 
Typographical Union. If formally ratified as a whole by both bodies it shall 

65O 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

thereupon become effective at a date to be established, to remain in full force 

and effect for one year thereafter, unless mutually abrogated sooner, as therein 

provided for. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto affixed our signatures this seventeenth 

day of November, 1900. . „ „, . 

Alfred Cowles, Chairman. 

M. J. Lowenstein, 

A. A. McCormick 

(for Herman Ridder), 

For the Special Standing Committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' 

Association. „ ,-. 

Frederick Driscoll, 

Commissioner. 

James M. Lynch, 
Charles E. Hawkes, 
J. W. Bramwood, 
Representing the Executive Council of the International Typographical Union. 

TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT 

A conference of representatives of the several inter- 
national unions interested in the tripartite agreement 
was held at Baltimore, beginning Monday, March 18, 
1 90 1. The International Typographical Union was rep- 
resented by President Lynch, Second Vice-President 
Freel and Third Vice-President Miller. President Bow- 
man, D. J. McDonald, of Boston, and Benjamin Thomp- 
son, of New York, represented the International Print- 
ing Pressmen and Assistants' Union. President Tatem, 
J. L. Feeney, of Washington, and C. F. Weimar, of New 
York, were the delegates from the International Broth- 
erhood of Bookbinders. The object of the conference 
was to amend the tripartite agreement so as to make it 
more satisfactory to the unions interested. The follow- 
ing constitution and rules for the government of local 
allied printing trades councils were adopted: 

In consideration of the terms of the foregoing agreement, and with the 
authority vested in them by the international conventions of the International 
Typographical Union, the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' 
Union, and the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, the duly authorized 
representatives of the parties to the foregoing agreement, for the purpose 
of more clearly defining their obligations to each other, the powers of local 
allied trades, and for the further purpose of avoiding disputes and securing 
the harmonious co-operation of all local unions in joint defensive action and 
label agitation, do enact the following rules and regulations: 

Section i. The presidents of the high contracting parties to this agreement 
shall constitute a joint board of appeals. 

65r 



History of The Typographical Union 

Sec. 2. The officers of this board of appeals shall be as follows: President, 
vice-president and secretary. 

Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings. 

Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep a correct record 
of the minutes of all meetings; to receive and place before the members of the 
joint board of appeals all cases which are submitted to them for their considera- 
tion; he shall keep a record of all decisions and transcribe the opinions of the 
members of this board of appeals on all cases submitted. 

Sec. 5. On the demand of two of the members of the joint board of 
appeals, the president shall call a meeting, at a convenient place and time. 

Sec. 6. Each organization shall pay one-third of the expense of this joint 
board of appeals. 

Sec. 7. All rules enacted by the joint board of appeals for the government 
of allied trades councils shall be adopted by the unanimous vote of the board, 
subject to the approval of the executive councils of the high contracting parties 
to this agreement. 

Sec. 8. Should a union affiliated with an allied trades council feel that 
an injustice has been done by the local council, or should any officer or delegate 
to such council feel that he has been wronged or an injustice done him by said 
council, or that said council has not complied with the constitution and rules 
governing the allied trades council, the right to appeal shall be granted under 
the following provisions: Notice of intention to appeal shall be filed with the 
proper officer of the local council within three (3) days, and the appellant shall 
serve copies of all testimony and arguments on said officials within ten (10) 
days after the local council has rendered its decision; and respondent shall 
reply thereto within a like period; and forward all documents and evidence 
to the secretary of the joint board of appeals; provided, that the secretary 
of the joint board of appeals may grant a further extension to either party, if, 
in his opinion, the ends of justice will be subserved thereby. 

Sec. 9. All parties to the appeal, in cases where documents are to be sub- 
mitted to the board of appeals, are required to make affidavit to the truth 
of their statements before a notary public. 

Sec. 10. For the government of local allied trades councils the following 
rules and regulations are adopted; provided, that a local council may make such 
additional provisions and rules for its government as are not in conflict with 
the constitution hereby enacted, or the international tripartite agreement by 
which it is governed. 

Article I. (Name) 

Section i. This body shall be known as the allied printing trades council 

of and vicinity. 

Article II. (Objects) 

Section i. The objects of this organization are to encourage and foster 
a feeling of friendship between the organizations engaged in the printing trade 
and kindred branches; to discuss ways and means for bettering the condition 
and advancing the interests of the organizations connected with this body; 
to stimulate the individual membership of the allied organizations to an active 
interest in each other, thereby securing a better understanding and a fraternal 
feeling between members who are so closely allied by the nature of their 
respective trades or callings; to promote the settlement of disputes by arbitra- 
tion and thereby discourage strikes. 

Article III. (Membership) 

Section i. This organization shall be composed of the members of the 

International Typographical Union and all organizations holding charters from 

the same; the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and all 

organizations holding charters from the same; the International Brotherhood 



652 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

of Bookbinders and all organizations holding charters from the same; and such 
other organizations affiliated with the American Federation of* Labor as may 
obtain the unanimous consent of the joint board of appeals to their admission. 

Article IV. (Representation) 

Section 1. This council shall be composed of three (3) delegates from 
each local union entitled to representation in this body. 

Sec. 2. The term of office and the manner of selecting delegates to councils 
and the form of credentials shall be decided upon by the local unions. 

Article V. (Officers) 
Section i. The officers of the allied printing trades council of * * * 
shall consist of a president and secretary (and such other officers as the local 
council may decide necessary to the successful conduct of its business). 

Article VI. (Duties of Officers) 

Section i. The duties of officers, with the exception of the secretary, 
shall be defined by the local. 

Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep an accurate record 
of the proceedings and business of the council, which record shall be open 
to the inspection, at all times, of any member of the joint board of appeals; 
he shall transact all correspondence and be the custodian of all documents, 
seals, labels and property of the council; he shall secure from the headquarters 
of the International Typographical Union, through its secretary, such labels 
as the local council may require; he shall provide a safe depositary or receptacle 
for all labels, and shall keep a true and accurate record of all labels issued and 
to whom issued, and be responsible to the council for all labels intrusted to his 
care; he shall furnish to the joint board of appeals all information which it may 
request. 

Article VII. (Funds) 

Section i. The funds for the support of any local council shall be raised 
in such manner as the council may decide, but no taxation shall be imposed 
except by a four-fifths vote of all the unions represented. 

Article VIII. (Grievances and Joint Strikes) 
Section i. Where a local union fails to adjust a difficulty, and desires the 
assistance of any of the parties to the international tripartite agreement, or 
desires joint action, it shall report such difficulty or grievance to the allied 
trades council. Should the allied trades council endorse said grievance or strike, 
the provisions of the international tripartite agreement shall be complied with. 
Sec. 2. Local vote for general strike must be had at any regular or special 
meeting, of which meeting and contemplated action there shall have been at 
least twenty-four hours' notice given by the executive committees of local unions 
to all members of the local unions involved in the strike. 

Sec. 3. Upon failing to effect an amicable settlement of any dispute in 
which the members of the contracting parties to this agreement are involved, or 
likely to become involved, it shall be the duty of the officers of the respective 
unions to notify the presidents of the international unions, parties to this agree- 
ment, in duplicate communications, who shall, either in person or by proxy, pro- 
ceed to the place of the difficulty and jointly endeavor to effect a peaceable set- 
tlement, failing in which they shall join in a report to the executive councils of 
their respective international unions, which shall, for the purpose of this agree- 
ment, at all times be composed of an equal number of members. If, on the 
vote being taken, it is shown that the majority of the bodies, acting conjointly, 
are of the opinion that the inauguration of a strike is absolutely necessary, the 
presidents in person, or by proxy, or one of them, as may be agreed upon by 
the executive council, shall again attempt a settlement, and if unsuccessful shall, 



653 



History of The Typographical Union 

through the officers of the various unions, order a general strike of all mem- 
bers of the International Typographical Union, the International Printing Press- 
men's Union and the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders working in the 
office or offices affected, and any member disregarding this order shall be 
promptly expelled for ratting by his subordinate union. 

Sec. 4. Grievances requiring a joint strike must be decided by the executive 
boards or councils of an equal number of each party, and by agreement between 
the boards, after the united request of local unions representative of each party 
to this agreement where grievances exist. 

Sec. 5. For the purpose of expediting business it shall be permissible for 
the executive councils to select one of their members, who shall be known a*s 
chairman, and to whom all communications shall be addressed, and whose duty 
it shall be to poll the votes of the joint councils as promptly as possible, notify 
the unions interested of the result, and subsequently prepare a copy of all an- 
swers received and forward it to the members of the councils. 

Sec. 6. When a joint strike shall have been inaugurated by the parties to 
this agreement the initiating union shall pay those involved as follows: The 
sum of seven dollars ($7.00) per week to married men, or heads of families, 
and five dollars ($5.00) per week to single men or women for a period of eight 
weeks; after that time beneficiaries shall apply to their respective unions for 
further relief. 

Sec. 7. Strikes may be declared off by the majority vote of the executive 
councils. 

Sec. 8. Local unions called out on strike may receive aid from their own 
international funds, without subjecting such funds to demands from locals call- 
ing for assistance. 

Sec. 9. Any local of either party to this agreement may strike without con- 
sent of local unions existing in the same placa, and not comply with the fore- 
going rules and regulations; but in such case co-operation of allies can not be 
made compulsory, further than to restrain them from filling the places thus 
made vacant. 

Sec. 10. Local unions engaging in strikes, and failing to comply with the 
provisions of the allied agreement, shall receive no assistance, financially or 
otherwise. 

Sec. 11. Nothing in the allied agreement snail be considered as nullifying 
the rules and regulations of the various international unions governing strikes; 
provided, they are not in conflict with the aforesaid agreement. 

Article IX. (Duties of Councils) 

Section i. To promote the interests of the union label, and create and main- 
tain a more wholesome regard on the part of the employers and others for the 
rights and just claims of the members of the several unions; to make grievances 
of employes in one department of the establishment the grievances of those in 
all other departments; to effect a more thorough organization of the crafts, 
and to bring into closer relations with one another the various unions of work- 
ing men and women engaged in the printing and kindred trades; to endeavor to 
amicably adjust all differences and disputes arising between employer and 
employe; and to promote harmony among all union labor. 

Sec. 2. The council shall have charge of all union labels authorized by the 
international tripartite agreement, and shall have power to loan or lease such 
labels to employers who conduct strictly union offices. 

Sec. 3. The label of the allied printing trades council, being the trade 
mark of union labor, shall not be used on any product of any department of 
the printing trade, unless such product is produced in its entirety by union 
labor. 

Sec. 4. Labels shall be loaned only with the unanimous consent of unions 



654 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

represented in allied councils. Unions objecting to label issuance must produce 
a valid reason for such objection, in accordance with section 16 of the interna- 
tional tripartite agreement; the council to be the judge of the validity of such 
reasons, subject to appeal to the joint board; provided, an active member in 
good standing of any branch represented in an allied trades council who runs 
an office of not more than two platen presses, and in the operation of such 
office complies with the nine-hour law and the laws of his union, shall be per- 
mitted to use the label; provided, that the entire work of the office be done by 
the proprietor thereof, and that when employment is given to any additional 
help, members of affiliated unions must be employed. Violation of the foregoing 
shall be deemed sufficient reason for immediate surrender of the label; provided 
further, that the above provisos shall not apply to cities of 500,000 population 
or over. 

Sec. 5. Application for the label shall be presented to the council through 
its secretary, and in case of emergency the label shall be issued by him tempo- 
rarily, under such rules as the council may adopt. 

Sec. 6. Wherever an allied council is in existence, the local unions con- 
nected therewith shall be instructed to withdraw the local label of their 
respective unions. 

Sec. 7. No other body but the joint allied printing trades council shall be 
permitted to grant the use of the allied printing trades council label. 

Instructions to Local Councils 
The foregoing provisions must be incorporated in the constitutions of all 
local allied trades councils, but any local allied trades council is permitted to 
make such further rules and regulations for its government as in the opinion of 
its members may be necessary for the successful conducting of its affairs; pro- 
vided, that no local allied trades council can in any way violate the provisions 
outlined in the form of constitution herewith printed, or any of the provisions 
of the tripartite agreement, or in any way infringe upon the legitimate functions 
of any of the three contracting parties to the international tripartite agreement. 

The following resolutions were adopted : 

Resolved, Allied printing trades councils shall not have 
legal existence, or be recognized as representing the allied 
printing trades, without a charter, which must be granted by 
the joint board of appeals, consisting of the three international 
presidents. 

Resolved, When an allied printing trades council is formed, 
application must be made within sixty days for a charter to the 
joint board of appeals. The above sentiment shall go into 
effect upon the adoption of an agreed form of charter. Charters 
shall be granted without charge. 

Resolved, That when an allied printing trades council re- 
fuses to comply with the unanimous decision of the joint board 
of appeals it may be dissolved and the unions affiliated there- 
with be instructed by their national officers to form a new 
council, and the international officers are directed to enforce 
the laws of their international unions pertaining to that subject. 

Resolved, That it is the unanimous sentiment of the joint 

655 



History of The Typographical Union 

conference that all unions affiliated with the internationals 
represented in said conference be compelled to affiliate with, 
the allied trades councils, where such councils exist; that the 
matter of legislation connected with the enforcement of the 
foregoing sentiment be referred to the three international 
presidents, and that the laws approved at that meeting be 
referred to the conference of the three international bodies. 

Resolved, That it is the unanimous sentiment of the joint 
conference that where there are two or more unions connected 
with the internationals party to the tripartite agreement, that 
it will be mandatory upon them to form an allied printing 
trades council, and that the matter of legislation connected 
with the enforcement of the foregoing sentiment be referred 
to the meeting of the three international presidents, and that 
the laws proposed at that meeting be referred to the conference 
of the three international bodies. 

The joint board of appeals organized by electing James 
H. Bowman president, E. W. Tatem vice-president, and 
James M. Lynch secretary. 

president Donnelly's retirement 

The convention authorized the appointment of a spe- 
cial committee to prepare and have engrossed suitable 
resolutions to be presented to retiring President Donnelly. 
This committee was composed of Messrs. Jones (Wash- 
ington), Higgins (San Francisco), Lycett (New York), 
Cleeton (Kansas City), and McKenna (Chicago). The 
text of the resolutions presented through this committee 
was as follows : 

The delegates of the forty-sixth session of the International 
Typographical Union, in convention assembled at Milwau- 
kee, Wis., August 13th to 18th, 1900, to Samuel B. 
Donnelly — 

Greeting: On November 1st, 1900, will expire your term 
of office as the chief executive of our International organiza- 
tion. Upon your retirement from the position of honor and 
trust we deem it appropriate to convey to you our esteem and 
well wishes. 

656 



Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 

During your incumbency important legislation had to be 
enforced which,^in some cases, met with determined opposition. 
We testify our belief and record our judgment that you have 
honestly and vigorously, yet conservatively, applied yourself to 
effectuate the purposes of such legislation. We believe that in 
all your transactions you kept the ultimate good of the organ- 
ization in view and that your policy will in the future bear 
good results. 

As presiding officer of our convention we attest your fairness 
and impartiality, displaying evidence of ability commensurate 
with the importance of your office. Your conduct both in the 
chair and on the floor won for you true and lasting friendships. 

Personally, we found you to be straightforward, companion- 
able and gentlemanly, and we will cherish fond recollections 
of your cheerful disposition. 

In view of the premises, we have resolved that we express 
our appreciation of your good conduct and heartily endorse 
your administration. 

That it is our earnest wish that your future relations will 
continue to be in the cause of unionism, and that we sincerely 
desire your lines to be cast in pleasant places, accompanied 
with a high measure of prosperity. 



657 




JAMES M. LYNCH, Syracuse 

President International Typographical Union 

November i, 1900-19 — 



Conventions of the 

International Typographical Union 

from 1901 to 1 9 12 

(inclusive) 

THIS chapter narrates the work of the conventions 
held in Birmingham, 1901 ; Cincinnati, 1902; 
Washington, 1903; St. Louis, 1904; Toronto, 1905; Col- 
orado Springs, 1906; Hot Springs, Ark., 1907; Boston, 
1908; St. Joseph, 1909; Minneapolis, 19 10; San Fran- 
cisco, 191 1 ; Cleveland, 1912; covering the first twelve 
years of the administration of James M. Lynch. This 
period marks the later history of the International Typo- 
graphical Union and includes the work of establishing the 
organization on a firm financial basis; the inauguration of 
a long period of industrial peace in the newspaper branch 
following the adoption of an arbitration agreement with 
the American Newspaper • Publishers' Association; the 
policy of procuring contracts and trade agreements and 
the strict observance of the terms contained in such docu- 
ments ; establishing an eight-hour workday in the book 
and job branch of the industry, after, perhaps, the 
most notable struggle for improved conditions in the 
history of the trade union movement, which, aside from 
permanently establishing the shorter workday, cemented 
the organization into a compact relationship never before 
enjoyed — made possible by actual experience gained in a 
real battle — thus securing among the members at large 
a confidence in each other, and in the organization, not 
to be gained in any other manner; the inauguration of a 
system of old-age and disability pensions, the success of 
which affords a striking example of the application of 
strict business methods in the conduct of such enterprises ; 
the amplification of the mortuary benefit system, with 

659 



History of The Typographical Union 

graduated payments at time of death based upon length 
of membership; the establishment and successful conduct 
of a school for technical education, which is conceded by 
those familiar with the plans of instruction by corre- 
spondence to be among the most auspicious ventures of the 
kind yet attempted ; the improvement and enlargement 
of facilities at the Union Printers Home which places the 
institution in a class by itself. This epoch in the history 
of the typographical union offers a striking illustration, 
in results accomplished, between that period of the union's 
history when local autonomy prevailed and the condi- 
tions enjoyed under a militant and powerful central gov- 
ernment controlled by the referendum. 

Convention at Birmingham 

[1901] — The forty-seventh convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order in Elks' 
Hall, Birmingham, Ala., Monday, August 12, 1901. 
Rev. I. D. Steele invoked the divine blessing upon the 
convention, its labors and the International Typograph- 
ical Union. President Nock, of Birmingham Union, and 
Mayor Drennan extended a hearty welcome to all, and 
assured the delegates of the hospitality of the city. Reply 
to the addresses of welcome was made by President 
Lynch, who, at the conclusion of his remarks, announced 
that the convention was ready for business. 

Secretary Bramwood reported that 166 delegates repre- 
senting 124 unions had deposited regular credentials and 
were entitled to seats. President Lynch announced the 
usual convention officers and also the committees on cre- 
dentials and laws. 

A resolution was unanimously adopted extending the 
sympathy and moral support of the International Union 
to the members of the Amalgamated Association of Steel 
Workers, then on strike. 

660 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

A committee was appointed to interview the proprie- 
tors of the non-union offices in Birmingham, and numer- 
ous propositions and communications were received, after 
which the convention adjourned as a mark of respect to 
the memory of Ira Galbraith, a member of Birmingham 
Union, whose death had been announced, when the con- 
vention adjourned for the day in order to participate in 
a sight-seeing trip arranged by the local committee. 

REVIEW OF OFFICERS' REPORTS 

President Lynch opened his address to the craft and 
the delegates with a retrospect of the phenomenal prog- 
ress and development of the International Typographical 
Union during the fifty years of its existence. A reference 
to more recent events was summarized in the following 
comprehensive statement : 

What organization has gone through such an industrial 
revolution as has ours and lived? What labor union has so 
successfully shortened the hours, aye, and continued the move- 
ment, practically without friction? Machinery was introduced 
so rapidly that we scarce could comprehend the import of the 
new development, yet, under a wise and conservative leadership, 
we controlled the modern engine that was destined to assist in 
giving mental light to the world, and not only that, but we 
made it a vehicle for the movement for shorter hours, and 
higher wages. A statistical scale report, recently issued as a 
supplement to the Typographical Journal, shows that out of 
a total number of machines reported — 4,975 — 4,098 are in 
strictly union offices, while nearly half of the balance, it may 
safely be asserted, are operated by members of the International 
Typographical Union. Then the successful movement for the 
reduction of hours in the book and job offices must also be 
given consideration and prominence. The same scale report 
shows that the nine-hour day — and in many instances a shorter 
one — is almost universal, and measures have been inaugurated 
that it is hoped will make it completely so. The number of 
instances reported in which, since November 1, 1900, hours 
have been reduced and wages raised, presents a most satis- 
factory and gratifying compendium, and should be a cause for 

661 



History of The Typographical Union 

pardonable egotism on the part of the entire membership of 
the International Typographical Union. All this, taken in 
connection with the large and healthy increase in membership, 
the number of new unions established, and the non-union 
publications that have embraced the true faith, is an evidence 
of gradually growing strength and power. 

Following this statement the president declared that 
the Typographical Union was an organization that could 
not live on past achievements, rather using them as an 
index for future greatness. The opening years of the new 
century were big with possibilities and live with oppor- 
tunities. Conservative and intelligent action would win 
the prize — "radical, ill-advised and ill-considered propa- 
ganda will waste the opportunity and make of what 
should be progress, a weapon of retrogression." The 
membership at large and their representatives at Bir- 
mingham were earnestly adjured to weigh well all that 
affects the craft. They were cautioned as to alluring 
schemes and recommended to the path, "well-worn, per- 
haps, and slow of advancement, but one that brings, 
nevertheless, safe returns, adds to our stability and con- 
serves our strength and influence." What was desired, 
the president declared, was not more laws but better laws ; 
"all the liberty consistent with international safety should 
be accorded to our subordinate bodies and proposed and 
present laws designated to regulate subjects purely local, 
and often best adjudicated in the light of surrounding 
circumstances, should find no place in our International 
enactments." 

Secession of Photo Engravers — Under the head of 
allied trades, after commenting on the prosperity of the 
allied crafts, the president spoke of the secession move- 
ment which originated among the photo engravers of 
New York city and had spread to the unions of Chicago, 
St. Louis and Milwaukee, notwithstanding the benefits 
secured to them through the efforts of the International. 

662 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

The president was positive that if the International Typo- 
graphical Union decided to continue its jurisdiction over 
photo engravers, it would eventually gain control over 
all the seceding unions. The action of New York city al- 
lied printing trades council in recognizing the seceding 
union of photo engravers of that city was referred to 
thus: 

We may, indeed, well question the present organization and 
system of conducting allied printing trades councils, when, 
in instances akin to that to which attention has just been drawn, 
they deliberately ignore the laws of the organization which give 
them being, and insolently flaunt their open defiance and 
illegality before the international unions of the printing trades. 

Stereotypers' Separation Movement — The stereoty- 
pes and electrotypers, it was said, had prospered mag- 
nificently and had given assurance of satisfaction at the 
treatment accorded them. They desired, however, a full 
measure of liberty in the management and control of the 
affairs peculiar to their craft, but desired to obtain that 
liberty in a legal manner and not through any measure 
of secession. This trade district union had prepared for 
presentation to the convention a plan according it Inter- 
national prerogatives but maintaining relations with the 
International Typographical Union for organizing and 
defensive purposes. The president had this to say of the 
plan : 

To me it presents the ideal basis for a combination of the 
printing trades — one organization for defensive purposes and 
one common defense fund. The idea is not new to our organ- 
ization. It has been agitated before, and had it been given 
life, instead of the hybrid tripartite agreement, the great 
majority of the dissensions that have arisen under the latter 
document would never have occurred. 

Arbitration Agreement — The president earnestly in- 
vited the attention of the convention to the arbitration 
agreement in order that needful changes might be sug- 

663 



History of The Typographical Union 

gested and useful amendments made. Perfection was not 
claimed for the document, but it was believed to be a safe 
and sure foundation on which could be builded a structure 
that might, as nearly as such an economic feature could, 
answer all practical purposes. The very flattering vote by 
which the plan was adopted was declared to be a credit 
to the conservatism of the membership and an evidence 
of an intelligent appreciation of one of the great needs of 
the hour. The convention authorized the executive coun- 
cil to make such additions and changes as it deemed 
necessary when negotiating a new arbitration agreement 
with the publishers. 

To an objection urged against the agreement, the presi- 
dent said : 

It has been said that the arbitration agreement is not com- 
prehensive enough, in that it does not provide for the arbitra- 
tion of disputes which may arise in the negotiation of a new 
agreement. It will be urged upon the convention, undoubtedly, 
to instruct the executive council to consent to its amendment 
in this respect. At present we agree only to arbitrate disputes 
that may arise in union departments under verbal or written 
agreements, as to the provisions of such agreements. A verbal 
agreement has been denned by your officers to mean the consent 
on the part of a publisher or his representative to employ only 
union members, pay the union scale, and observe union rules. 
Ready consent could, I believe, be obtained to the arbitration 
of all disputes that might arise in the mechanical departments 
of any newspaper office, providing all those departments were 
strictly union. We can not agree, however, to bind one local 
union against another local union. 

Tripartite Agreement — The attempt made by the 
pressmen and bookbinders in the tripartite conference 
held in Baltimore in March, to evolve a scheme for part 
ownership of the label, had been opposed by the Typo- 
graphical Union as impracticable. President Lynch ad- 
jured that the tripartite agreement had failed of its 
purpose and that under its operation the three interna- 

664 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

tional unions had drifted farther apart. It was thought 
that this was in part accounted for by the natural timidity 
characteristic of minor organizations and their reluctance 
to accept the broader views of the major organization but 
that the real secret was in the unfair and absolutely unjust 
method of representation in allied trades councils and the 
natural tendency of weaker organizations to combine 
against the stronger. After citing the defeat of the propo- 
sition that representation in allied trades councils should 
be on a per capita basis and stating that no attempt was 
made to amend the tripartite agreement at the Baltimore 
convention, the president said : 

It is to be hoped that the rules adopted at that gathering 
will restore harmony in the printing trades, and make the 
successful and amicable conduct of local allied printing trades 
councils a possibility. If this is not the result, then the ultimate 
abolishment of the tripartite agreement is an assured fact. I 
believe that the ideal combination of the printing trades lies in 
the formation of a scheme of allied defensive and offensive 
operations, with a joint defense fund, and in cases of joint 
action, one instead of three supreme authorities. Of the 
eventual possibility of this, or a similar method, I am firmly 
convinced, and if the wage earners are to be successful, they, 
like the capitalists, must recognize and adopt the ruling spirit 
of the age — combination. 

Executive Council — It was suggested to the conven- 
tion that a rearrangement of the membership of the 
executive council, if the scheme of operation proposed by 
the stereotypers and electrotypers' trade district union 
receive the sanction of the convention and the endorse- 
ment of the referendum, would be desirable. It was 
thought that in order to facilitate business the council 
should consist of a president, second vice-president and 
secretary-treasurer, the other vice-presidents to be called 
in only when circumstances made such a course absolutely 
necessary. It was also recommended that the executive 
council should be given more power in regard to strikes 

665 



History of The Typographical Union 

and that no local union should be permitted to take ad- 
vantage of this method until the proposed movement had 
received the sanction of the council both as to benefits and 
policy except in case of extreme emergency, the council 
afterward to be the judge of the merits of the exigencies 
that called for immediate action. It was also suggested 
that it would be wise to refer to the executive council the 
many requests usually presented at conventions for money 
grants. 

Organizers — President Lynch was in line with his 
predecessors in recommending a change in the method of 
selecting organizers. A permanent staff of organizers to 
be appointed by the president was suggested, the number 
to be determined as the needs of the organization might 
require, district lines to be abolished. Organizers should 
hold office as long as their services were valuable to the 
organization and should be removed only on charges, the 
executive council to act as the trial board. 

It was suggested that in addition to the allowance for 
lost time, hotel bills and railroad fare allowed organizers, 
provision should be made for contingent personal ex- 
pense "that every past and present officer of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union has, to his sorrow and 
financial loss, found to be a necessity and an unavoidable 
adjunct to his work." The result of the work of organiza- 
tion during the year was given thus : 

During the eleven months ending May 31, 1 90 1, there were 
organized seventy-five unions, with an aggregate charter mem- 
bership of 1,006. Fifty-one of these unions have been chartered 
since November 1, 1900. Twelve unions, with a membership 
of 238, have surrendered charters. Eight unions, with a mem- 
bership of eighty-four, have been suspended, and the charter 
of one union, with a membership of fourteen, revoked. The 
average paying membership for the eleven months ending May 
31, 1 90 1, has been 34,948, and for the previous year it was 
32,105, a net gain of 2,843. Were the average to be made for 

666 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

the year 1901 alone, it would be much larger. It will approxi- 
mate at the present time 37,000 members. We have more 
unions, more members and more money than at any previous 
period in the history of the International Typographical Union. 

Label — Under the head of statistics, pleasure was 
expressed at the large number of unions sending reports 
for the statistical statement issued as a supplement to 
the Typographical Journal. After declaring that the im- 
portance and value of the facts deduced could not be 
overestimated and that the publication of data was to be 
a yearly feature, the president took up the question of 
the label and the potency of label agitation, and suggested 
that every local union should have a special fund for 
label agitation, and a special committee in charge of the 
work. That the International Union had no special fund 
for the furtherance of label advertisement was referred 
to as a somewhat remarkable feature of polity. While 
prominence and publicity of the label had been secured 
in many ways, yet it was suggested that there should be 
provision for more general promulgation of popular 
knowledge concerning and demand for it. The unfair 
conditions under which the bulk of text-books in use in 
the public schools were manufactured and the large 
profits of the business led the president to believe that the 
state could manufacture all text-books under union condi- 
tions and yet supply them to consumers, the mass of whom 
were wage-workers, at far below current prices. In the 
opinion of the president, if a scheme of joint agitation 
for union label school books could be evolved, each inter- 
national union in the printing trade assuming its share 
of the financial outlay, success would be assured. Lacking 
such a co-operative project, it was urged to give to the 
movement added zest and vigor. 

Economic Policy — After repeating the old demand 
for a better system of apprenticeship, the question of an 

667 



History of The Typographical Union 

economic policy was discussed. Political beliefs, said the 
president, should be held sacred, and should be respected 
and tolerated as are religious affiliations. Every indus- 
trial panacea should be given the closest investigation and 
careful thought, yet the individual should be permitted 
to make his own selection. It was the belief of the presi- 
dent that with education, the toilers would work out their 
own salvation. 

Benefits — The president suggested that the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union should have a greater death 
benefit, with a maximum of perhaps $500, a sick benefit 
fund, out-of-work fund, old-age fund, dependent upon 
the length of continuous membership, and any other form 
of special assistance that wisdom might from time to 
time dictate. 

These recommendations were made by the president 
more in the way of suggestion, and with the hope that a 
train of thought and discussion might be initiated which 
would lead to their ultimate adoption. To put them into 
effect would require a system of high dues — the bulwark 
of trade unionism. The overwhelming defeat which met 
the last proposition for an increase in the revenue had 
discouraged the idea that such a radical change would 
meet with approval, but it was predicted, nevertheless, 
that these benefits would come in time. The growing ne- 
cessity for a more thorough system of mutual help and 
assistance would clear the way through the tangle of 
doubt, cynicism, misunderstanding and lethargy that 
then obstructed the path. 

Strikes — Affairs in Pittsburgh and Kansas City were 
reported to have materially improved since the previous 
convention, especially in the latter place, while new de- 
velopments had somewhat complicated conditions in Chi- 
cago. In the few strikes and lockouts that had occurred 
during the year the International Union had been vic- 

668 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

torious in most instances. A thorough effort to organize 
the city of Montreal had been successful. A radical 
change was effected and the membership increased more 
than 50 per cent. 

Liberty of the Press — After advising the convention 
to devote some consideration to increasing the circulation 
of the Typographical Journal among the membership, 
the president asserted that a false step had been taken in 
restricting the liberty of the labor press and therefore 
recommended the repeal of section 1 13 of the general 
laws. 

Miscellaneous Subjects — In conclusion the president 
reported, among other things, that proofreaders and ma- 
chinists were, with very few exceptions, members of the 
International Typographical Union; that it had been 
recommended that a member of a typographical union 
accepting employment in any other mechanical depart- 
ment that might be unorganized, should not work below 
the scale of his union ; that contracts, before local signa- 
tures were attached, should be submitted to headquarters 
for approval ; that in newspaper offices there had been a 
more general equalization in hours and wages for all 
union employes; that the movement for shorter hours 
should lose none of its force because success had attended 
the demand for a nine-hour day. 

Stereotypers' Affairs — Second Vice-President Freel 
reported the success attending the effort to place stereo- 
typers and electrotypers in a position to command the 
benefits to which they were entitled. The result of the 
well-disciplined and united membership thus secured is 
set forth as follows : 

Our membership has increased almost 15 per cent, our laws 
and aims are more thoroughly and definitely understood, and 
we have certainly secured a co-operation so intelligent and 
stable as to be a most important factor in the future solution 

669 



History of The Typographical Union 

of questions arising between the employer and employe. This 
is most pleasing to us, and we believe will be deeply appreciated 
by our membership. 

The second vice-president asked careful consideration 
for the proposition to be submitted to the referendum by 
the stereotypers and electrotypers' trade district union for 
a joint alliance along the lines referred to in the review 
of the president's report, believing that it would have a 
tendency to solve at least some of the problems confront- 
ing this branch of the organization. It was declared that 
no severance of the ties that bound them to the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was contemplated but that 
they merely were asking for a stronger and more effective 
future combination. 

Typographia — Third Vice-President Miller reported 
the year a very stormy one for the German branch. The 
principal difficulties were met with in Philadelphia and 
Chicago. In the former city, non-union men were em- 
ployed on typesetting machines in day time to set up 
newspapers or supplements for the Central Newspaper 
Union, and during the night union men at union wages 
were employed on the same machines to set up the Phila- 
delphia Demokrat, a German daily, run as a union office 
for many years. The local union was compelled to protest 
against this state of affairs, and this protest furnished the 
employers the excuse that they seemed to be waiting for 
and the union men were locked out of the office. A boy- 
cott against the concern was being vigorously pushed by 
all of the labor unions and most of the German societies 
of Philadelphia. 

A lockout in Chicago had occurred on June I, 1901, 
when a new management obtained control of the Illinois 
Staats-Zeitung, theretofore a strictly union office, and im- 
mediately discharged all the union men and filled their 
places with rats. Typographia No. 9 had entered upon a 

670 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

vigorous campaign against the combined publications of 
the new management — the Chicago Freie Presse, Illinois 
Staats-Zeitung and a Sunday edition named the Daheim 
und Westen. The management was accused of playing 
an old trick of using employes to form a so-called Guten- 
berg assembly which had obtained a charter from the 
Knights of Labor several years before. Notwithstanding 
these and a number of minor difficulties the third vice- 
president gave assurance that the membership of the 
Typographia was about the same as the year before and 
that the treasury contained approximately $10 per capita. 

Mailers — Fourth Vice-President Canary had written 
to each organizer asking for opinions as to the possibility 
of organizing mailers' unions and reported that while 
some answers were favorable, a few of the organizers 
did not seem to understand what a mailer was. He ac- 
knowledged a debt of gratitude to Organizers Hays, 
White and Voiles for organizing mailers' unions in Min- 
neapolis, San Francisco and Cincinnati, and to Secretary 
Looney, of the allied trades council of Louisville, who, 
with the president of the local union of that city, helped 
to organize a mailers' union in that place. President 
Lynch was commended for assistance rendered, especially 
in reorganizing the Buffalo Mailers' Union. 

Newswriters — In the opinion of Fifth Vice-President 
O'Sullivan an effort should be made to bring into the fold 
of unionism by affiliation with newspaper writers' unions 
the many ex-members of the International Typographical 
Union employed as either news, desk men, editors or re- 
porters. The system of allowing reporters to retain mem- 
bership in the compositors' branch of the organization, it 
was claimed, was not conducive to the growth of writers' 
unions and in harmony with the spirit of the law which 
provides that men working in any branch of the industry 
should become members of the union of that particular 

671 



History of The Typographical Union 

branch. Many newswriters, former members of the typo- 
graphical union, feeling that they should not be compelled 
to pay up years of indebtedness to the International as a 
prerequisite to membership in this branch of the organi- 
zation, feeling that the interests of the writers "to be best 
forwarded and preserved by cutting loose from the parent 
body and organizing as an independent body," a change 
was suggested to the convention. 

Photo Engravers — Since the previous convention at 
Milwaukee, said Sixth Vice-President Ryan, photo en- 
gravers had experienced lively times. "A most farcical 
proceeding of a so-called convention of photo engravers, 
under the dignified title of trade district union/' was 
criticized, and the rise in New York city of Photo En- 
gravers' Union No. 23, International Typographical 
Union, from the ashes of the seceding union, was graphic- 
ally described. The action of the allied trades council of 
New York city in permitting delegates of a seceding union 
to deliberate upon the issues concerning the label was 
severely commented on. Union No. 23 was reported to 
be prosperous, paying a per capita tax on 186 members. 
Speaking of the secession movement in general, Vice- 
President Ryan said : 

The photo engravers have been assisted in obtaining increase 
of salaries by the International Typographical Union, since the 
election of our present president, in Washington, Detroit, 
Cincinnati, St. Louis and Milwaukee. Many unions that have 
been benefited to an extent beyond their hopes — or certainly 
beyond them at one time — have since deserted the International 
Union and have most audaciously approached Samuel Gompers, 
president of the American Federation of Labor, and requested 
a charter from that body. The American Federation of Labor 
has no place for seceders. They were relegated to the cold 
accordingly, where they will have to remain until such time 
as they receive the invigorating warmth of genuine trade union- 
ism, and upon showing true contrition for past misbehavior, 

672 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

are received back into the original fold from which they 
should never have deserted or seceded. 

Typefounders — Seventh Vice-President Nuernberger 
reported the successes of the typefounders during the 
year, saying that since the typefounders' trade district 
union had been formed, more of the locals seemed to take 
on new life; that new members had been constantly added 
until fully 90 per cent of the journeymen typefounders 
were members of the organization. Of the second session 
of the district union, at which a scale of prices for two 
years was agreed upon, the following interesting report 
was submitted : 

The second session of the Typefounders' Trade District 
Union was held in New York city, beginning April 21, 1 90 1. 
Every local union was represented. More than two days were 
required to prepare our scale for presentation to the employers 
who had been invited to meet us in conference on April 24, in 
order to again agree on a uniform scale of wages. Only one 
employer failed to attend this conference. After two days' 
session, the second one occupying twenty-two hours, a scale 
was agreed on, which remains in effect until June 1, 1903. 
President Lynch ably assisted us in making this agreement. 
In my opinion the typefounders' wage scale is the most com- 
plicated of any in existence in any trade, comprising as it does 
more than one thousand separate provisions, which includes a 
price for every size of type from three points to 120 points, 
whether casting on hand machines, steam machines or automatic 
perfecting machines, dressing, inspecting, paging, mold-making, 
matrix-fitting, and machinists; a minimum scale per hour for 
time work, time and a half for overtime, minimum fonts, job, 
sorts, etc. After this conference, the delegates drew up and 
adopted a constitution and laws for the government of the 
Typefounders' Trade District Union. 

Secretary-Treasurers Report — So completely had 
Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood set forth the financial and 
statistical affairs of the International Union that there 
was no excuse for any one not being informed on even 

673 



History of The Typographical Union 

the minutest details of the vast amount of important busi- 
ness transacted by the fiduciary officer of the organiza- 
tion. Because of a change in the law, the report was for 
a period of but eleven months. The receipts for the year 
(including $12,407.20 on hand July 1, 1900) were $151,- 
038.87, as against $197,440.77 for 1 899- 1900. The ex- 
penditures for the year were $118,347.54, as against 
$ J 85,033.5 7 for 1 899- 1 900. The cash balance on hand 
May 31, 1 901, therefore, was $32,691.33. 

There had been a gratifying increase in membership, 
principally confined to the typographical branch of the 
organization. The average paying membership for the 
year, as shown by the per capita tax collected, was 34,948, 
divided as follows : Typographical — English and Ger- 
man — 31,600; stereotypers and electrotypers, 1,578; 
photo engravers, 635; mailers, 626; typefounders, 441, 
and newspaper writers, 68. The average paying member- 
ship for the eleven months of the fiscal year was 2,843 
larger than the average for the preceding twelve months. 
The secretary-treasurer said that this increment was not 
solely attributable to the formation of new unions, though 
he submitted a table showing the issuance of 75 charters, 
the surrender of 12, the suspension of 8 and the revoca- 
tion of 1, resulting in a net increase from this source of 
684 members. Notwithstanding the increase in member- 
ship, the secretary had this to say : 

Though there is every reason to be pleased with the growth 
in membership and the general progress made during the year, 
it should be remembered that the field for organization work 
is as yet unrestricted. The spirit of trade unionism is now 
abroad in sections where organization has heretofore been found 
impossible, and scarcely a day passes without the issuance of 
one or more charters. Let us not, however, devote our efforts 
exclusively to the unorganized towns, for the non-unionists 
within the organized cities require our attention. It is needless 
to say that the unionizing of several large offices, which have 

674 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

been out of the fold for years, has strengthened the unions 
under the jurisdiction of which these offices were located. 
Our success in these places should be an incentive to greater 
effort. The time is propitious, conditions are favorable, and 
every subordinate union should endeavor to thoroughly organize 
the craft under its jurisdiction. 

Considering the limited apportionment for the purpose, 
an encouraging condition was apparent in the defense 
fund. During the fiscal year, though free from difficul- 
ties of magnitude, the sum of $25,538.85 was expended 
from this fund, as against $92,734.60 for the preceding 
twelve months. The amount expended for defense pur- 
poses for the eleven-year period, 1891-1901, was $414*- 
338.18, including the sum transferred to the general fund 
for the shorter workday committee and this fund's portion 
of the Indianapolis National Bank loss. That the secre- 
tary-treasurer was not entirely satisfied with the condition 
of the defense fund, however, is shown by the following 
expression : 

While the revenue accruing to the defense fund from per 
capita tax alone was sufficient for all purposes during the past 
year, it will be conceded that the fund is not more than ade- 
quate to the conservative demands upon it. The continued 
increase in membership, and in the number of subordinate 
unions, will make necessary the strictest economy in the dis- 
bursement of this fund if special assessments are to be avoided. 
While it is believed that the arbitration agreement with the 
publishers' association will minimize the possibility of large 
strikes, it must nevertheless be admitted that such difficulties 
are likely to occur, and we should be prepared at all times to 
maintain our prestige. 

Although the amended law increasing the burial benefit 
from $60 to $65, only having been in operation since 
January 1, 1 901, it was evident that the calculation made 
when the increase was suggested, that the integrity of the 
fund would not be impaired by the increase, was correct. 
During the year 406 benefits were paid, amounting to 

675 



History of The Typographical Union 

$25,245. Had the benefit been $65 for the year, the dis- 
bursements would have reached $26,390, but this sum 
would not have equaled the receipts of the fund by 
$2,441.94. The payments from this fund from its es- 
tablishment in 1892 to May 31, 1901, aggregated $227,- 
630. The average age at death for the year was 41.94 
years. 

There were eighteen strikes during the fiscal year of 
which ten were successful; one was compromised, the 
union making gains thereby; one was lost and six were 
in progress at the time of filing the report. These strikes 
involved 260 members, of whom 152 returned to work 
when the disputes in which they were interested were 
settled; 14 were displaced and 94 were involved in the 
unsettled strikes. 

Typographical Journal — Interest in the Typograph- 
ical Journal had increased during the year and a consid- 
erable addition to revenue was received from individual 
subscriptions, and a number of unions adopted the plan 
of subscribing for their membership. Despite these im- 
provements the Journal was not read by nearly as many 
members as it should have been — according to the secre- 
tary-treasurer — and he complained that his efforts to 
interest the membership in the paper had not met with 
marked encouragement. 

Organization Work — Nearly all the organizers re- 
ported an encouraging state of affairs in their districts 
and the many lengthy reports submitted were replete with 
evidence of the great amount of efficient organizing work 
being done. The label was regarded as the most potent 
factor in advancing unionism, while the arbitration 
agreement, it was believed, would strengthen the union's 
hands in the future. A general demand for the label on 
school books was urged. 

676 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

American Federation of Labor — The delegates to the 
twentieth annual convention of the American Federation 
of Labor, which met in Louisville in December, 1900, 
along with many things of general interest, reported the 
following of special importance to the typographical 
union : That the executive council was instructed to pre- 
vent, if possible, the appointment of Harrison Gray Otis, 
proprietor of the unfair Los Angeles Times, as secretary 
of war, or to any other cabinet position ; that a resolu- 
tion was adopted requiring all school books used in the 
public schools of the various states to bear the label of 
the allied printing trades council ; and that books used in 
the public schools be furnished by the state ; that the re- 
port of the committee on compulsory arbitration, reaffirm- 
ing the previous position of the American Federation of 
Labor in opposition to state compulsory arbitration, was 
adopted ; that the resolution submitted by the machinists' 
delegation, calling upon the American Federation of La- 
bor to require the International Typographical Union to 
turn over all machine-tenders to their organization, or 
revoke charter, was defeated, and the International Typo- 
graphical Union was conceded to be acting within its 
rights in the matter of arbitration. 

Home Trustees — The report of the transactions of the 
Union Printers' Home and board of trustees of the insti- 
tution embraced the minutes of meetings held, and the 
reports of the treasurer and the superintendent. From 
these reports it was learned that the actual receipts for 
the year were $40,391.95 and the total expenditures, 
$48,719.75, leaving a balance on hand of $10,213.57. It 
will be observed that the expenses exceeded the receipts 
by $8,327.80, but this was due to the building and equip- 
ping of a laundry at a cost of over $12,000. During the 
year improvements aggregating $16,634.86 had been 

677 



History of The Typographical Union 

made, the most important being the laundry and boiler 
house. Other improvements included a billiard room, 
cattle barn and furnishings. 

The average number of inmates for the year was ninety 
and the average cost of maintaining an inmate was $6.66 
per week. 

During the year the mortality at the institution showed 
an increase. Thirteen residents had died, twenty-two 
vacated the Home voluntarily and six were expelled. 
June I, 1901, there were eighty-four inmates in the 
Home. The number of deaths from tuberculosis showed a 
marked decrease from the previous year. This was due 
to the more stringent restrictions placed by the board of 
trustees upon the admission of applicants whose condition 
was such that no permanent improvement was possible. 
The Home physician offered the following advice con- 
cerning the admission of applicants : 

I wish to say a word in reference to cases of tuberculosis 
being admitted in the third stage of this disease. Such cases 
should not be admitted to the Home, as the altitude here is too 
high for such conditions ; the patients have not the lung capac- 
ity to live in this rarified air, and are generally carried off 
sooner than they would be in a denser atmosphere. Therefore, 
instead of it being a charitable act to admit them, in many cases 
it proves the opposite. Then again, in organic diseases of the 
heart. Patients suffering from these maladies should never be 
sent to high altitudes, for, as a rule, they live but a short time. 
I strongly advise against admitting insane patients under the 
present condition of things, as we have no means at our com- 
mand to give them the necessary care and attention. 

The superintendent also had decided views on the pur- 
poses and limitations of the Home, and gave expression 
to them in the following unmistakable terms : 

There seems to be a disposition on the part .of local unions 
to unload upon the Home any members that can not be cared 
for in other hospitals or institutions. A class of patients that 
should not be admitted comprises those suffering from loco- 

678 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

motor ataxia in its advanced stage. This disease is incurable. 
The only relief that can be afforded is through the free use of 
opiates. As the disease progresses the patient sooner or later 
becomes helpless. Such cases are not admitted into hospitals 
unless the patient is prepared to pay extra compensation for a 
special attendant. The Home, not being intended for such 
cases, no provision was made for them in the erection of the 
buildings. We have a case in the Home now jeopardizing the 
comfort and health of the other residents. Some provision 
should be made for his care in other than the same building. 
If the membership continues to insist upon the admission of 
this class of patients a separate building should be constructed 
for them. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Thirteen constitutional amendments were submitted to 
the referendum, all of which met with approval. A sum- 
mary of these propositions, together with the votes cast 
for and against, follows : ( I ) Shall the stereotypers and 
electrotypers be allowed to withdraw from the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union and form an international 
union of their own, which shall enter into an agreement 
with the International Typographical Union? This prop- 
osition also embraced certain contingent legislation and 
empowered the executive council to make such other 
changes in the laws as might be necessary. Total vote, 
15,798; for, 10,100; against, 5,698; majority for, 4,402. 

(2) To more clearly define the term "printer" as used 
in section 1, article 1 of the constitution. Total vote, 
16,601; for, 13,872; against, 2,729; majority for, 11,143. 

(3) To reserve the right to re-establish jurisdiction over 
any branch of the printing trade in case of emergency. 
Total vote, 16,212; for, 13,560; against, 2,652; majority 
for, 10,908. (4) To specify the manner in which laws 
shall be classed or grouped in the book of laws. Total 
vote, 15,471; for, 14,194; against, 1,277; majority for, 
12,917. (5) To place the appointment of organizers ex- 
clusively in the hands of the president and executive 

679 



History of The Typographical Union 

council. Total vote, 16,016; for, 9,241; against, 6,775; 
majority for, 2,466. (6) To fix the salaries of the presi- 
dent and secretary-treasurer at $1,800 per year each. 
Total vote, 16,137; for, 9,548; against, 6,589; majority 
for, 2,959. (7) To allow organizers compensation equal 
to their earning capacity, or the scale of their union, 
Total vote, 16,040; for, 13,969; against, 2,071; majority 
for, 11,898. (8) To provide that appeals to the council 
must be in triplicate. Total vote, 15,402; for, 12,936; 
against, 2,466; majority for, 10,470. (9) To change the 
time for auditing International accounts. Total vote, 
i 5j°56; for, 13,004; against, 2,052; majority for, 10,952. 
(10) To allow unions to pay for the Journal monthly 
at the rate of five cents per month. Total vote, 16,018; 
for, 1 1,801 ; against, 4,217 ; majority for, 7,584. (n) To 
abolish the organizing districts. Total vote, 14,913; for, 
9,221; against, 5,692; majority for, 3,529. (12) To al- 
low the executive council to submit questions direct to the 
membership. Total vote, 15,974; for, 14,102; against, 
1,872; majority for, 12,230. (13) Shall the tripartite 
agreement be abrogated? Total vote, 14,999; for, 9,857; 
against, 5,142 ; majority for, 4,715. 

Withdrawal of Stereotypers — In the foregoing sum- 
mary of amendments to the constitution approved by the 
referendum, it will be observed; that the first one was an 
agreement permitting the stereotypers and electrotypers 
to withdraw from the International Union and form an 
international union of their own under certain conditions. 
The agreement between the two organizations was drawn 
upon the following lines : 

1. That the International Typographical Union hereby agrees to and does 
recognize the exclusive right of the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade Dis- 
trict Union to control, regulate, charter and hereafter organize all stereotypers 
and electrotypers and all those employed at any and all branches of stereotyping 
and electrotyping within the jurisdiction of the first named organization, and 
the said Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union recognizes the 
sole right of the International Typographical Union to charter, regulate, con- 
trol and organize the compositors and other branches of the printing trade 

680 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

(excepting stereotypers and electrotypers and all branches of stereotyping and 
electrotyping) at present or in future connected with that organization. 

2. Each party recognizes the jurisdiction and authority of the other, as set 
forth in clause i of this agreement, and each party further agrees to withhold 
recognition from any and all persons following as a vocation any branch of 
the printing craft under control of the other party to this agreement. 

3. The parties to this agreement hereby finally and forever abandon all 
right or pretense to organize, aid or abet, morally or financially, in whole or in 
part, a union, individual or clique of individuals employed at any branch under 
the control of the other party to this agreement. 

4. The International Typographical Union and Stereotypers and Electro- 
typers' Trade District Union hereby agree to co-operate with and assist each 
other in organizing and for offensive and defensive purposes, as hereinafter 
specified. 

5. The International Typographical Union and Stereotypers and Electro- 
typers' Trade District Union, each agrees to pay a per capita tax on each mem- 
ber thereof to the secretary-treasurer of the International Typographical Union, 
the money so paid to be used as a joint fund by both bodies for organizing and 
for offensive and defensive purposes. The members of the Stereotypers and 
Electrotypers' Trade District Union shall pay a monthly per capita tax of 
ten (10) cents, seven and one-half (7^) cents, of which shall be apportioned 
to the joint defense . fund; two and one-half (2 J/2) cents of which shall be 
in payment of privileges otherwise conferred in this agreement. The members 
of the International Typographical Union shall pay a monthly per capita 
tax of seven and one-half (7H) cents and in addition shall pay all necessary 
expenses incurred in the care and distribution of such fund. 

6. The distribution of such fund to be under the control of a joint board 
representing the executive council of the International Typographical Union 
and the executive board of the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District 
Union; such joint board to consist of the president and secretary-treasurer of 
the International Typographical Union and the president of the Stereotypers 
and Electrotypers' Union. The secretary-treasurer of the International Typo- 
graphical Union shall be treasurer of the joint fund, and shall receive and 
hold such per capita tax subject to expenditure by majority vote of the 
joint board. 

7. If at any time the joint defense fund should become depleted then the 
joint board shall take proper measures to replenish the fund in such amount 
as it may determine. 

8. Said Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union agrees to 
abide by the present laws of the International Typographical Union relating 
to defense fund, strikes and lockouts, and such amendments thereto as do not 
impair the spirit of existing laws. 

9. The moneys in this joint defense fund shall be drawn on only for the 
following purposes: For the sustaining of legal strikes or lockouts of subor- 
dinate or affiliated unions, and for the payment of expenses of officers or 
organizers of both unions, when engaged in the settlement of disputes or the 
formation of new unions. 

10. The Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union agrees to be 
bound by the present arbitration agreement existing between the Newspaper 
Publishers' Association and the International Typographical Union, which will 
expire May 1, 1902, and such further changes as may be agreed upon from 
time to time by the executive council of the International Typographical Union, 
not impairing the spirit of the agreement and in compliance with the vote by 
which the present agreement was adopted by the referendum of the International 
Typographical Union. 

11. The International Typographical Union hereby consents that all subor- 

68l 



History of The Typographical Union 

dinate unions of the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union may 
join allied printing trades councils, and further agrees that the Stereotypers 
and Electrotypers' Trade District Union shall have the right to use the allied 
trades council label as is enjoyed by other affiliated organizations. The Inter- 
national Typographical Union agrees to sanction the use of a die and stencil 
label by the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union. 

12. The International Typographical Union agrees to aid the Stereotypers 
and Electrotypers' Trade District Union by inducing all stereotypers and 
electrotypers to join the nearest union of their craft, and shall, through its 
officers and organizers, further assist the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade 
District Union in organizing stereotypers and electrotypers wherever unorgan- 
ized. The Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union agrees to aid 
the International Typographical Union in organizing all crafts under its 
jurisdiction. 

13. The International Typographical Union and the Stereotypers and 
Electrotypers' Trade District Union agree that all future contracts' or agree- 
ments made by allied unions, either verbal or written, shall contain a proviso 
to the effect that such contract shall be null and void in case of strike or 
lockout of any other union affiliated; provided, that such strike or lockout 
occurs after all efforts of arbitration have failed. 

14. The parties to this agreement agree to abide by and enforce the 
following general laws: 

(a) Where it is in the power of a foreman to employ help of the allied 
trades, and he shall employ a non-union man in preference to a union man, 
he shall be fined not less than $5 or more than $25, and on the second offense 
he shall be subject to suspension or expulsion. 

(b) Plate Matter — It shall be the duty of the officers and organizers of the 
International Typographical Union to take immediate steps to prevent local 
unions using stereotype plate matter, electrotype plates, papier-mache matrices, 
and photo-engravings unless said plate matter, electrotype plates, papier-mache 
matrices and photo-engrav.ings are made by recognized union men under the 
terms of this agreement. 

(c) The International Typographical Union directs subordinate unions to 
use their influence in having book, newspaper and job stereotyping and electro- 
typing sent to shops employing union men exclusively. 

15. The International Typographical Union agrees to publish monthly in 
the Typographical Journal official matter, the names and addresses of the 
officers of the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union, and also 
a list of subordinate unions of the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade Dis- 
trict Union, together with the names and addresses of each secretary. 

16. It is further agreed that this compact shall be binding upon the parties 
thereto, should either party to said agreement hereafter adopt another title. 

17. The Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union hereby 
guarantees all present joint trade agreements entered into by the International 
Typographical Union. 

18. The International Typographical Union and the Stereotypers and 
Electrotypers' Trade District Union hereby agree that a representative from 
each body shall be accorded all the privileges at conventions enjoyed by 
delegates thereto. 

19. The Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union, its members 
and successors, hereby renounce all right, title and interest in the burial 
fund and the institution at Colorado Springs, Colorado, known as the Union 
Printers Home, mamtained by the International Typographical Union. 

20. The International Typographical Union agrees at any future time to 
permit the Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Trade District Union to take 
advantage of any per capita tax privileges enjoyed by the membership of the 

682 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

International Typographical Union, upon payment of the same per capita tax. 

21. Other recognized printing trade organizations may become parties to 
this agreement by accepting its provisions, whereupon the necessary changes 
shall be made therein. 

22. This agreement shall be continuous, and shall be accepted or rejected 
as a whole, provided amendments may be proposed hereafter by either party, 
and on ratification by both parties in such manner as their laws provide, shall 
become a part of this agreement. 

Organizing Districts Abolished — The fifth referen- 
dum proposition abolished the district plan of appointing 
organizers and placed the appointment of these repre- 
sentatives in the hands of the president and executive 
council. 

Resolutions — Among the resolutions passed were the 
following: 

That the executive council be and is hereby authorized to 
formulate a plan, to be submitted to the referendum, for put- 
ting the Journal into the hands of all members. 

That it is the policy of the International Typographical 
Union to favor and adopt the principle of arbitration wherever 
possible ; and it is the sense of this convention that the executive 
council should devise a general plan of arbitration to be utilized 
in settling disputes or trouble that may arise between proprie- 
tors of book and job offices and subordinate unions of the 
International Typographical Union; that the executive council 
be instructed to make overtures to the typothetae, or other 
associations of employers, looking to the adoption of a plan 
of arbitration whereby strikes may be avoided in case of dif- 
ference between employers and employes. 

That all local unions be requested to send protests to 
Washington against the increase of the tariff on wood pulp 
and paper, and request that free paper and free pulp be 
included in the adjustment of our relations with Canada at 
the earliest possible moment, and that our International officers 
prepare proper blanks therefor. 

General Laws — Legislation regulating sub-lists took 
the shape of the following substitute for section 128 of 
the general laws : 

The practice of foremen of phalanxing, or giving out six-day 
situations on seven-day papers, thereby controlling extra work, 

683 



History of The Typographical Union 

constitutes a sub-list. Any member holding a position in an 
office, seven-day paper or otherwise, is entitled to employ in 
his stead, whenever so disposed, any competent member of the 
International Typographical Union, without consultation or 
approval of the foremen of said office. A fine of $25 shall be 
imposed upon foremen for violation or evasion of this law. 
Any chairman failing to report the violation of this section 
shall be fined $25. 

The law relating to the changing of scales of prices 
was altered so as to require all unions to decide this 
question by secret ballot and three-fourths vote of six- 
months members except in the case of newly-organized 
unions. 

In the payment of strike benefits, an amendment was 
made to the law providing for a deduction of one-fourth 
of the regular benefits for each day's work received. 

Propositions Defeated — Two propositions defeated 
during the week attracted considerable attention and are 
given special mention. The first was an amendment to 
section 1 of the general laws, and read thus : 

No person shall be admitted as a member of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, or of a subordinate union, who 
is a member of the military organization known as the national 
guard, or any other military organization officered by men 
commissioned by any state or government. All members who 
are at present members of organizations described above, shall 
resign or retire at expiration of term of enlistment. (The 
balance of section 1 to remain as before.) 

An unfavorable report was returned by the law com- 
mittee and excited a spirited debate which finally resulted 
in the tabling of the whole question. 

The second important question defeated was as follows : 

Realizing that the interests of wage-workers in every craft 
or calling necessitates concerted action on the part of those 
who are brought together in the pursuit of their daily toil, 
the International Typographical Union of North America 
emphasizes that it is distinctly a class organization founded 

684 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

for the purpose of embracing in its membership all workers 
in the printing industry, who, upon the industrial field, must 
wrest from the employing class every concession intended to 
improve their material well-being, which fact should impress 
the members of this organization that to conserve their interests 
as wage-workers it is essential that they act as a unit at all 
times, not only industrially, but also politically, because 
through control of the political power, the. employing class 
against which the trade union is called into existence to secure 
for the workers recognition of their rights, derives its means 
to oppress and withhold from the toilers their own. 

We declare, therefore, that it is consistent with the ethics 
of trade unionism, and it is the sacred duty of every honorable 
craftsman who enrolls himself as a member of the International 
Typographical Union, to sever his or her affiliation with all 
political parties that uphold the privileges of the exploiting 
class, which is constantly encroaching upon the liberties of the 
working people. And as it is apparent that private ownership 
of the natural sources of production and in the instruments of 
labor and wealth created thereby is the obvious cause of all 
economic servitude and political dependence, which condition 
aggravates the discontent of the wage-working class, with its 
ever increasing army of the unemployed — the source from 
whence capitalism draws its allies to defeat unionism — because 
of the impossibility to get access to opportunities to apply its 
labor power in the production of things required to sustain 
life, the International Typographical Union of North America 
calls upon its membership to stand unflinchingly for the aboli- 
tion of the wage system, which is responsible for the misery 
and degradation of the human family. 

While this proposition was being considered, a motion 
to table prevailed with' the author of the proposition vot- 
ing in the negative. 

Other defeated propositions were an amendment call- 
ing for separate charters for book and job printers in 
cities where 400 members are employed at that branch 
of the business. A recommendation favoring the piece 
system for machine composition was defeated, as was an- 
other proposed amendment allowing machine operators 

685 



History of The Typographical Union 

to make their own scale of prices. The convention de- 
clined to order the early publication of the names of all 
members of subordinate unions in the Typographical 
Journal and also refused to sanction the appointment of a 
special committee for label agitation, believing that that 
work could be done by the International officers. The 
delegates also voted down an amendment requiring the 
International Union to pay the railroad fares and per 
diem of delegates to the conventions. Adverse action was 
taken on a proposition preventing "whitewashed" mem- 
bers from holding offices in the union. 

Woman's Auxiliaries — Subordinate unions were au- 
thorized and empowered to organize woman's auxiliaries. 

Limited Membership — The question of limiting the 
membership in the organization was presented to Presi- 
dent Lynch, and in his annual report, the following 
opinion on this question was given : 

Replying to your favor of the 31st ult, permit me to say 
that, in my opinion, the International Typographical Union 
can not confer limited membership. Such a course would not, 
I believe, be upheld by the courts, especially in view of the 
fact that we require equal dues from all classes on our mem- 
bership rolls. However, the point which you raise is an im- 
portant one, and thus far I have refrained from rendering a 
decision on it, preferring to allow the forthcoming convention 
to handle the matter. 

Under a strict construction of the law as it stands at the 
present time, non-printer proofreaders and non-printer ma- 
chinists, members of subordinate unions, are entitled to work at 
any branch of the trade which they are capable of filling. 

The Detroit convention amended the law so as to permit 
of this, but the amendment failed before the referendum. The 
Milwaukee convention struck out all prohibitive sections, both 
as to securing membership and working at any branch of the 
trade. 

The chairman of the Milwaukee laws committee, writing 
me on this subject, says : "The harshness and injustice of 
this resolution became immediately apparent, and the Detroit 

686 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

convention requested the referendum to rescind it, but it failed 
to do so. Last year the convention did the same thing — they 
obliterated the regulation — and this action was endorsed by 
the referendum. * * * It would seem the plain duty of a 
union to its members to leave them unrestricted in the exercise 
of their talents, provided there is no vital principle of unionism 
violated. 

The president's views were approved by the committee 
on laws and were also concurred in by the convention. 

Chinese Exclusion — Much attention was paid to the 
report of the committee on the Chinese exclusion act. 
The report, which read in part, as follows, was adopted : 

Whereas the Chinese exclusion act, known more generally 
as the Geary law, will expire on the 1st day of May, 1902 ; and 

Whereas the enforcement of the provisions of that law 
since its enactment by the congress of the United States has 
had great effect in excluding from our shores the undesirable 
hordes of Chinese with which this country was threatened at 
the time of its enactment ; and 

Whereas fully believing that, without such a law on our 
statute books and its stringent enforcement, the ports of our 
country will be opened to the millions of Chinese coolies, caus- 
ing great damage and irreparable injury to the American 
workingman ; therefore, 

Resolved, By the International Typographical Union in 
convention assembled, That we demand the enactment of a law 
by the congress of the United States which shall exclude from 
this country Chinese, Japanese, and Malays, and all people 
of Asiatic extraction. 

Resolved, That the officers of the International Typograph- 
ical Union be instructed to prepare a memorial to the president 
of the United States and to congress ; to use every endeavor 
themselves, and to request the co-operation of the American 
Federation of Labor in having congress pass and enforce such 
a law as will have the desired effect of excluding Chinese and 
other Asiatic races from this country. 

Resolved, That the subordinate unions be requested to 
endorse these or similar resolutions, and to petition the presi- 
dent of the United States and the senators and congressmen 
of their respective states, with the view of securing their sup- 

687 



History of The Typographical Union 

port for the enactment of such a law as will exclude the 
Asiatic races from the country in fact as well as in theory. 

Relations* With Publishers — Commissioner Driscoll, 
of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, ad- 
dressed the convention, congratulated the organization 
upon the amicable relations existing between the union 
and the association he represented, and pointed out cer- 
tain modifications in the laws of the International Union 
which he suggested would be agreeable to the publishers. 

Tripartite Agreement Abrogated — Intense excitement 
prevailed throughout the convention when the committee 
on allied trade relations and tripartite agreement passed 
up its report. As a substitute for the various propositions 
referred to it, this committee recommended that the con- 
vention approve the abrogation of the agreement between 
the International Typographical Union, International 
Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and Interna- 
tional Brotherhood of Bookbinders, and ordered sub- 
mitted to the referendum the question "Shall the tripartite 
agreement be abrogated?" Debate on the subject contin- 
ued for some time and resulted in the adoption of the 
report by a vote of 142 ayes, 2 noes. 

Cincinnati, Ohio, was chosen as the meeting place fof 
the convention of 1902. 

AFTER THE CONVENTION 

Officers, 1902-1903 — During the interim following 
the Birmingham convention and the session held at Cin- 
cinnati, the election of officers by the referendum resulted 
in the selection of the following: President, James M. 
Lynch, Syracuse; first vice-president, C. E. Hawkes, 
Chicago; second vice-president, Hugo Miller, Indianap- 
olis; third vice-president, James Mulcahy, St Louis; 
fourth vice-president, J. F. O'Sullivan, Boston; fifth 
vice-president, Charles S. Walls, New York; seventh 

688 



Convention at Birmingham, 1901 

vice-president, P. G. Nuernberger, Chicago; secretary- 
treasurer, J. W. Bramwood, Denver. Delegates to Amer- 
ican Federation of Labor — James M. Lynch (president), 
Syracuse; Max S. Hayes, Cleveland; Frank Morrison, 
Chicago; William M. Garrett, Washington, D. C. ; J. F. 
O'Sullivan, Boston. Trustees Union Printers Home — 
James M. Lynch, Syracuse; J. W. Bramwood, Denver; 
Thomas McCaffery, Colorado Springs; William Aimison, 
Nashville; E. W. Patton, Washington, D. C. ; L. C. Shep- 
ard, Chicago; H. H. Rogers, Chicago; Agent — William 
Kennedy, Chicago. 

Arbitration Agreement Renewed — In the interim fol- 
lowing the Birmingham convention and the assembling 
of the delegates at Cincinnati, the executive council, by 
authority granted at Birmingham, renewed the arbitra- 
tion agreement with the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association, in amended form. In the Typographical 
Journal of May 1, speaking of the new agreement, Presi- 
dent Lynch said : 

Today the amended arbitration agreement between the International Typo- 
graphical Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' Association goes into 
effect. It is for five years, and for that length of time will reasonably 
guarantee industrial peace in about 150 of the great newspapers in our juris- 
diction. The amendments to the agreement provide that all contracts coming 
under its provisions, and made after May 1, 1902, must be first approved by 
the president of the International Typographical Union, and that when the 
present contracts with local unions expire, and disputes arise as to hours and 
scales in negotiating new contracts, such disputes may be submitted to arbitra- 
tion, if local agreement is impossible. It is also provided that contracts with 
allied trades councils shall not come under the provisions of the agreement. 
Since May 1, 1901, we have been working under an arbitration agreement with 
the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, and during that entire time 
we have not had a dispute with a newspaper conducting union departments 
and a member of this association that has not been adjusted satisfactorily to 
both the union and the local publisher. One dispute is pending. The agreement 
guaranteed stability, and because of it I believe we have been able to unionize 
many newspapers. During the last year, about twenty newspapers have been 
unionized. In accordance with the instructions of the Birmingham conven- 
tion, I have notified the chairman of the executive committee of the National 
Typothetae that the International Typographical Union is ready to enter into 
an arbitration agreement with that organization. The typothetae is the leading 
combination in our jurisdiction of the book and job employers, and many 
of the members of this society have assured me that at their next conven- 
tion they will support the proposition for an arbitration agreement with the 
International Typographical Union. They realize that such an agreement will 

689 



History of The Typographical Union 

be of great value to the union book and job employers, and, on our part, it 
goes without saying that we are also cognizant of the beneficial effect such a 
covenant would have, not only with typothetae members, but with book and job 
employers generally. I confidently expect that before the new agreement with 
the American Newspaper Publishers' Association expires there will not be an 
important newspaper in our jurisdiction in the non-union class. If we succeed 
in negotiating the arbitration agreement with the typothetae, the effect will be 
the same with all important book and job establishments. We are rapidly 
advancing to that high plane where possibility of strikes will be reduced to a 
minimum, and* the non-union employer is gradually but surely becoming im- 
pressed with the fact that the International Typographical Union is a factor 
that must be considered in the printing trade, and that business interest 
demands a workable and satisfactory agreement that will surely establish 
industrial peace. 

Convention at Cincinnati 

[1902] — The forty-eighth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order by Presi- 
dent Lynch in the Pike Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, 
Monday, August 11, 1902. The gathering marked the 
golden anniversary of the union. Fifty years before, on 
May 5, 1852, the National Typographical Union had been 
formally launched at a convention of delegates held in 
Cincinnati. Again on June 6, 1870, the International 
Typographical Union held its first session as an Interna- 
tional body in the same city. 

Edmund O'Connell, chairman golden jubilee commit- 
tee of No. 3, addressed the convention briefly and was 
followed by the Rev. G. H. Edwards, who invoked the 
divine blessing upon the convention and its deliberations. 
Acting Mayor Charles J. Christie welcomed the delegates 
and visitors and extended the freedom of the Queen City. 
President McReynolds assured the delegates and visitors 
of the pleasure which the membership of Cincinnati 
Union felt in entertaining them and promised that every 
effort would be made to send every one home feeling that 
the visit had been an enjoyable one. To these addresses 
of welcome, President Lynch responded briefly, and at 
the conclusion of his remarks, declared the convention 
open for business. 

690 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood reported the names of 
191 regularly elected delegates, representing 145 subordi- 
nate unions. At subsequent times during the week, addi- 
tional delegates arrived, swelling the total number to 205 
and increasing the number of unions represented to 156, 
the largest gathering in the history of the organization 
up to that time. 

The following resolution was received from the Inter- 
national Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union and or- 
dered placed on record : 

Cincinnati, Ohio, August 11, 1902. 

Resolved, That the International Stereotypers' and Electrotypers' Union, in 
its first convention assembled, presents its sincere congratulations to the Inter- 
national Typographical Union upon the occasion of its golden jubilee, being 
observed in Cincinnati and expresses the earnest desire that the pleasant and 
cordial relations that have existed in the past will be continued for all future 
time, and that the prosperity of the International Typographical Union, at 
present existing under the wise and conservative policy of the present executive 
council of the International Typographical Union, may be continued, and bring 
an increased peace and prosperity to the present and future members of the 
International Typographical Union in particular and the entire printing trade 
in general. 

The International Stereotypers' and Electrotypers' Union sincerely thanks 
the International Typographical Union for past assistance and support, and 
desires to assure the delegates of the International Typographical Union at its 
golden jubilee celebration that it is our earnest desire that our relations may 
ever be of a cordial and fraternal nature, both giving our utmost support to 
each other, and that our motto may ever be, "An injury to one is the concern 

James J. Freel, President. 

A. Thomas Campbell, Vice-President. 

George W. Williams, Secretary-Treasurer. 

REVIEW OF OFFICER S' REPORTS 

In his annual address to the convention, President 
Lynch, after reviewing briefly the history of the organi- 
zation from its inception in Cincinnati fifty years before, 
congratulated the membership on the fact that the clos- 
ing year ha*d been one remarkable for peace and tran- 
quillity in industrial relations. He congratulated the or- 
ganization on the many betterments secured during the 
year, and briefly outlined his policy for the future by say- 
ing that while strikes would be avoided where possible, 
yet if entered into, they would be prosecuted with all the 

691 



History of The Typographical Union 

vigor that could be exercised and would not be abandoned 
until the unfair employer was made to feel the cost at- 
tendant upon arrogance and a refusal to accord just 
conditions. 

The value of the annual scale reports was referred to 
and the last document of this character was especially 
commended for its completeness. Four hundred and fifty 
cities were represented in the tables, and it was pointed 
out that forty-eight was the average number of hours 
worked weekly by machine operators and composing 
room employes; the prevalence of the nine-hour day and 
the upward tendency in wages were referred to and a 
noticeable movement toward a common scale for all time 
employes in composing rooms moved the president to de- 
clare that emphatic endorsement could be given the scale 
which placed all composing room employes on an equality. 
A change in the form of collecting data relative to ma- 
chine operators, etc., had resulted in more complete re- 
ports on those subjects, and demonstrated the correctness 
of the claim of superiority of union members in the opera- 
tion and care of machines. The appreciable increase in 
the number of machine operators, tenders, etc., over the 
previous year, was due not only to a proportionate in- 
crease in machines but also to the increase in practice of 
working two shifts of operators, one day and one night, 
on the same battery of machines. The International 
Typographical Union was believed to be the only labor 
organization issuing such a complete scale report. 

President Lynch recommended a careful reading of 
the reports of officers, organizers and committees and 
called attention to two important recommendations in the 
report of the delegates to the American Federation of 
Labor on autonomy and political propositions. He re- 
peated his advice of the previous year on the political 

692 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

question and gave emphatic expression to his opinion, as 
follows : 

Thus far the International Typographical Union has steered 
a conservative course. It has avoided all the "isms" and 
panaceas that are confidently recommended as cure-alls for 
industrial ills. It is not your president's intention to advise 
the membership or the convention either for or against any 
particular political policy. His personal opinion is that the 
wage earners of this country will eventually work out their 
political salvation, and that they will do it without adherence 
to or the adoption of the principles enunciated by any par- 
ticular school of thought. 

On the question of autonomy the president thought 
there should be more light and offered the suggestion that 
the convention should express itself on the subject and 
believed it would be well to refer both the political and 
autonomy matters to the referendum in concise questions 
and allow the membership to express its will as to the 
policy that should be pursued by the International Typo- 
graphical Union and its representatives on both important 
subjects. 

Relations With Publishers and Typothetce — President 
Lynch reported that relations with the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association were satisfactory. The 
difference between the five-year arbitration agreement 
entered into May I, 1902, and that of May 1, 1901, was 
pointed out and a full account was given of the questions 
concerning International law, etc., propounded to him at 
the publishers' convention in February, 1902. That part 
of the general laws providing for the abrogation of con- 
tracts in event of trouble with allied trades was extremely 
distasteful to the publishers, especially the words "null 
and void." President Lynch thought that the publishers 
were unnecessarily alarmed about the law but admitted 
"that it is not good business policy, under ordinary con- 

693 



History of The Typographical Union 

ditions, to sign a contract containing a stipulation that one 
party to the contract, without reference to any other au- 
thority, may at its discretion declare the contract null 
and void." The commissioner of the publishers' associa- 
tion wanted the section of general laws referred to elimi- 
nated or amended into what would be considered a more 
equitable law. The president was opposed to bringing 
pressure to bear on local publishers to the end that an 
arbitration agreement might be executed. He said : 

The benefits obtained under the agreement are just as val- 
uable to the publisher as to the union. If the publisher believes 
that he does not need the protection of an arbitration agree- 
ment, then the local union can rest equally content. In other 
words, we stand ready to arbitrate. The instrument has been 
provided ; it remains for the publisher to do the rest. 

As the convention of the typothetae had not been held 
at the time of publication of the officers' reports, it was 
impossible to report conclusions on the efforts to comply 
with the instructions of the Birmingham convention to 
make overtures to the typothetae looking to a plan of 
arbitration. 

An interesting account was given of an address deliv- 
ered by President Lynch at the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association convention in which he spoke of 
the friendly relations existing between the two organiza- 
tions, the necessity for the continuance of the same and the 
desire that the authorized representative of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union be given a hearing before 
any legislation hostile to the International Typographical 
Union be enacted by the publishers' association. The ex- 
cellent opportunity to make a plea for better workrooms 
was not lost sight of. While it was admitted that in recent 
years newspaper proprietors had given more attention to 
the conditions of their composing rooms regarding light 
and sanitary arrangements, yet it was a fact that there 

694 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

were many composing rooms that were disease-breeding 
centers which annually sent forth men that were in the 
last stages of tuberculosis or afflicted with equally dread 
disease. Well lighted, well ventilated and properly ar- 
ranged departments were necessary as desirable business 
propositions; it was held that the workingman could 
produce better results under the proper surroundings and 
with proper appliances, and, if for no other reason than 
this, the publishers should see to it that the conditions 
complained of were remedied. 

Relations With Allied Trades — Under the head of 
autonomy and industrialism, the president discussed rela- 
tions with the allied trades. He took the ground that the 
terms referred to were generally misunderstood. In his 
opinion autonomy in the management of affairs of direct 
and sole concern to a trade union differed essentially from 
autonomy in the industrial field, where the interests of 
many other trades might be vitally concerned. He thought 
that conduct of affairs of any union should not menace 
the general welfare and that small and weak international 
unions absolutely independent might embroil the entire 
trade in disaster and ruin. His well-defined ideas in the 
matter were clearly set forth as follows : 

One of the functions of our great body, owing to its wisdom, 
strength, and long experience, should be that of a general 
guardian and guarantor of the stability, integrity and strength 
in the industrial field of other international printing trades 
unions. But if we are to act in this capacity we should not be 
expected to do it gratuitously. The measure of protection which 
we are expected to afford should be paid for in proportion to 
its value. The general question of industrialism, not as popu- 
larly and erroneously understood, but considered from a 
scientific and mutually helpful standpoint, should receive at- 
tention at the hands of the convention. The representatives 
of the membership should express themselves in no uncertain 
terms. 

695 



History of The Typographical Union 

It was believed the covenant between the International 
Typographical Union and the International Stereotypers 
and Electrotypers' Union offered the basis of a satisfac- 
tory coalition of the various branches of the printing 
industry. The agreement with the stereotypers was at- 
tached to the report as an exhibit, and members were 
invited to give it a careful study with a view to a better 
understanding of its terms. 

The" better conditions in allied trades councils was 
thought to be due to the abrogation of "that famous dis- 
rupter, the tripartite agreement." Allied trades councils 
were purely local bodies and it was surmised that fear of 
losing the label resulted in harmony where before it was 
"dissatisfaction, friction and division." It was thought 
that out of these local agreements would grow an interna- 
tional arrangement that could be generally applied. 
President Lynch asserted that "despite claims, bolstered 
by alleged arguments in a vindictive 'official' press, we 
still own, control and issue both the allied label and that 
pioneer among union trade marks, the typographical 
label." In this connection was furnished an important 
bit of label history as given in an answer to an inquirer, 
as follows : 

"i. When did we acquire ownership?" The moment the 
present designs were placed in circulation. 

"2. Why did we acquire ownership ?" In order to adequately 
protect the label in case of infringement or fraudulent use, 
and to supervise its circulation, advertise it, and create an active 
demand for it on printed matter. 

"3. How did we acquire ownership?" By originating the 
design, making labels, registering it in the various states, and 
putting up every dollar that has been expended thus far for its 
advertisement. 

New Organizing System — The new organizing system 
was reported to be working satisfactorily. The executive's 
responsibility for results of organizers' work was believed 

696 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

to offset the objection to an increased centralization of 
power and that results had justified the change in the law. 
Organizing expenses for the year — included under this 
head were expenses incurred by organizers — had been 
greater than any previous year, but payments of strike 
benefits had been correspondingly reduced. "If we were 
to add to this saving," said President Lynch, "the loss in 
wages that would have attached to cessation of work by 
the membership affected by the strikes, the system would 
receive almost unqualified endorsement and its feasibility 
and desirability become at once apparent." 

Of the affiliated unions, all were declared to be in a 
fair condition with the exception of the photo engravers, 
in whose behalf a considerable expenditure, charged to 
organizing account, had been incurred. 

Finance — Under the head of finances, the constant 
growth of the organization and the many scale negotia- 
tions — in almost every case successful — were cited as 
heavy drains on the funds. The revenue, it was thought, 
would be sufficient if industrial peace was maintained, 
but a comparatively small number of strikes would soon 
deplete the treasury. A larger income, it was thought, 
would be a great measure of safety. An old-age benefit 
was believed to be a desirable feature. The president 
urged that if this feature could not be established on an 
international basis, then the convention should at least 
urge local unions to consider the subject. An increased 
death benefit was recommended, based on the correspond- 
ing length of membership in the organization and involv- 
ing a slight increase in per capita tax. 

Local Contracts — The practice of making contracts 
with the employers was commended and it was announced 
that the International officers had prepared a blank form 
for this purpose to be used in triplicate, copies of which 
would be forwarded to local unions on request. It was 

697 



History of The Typographical Union 

also suggested to the delegates that it would be well for 
the convention to recommend to subordinate unions that 
wherever possible contracts be executed and that these 
contracts contain arbitration provisions that would guar- 
antee the peaceful operation of industrial departments 
under the terms of the contracts and make as remote as 
possible chance for friction and trouble. 

Apprentices — The importance of the apprenticeship 
problem was again dwelt upon, the introduction of ma- 
chinery having made a rigid system of apprenticeship 
more than ever necessary. The following expression on 
this question by President Lynch was peculiarly apt: 

The skilled artisan — the man who gained his knowledge 
of the printing business under the old conditions — is in demand 
today all through our jurisdiction, and can generally command 
above the minimum wage scale. If the factory method of turn- 
ing out compositors is not abandoned, the skilled printer will 
become rare, and unless the International Typographical Union 
can secure the co-operation of the publishers of this country, 
the day is not far distant when great difficulty will be experi- 
enced by publishers in securing competent composing room 
help. 

Eight-Hour Day Must Come - — The desire on the part 
of the book and job members for an eight-hour day was 
said to have manifested itself and was a subject that 
should receive attention at the convention. The president 
said that the eight-hour day would eventually be estab- 
lished and that he hoped it might come peaceably, "but, 
in any event, come it must." 

Typographies — Second Vice-President Hugo Miller 
reported that there had been little change in the affairs of 
the German unions during the year. The lockout by the 
management of the Philadelphia Demokrat Publishing 
Company still continued, this firm going so far in its hos- 
tility to organized labor as to deny the representatives of 
President Lynch a hearing. An earnest plea was made 

698 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

that all local unions do their utmost to drive out of their 
cities the plates of the Central Newspaper Union, of 
Philadelphia (the ready-made department of the Demo- 
krat Company). The struggle with the German- Amer- 
ican newspapers had resulted in a slight decrease in 
membership in the Typographia. Only one strike had 
occurred during the year and that was successful. The 
financial affairs were, as usual, in first-class condition. 
Notwithstanding the great number of unemployed mem- 
bers, after meeting all obligations and paying all benefits, 
more than $1 1,000 remained in the treasury, or about $1 1 
per capita. Though this was an excellent showing there 
seemed to be a desire for still greater benefits, the second 
vice-president reporting a movement to add to the several 
benefits already enjoyed by the members (such as out-of- 
work, sick and traveling benefits), an old-age, or invalid 
benefits, in order to protect members against being com- 
pelled to go to the poorhouse when thrown on the 
street because they could no longer compete with the 
younger men. 

Mailers — In almost every large city throughout the 
country there w r ere mailers' unions, said Third Vice-Presi- 
dent Canary. He gave expression to an appreciation of 
the good work done for the mailers by President Lynch, 
to the best of his belief, the first executive who had inter- 
ested himself to see that the mailers were taken care of. 
He called the attention of organizers to the splendid fields 
for organization work in Milwaukee, Baltimore and the 
south. An account was given of successful work in New 
York city and Utica, N. Y., and of good results of what at 
first was thought to be a hopeless trip to Philadelphia. Of 
conditions in general he said that all existing local unions 
of mailers were in a healthy state and that their funds 
were increasing. Mailers were represented in every allied 
trades council where a union of their members existed. 

699 



History of The Typographical Union 

Newswr iters — Fourth Vice-President O'Sullivan re- 
ferred to the apathy so characteristic of the calling 
represented by his office. He said that while nearly all 
newspaper men agreed that wages were not being in- 
creased, that hours of labor were not being reduced and 
that reporters and editors were paid in many cases less 
per hour than were the men in any of the mechanical 
departments of the daily newspapers of the country, yet 
"the fear that trade union methods could not be brought 
into service in this line of industry is an imporant factor 
in preventing a more satisfactory growth of unionism in 
this profession." He was not ready to agree that it was 
an easy matter to put a price on brains, but thought there 
might be a minimum scale of wages established in the pro- 
fession and that those who were not competent to earn the 
established scale ought not to be expected to remain in 
the employment of any of the American daily papers. He 
held that men who pursued the calling of newswriters 
and retained cards of membership in the International 
Typographical Union should be required to become mem- 
bers of writers' unions where such existed, and where 
they did not exist "they should be utilized to carry the 
principles of trade unionism into their calling and to 
organize locals of writers in every city." He suggested 
the following amendment to carry out the above idea : 
"That all members in any branch of the International 
Typographical Union who may be employed in any other 
than their original branch of the craft be required to 
deposit their cards in the union of that branch in which 
they may be engaged under the same regulations as now 
apply to the depositing of a card with the nearest union 
of the craft affiliated with the International Typograph- 
ical Union." 

Photo Engravers — The deplorable condition of affairs 
among the photo engravers was set forth by Fifth Vice- 

700 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

President Walls. He narrated the difficulties encountered 
in reorganizing the trade district union of his craft and 
declared that never in such a length of time had its 
members been so thoroughly tested. Those working on a 
solid foundation put forth every effort to retain their 
positions, while others who had some self-constructed 
ideas of unionism, but had drifted away, easily found 
their way back into the ranks. Many of the seceded 
unions were said to have realized their mistake and were 
ready to rectify their error. 

Typefounders — Sixth Vice-President Nuernberger 
reported that the agreement between the typefounders' 
trade district union and the typefounders of the United 
States had been observed in all but a few instances. The 
typefounders' scale of wages was declared to be so com- 
plicated that in a few instances trouble occurred because 
the scale was not correctly interpreted, but all of these 
difficulties had been satisfactorily adjusted. 

Secretary-Treasurer — Secretary Bramwood's finan- 
cial statement for the year ended May 31, 1902, was set 
forth with the same completeness and clearness that char- 
acterized all his reports. It was shown that at no time in 
its previous history had the International grown so rap- 
idly in membership as during the fiscal year reported. 
The withdrawal of the stereotypers and electrotypers 
necessarily affected adversely the average paying mem- 
bership, but the greatest gains had been made since the 
withdrawal of that craft, January 1, 1902. The first seven 
months of the year, when the stereotypers were part of 
the organization, showed a membership of 37,402 as 
against 39,711 for the five months of the year following 
the separation of the stereotypers. The average paying 
membership for the year was 38.364, which was 3,416 
larger than that of the preceding year, notwithstanding 
the withdrawal of the stereotypers. A portion of the 

701 



History of The Typographical Union 

growth in membership was attributed to the formation of 
new unions, the secretary presenting a table showing the 
issuance of 113 charters, the surrender of 20, the suspen- 
sion of 9, the revocation of 1 and the reinstatement of 1. 
Five hundred and fifty-nine unions were on the rolls May 
31, 1902, divided among the several crafts, as follows: 
Typographical unions (English), 493; German- Amer- 
ican, 21 ; photo engravers, 17; mailers, 15; typefounders, 
6; newspaper writers, 7. 

A most unsatisfactory condition of affairs was found in 
the general fund. Though a balance of $2,047.30 re- 
mained to the credit of the fund on June I, 1901, and its 
receipts were somewhat larger than in previous years, 
there was a deficit of $1,738.89 in this fund on May 31, 
1902, when the fiscal year closed. The expenditures 
chargeable to the general fund exceeded the receipts by 
$3,786.19. The reason for this state of affairs was given, 
as follows : 

First, the excess cost of the Journal over its receipts; 
second, an increment in the general expenses of the organiza- 
tion; third, the added levies of the American Federation of 
Labor. That body now has the power to levy assessments 
and during the past fiscal year it collected a special assessment 
of 5 cents per member, besides increasing its monthly per 
capita tax to one-half cent per member per month, thus almost 
doubling the cost of our affiliation therewith. It is impossible 
for this fund to meet the increased demands upon it with the 
present apportionment of revenue. 

The remedy was suggested either in an increased per 
capita tax or a change in the manner of dividing the reve- 
nues. In order to avoid submitting a proposition to the 
referendum suggesting increased taxes, the secretary of- 
fered the following amendment to the law : 

Section 2. The revenues of the International Union shall 
be apportioned to the several funds as follows : One-sixth to 
the general fund ; one-fourth to the defense fund ; one-fourth 

702 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

to the burial fund, and one-third to the endowment fund of the 
Union Printers Home; provided, that in event the receipts of 
the burial fund shall exceed the expenditures therefrom during 
any fiscal year such excess of receipts over expenditures shall 
be immediately transferred to the general fund by the secretary- 
treasurer. 

Though the expenditures authorized by the executive 
council and joint defense board were considerably heavier 
than during the previous year, the defense fund was 
shown to have a larger balance to its credit than at any 
time since its establishment, yet the sum on hand ($5,- 
632.41 ) was declared to be not greater than even the most 
conservative members believed should be kept on hand 
for organizing and defense purposes. 

Burial Benefits — Four hundred and seventy-four 
burial benefits were paid during the year, a greater num- 
ber than ever before, and yet the amount to the credit of 
the burial fund increased $3,717.84. The death rate for 
the year was .01235 per cent of the average membership 
— one in eighty-one. The greatest number of deaths 
resulted from tuberculosis and other diseases of the re- 
spiratory organs, and the average age at death was 42.949 
years. The average death rate since the establishment of 
the fund had been .01318 per cent — one in seventy-six. In 
a table of comparison it was shown that during the preced- 
ing ten years 4,495 benefits had been paid, amounting to 
$258,440. 

Strikes — Twenty strikes, involving twenty-five unions, 
took place during the fiscal year; nine resulted in victories 
for the union while three were lost and eight were in 
progress at the time the report was filed. In these twenty 
difficulties, 388 members took part, of whom 145 returned 
to work when the disputes in which they were interested 
were settled; fifty-six were displaced and 187 were in- 
volved in the strikes remaining unsettled. 

703 



History of The Typographical Union 

Receipts from and benefits drawn by subordinate unions 
were set forth in an interesting set of tables showing the 
payments of each union into the International and Home 
funds, the burial benefits drawn by each union and the 
moneys received by them from the defense fund in strike 
benefits or special assistance. 

An instructive feature of the secretary's report was a 
table showing the amount of money in the treasuries of 
subordinate unions, the membership in good standing and 
in arrears, and the total membership of each. 

Typographical Journal — While there had been an in- 
crease in the sum received during the fiscal year from 
subscriptions to the Journal, it had not been such as was 
desired nor what it should have been had the membership 
taken advantage of its opportunity to secure the publica- 
tion. The net cost of the paper on the basis of the average 
membership was a little more than 12 cents per member, 
an increase over the preceding years, due to publishing 
an extra number of pages and additional matter. In 
connection with this expense attention was called to the 
fact that a large portion of the magazine was devoted to 
official matter, which obtained a wider and better circu- 
lation through the Journal than it could in any other 
manner. It was asserted that if the Journal were credited 
with fair advertising rates for the strictly official matter, 
a far better financial showing could be made. While the 
subscription list of the paper was larger than at any 
previous period, yet it contained the names* of less than 
one-sixth of the membership. It was asserted that but a 
limited number of unions had taken advantage of the Bir- 
mingham amendment permitting subordinate bodies to 
subscribe for their membership at a monthly rate and that 
the returns failed to meet the expectations of the advo- 
cates of the new law. Only forty-five out of a total of 559 
subordinate unions carried paid cards in the Journal. 

704 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

The secretary said that two courses were open if the 
membership desired that the monetary returns of the 
Journal should approximate the expenditures — either an 
increase in the subscription rate or the publishing of a 
monthly rather than a semi-monthly. In closing that part 
of his report referring to the Journal, the secretary said : 

While there are among our members some who believe it 
inadvisable to use for that purpose the sum now annually 
expended in the publication of our Journal, it is my firm con- 
viction that the money thus used brings returns to the organiza- 
tion of a value that can not be adequately expressed in dollars 
and cents. Besides furnishing a means of placing official matter 
before our locals and their members, the Journal constantly 
reflects the greatness and grandeur of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. Throughout its career the Typographical 
Journal has enjoyed the reputation of being clean, consistent 
and conservative, and its standard has at all times been in 
keeping with the position our organization holds in the trade 
union movement. 

Organizers' Reports — The work of organization was 
being carried on apparently with unabated vigor, judging 
from the voluminous reports of the organizers. Affairs 
in general seemed to be in good shape with the exception 
of the photo engravers' troubles in a few places. The 
label was urged as a potent factor in accomplishing good 
results and the arbitration agreement seemed to be viewed 
with favor on all sides. There were expressions in the 
reports indicating a general condition of harmony be- 
tween the employer and the employe. 

Organizer Bonnington, of San Francisco, reported that 
a vigorous campaign was being waged against the Los 
Angeles Times and that a strong effort was being made 
to dislodge the fraternity from its last stronghold on the 
Pacific coast. He recommended that the convention take 
steps to continue the fight "on the present effective lines 
so long as necessary." The placing of literature in the 



705 



History of The Typographical Union 

hands of those unacquainted with the organization was 
believed to have a beneficial effect. The boom being en- 
joyed by the label on the Pacific coast, and the efforts to 
reap the benefits thereof without complying with the 
necessary conditions, impelled Organizer Bonnington to 
urge the enactment of legislation rendering its use by 
unfair offices practically impossible. He suggested : 

Where a label office in a union town sublets to an office in 
another city a contract for printing which is to bear the imprint 
of the original contractor and the label of the home union, the 
label should be sent by the secretary of that union to the 
secretary of the union in whose jurisdiction the work is to be 
done, to be by him issued to the office doing the printing, and 
be returned at once upon the completion of the work. This 
would preclude the possibility of the label (in my opinion our 
strongest weapon) getting into the wrong kind of an office, 
as happened in this city not long since. 

Organizer Brady gave an account of his efforts to assist 
Louisville Union and the .allied council in having a law 
passed by the Kentucky legislature requiring the label on 
state printing and said the defeat of the bill was brought 
about by the opposition of the pressmen's union. 

American Federation of Labor — Delegates to the 
American Federation of Labor reported that the organi- 
zation was in a healthy condition. The income of the 
federation for the year had been $115,220.89, includ- 
ing $31,932.27 collected from assessments. Expenses had 
been $118,708.39, including $28,712.02 appropriated for 
the International Association of Machinists and metal 
trades in San Francisco, and $32,328.74 expended to 
keep organizers at work in the various states, territories 
and provinces. The reports from unions represented in 
the American Federation of Labor showed that the mem- 
bership had increased 364,410 and that 4,056 charters 
were issued, 916 of them direct by the American Federa- 
tion of Labor. One thousand and fifty-six strikes were 

706 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

reported involving 171,223 members and of that number 
I 53»5°5 were benefited; 585 strikes were won; 242 com- 
promised; 37 pending and 153 lost. The total cost of the 
strikes reported was $548,003.40. 

The report also referred to the opposition of the Inter- 
national Printing Pressmen's Union to the typographical 
label, but in this instance as well as in every other wherein 
the representatives of the pressmen's union attempted to 
secure the passage of resolutions hostile to the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, their efforts were defeated. 

Union Printers Home — The report of the board of 
trustees of the Union Printers Home contained the min- 
utes of the meetings of the corporation and the board of 
trustees, the financial statement of the treasurer and the 
report of the superintendent, the latter document includ- 
ing a brief report from the Home physician. 

At the annual meeting of the trustees at the Home, 
action was taken on many propositions submitted to them. 
Among those of special interest may be noted the change 
of the name of the institution to Union Printers Home; 
the adoption of the ruling that failure of the original 
donor to refurnish a room, after given the option to do so, 
forfeited the right to have the memorial plate on the door 
of the room ; requiring officials of the International Typo- 
graphical Union or Union Printers Home to resign their 
office as a prerequisite to admission to the Home; declin- 
ing to accept application papers in instances where it was 
clearly shown that the applicant had not been a continuous 
member of the organization for five years next preceding 
the date of his application ; acquiring a lease on 240 acres 
of land adjoining the Home property, and ordering many 
minor changes for the comfort and convenience of the 
residents and the beautifying of the grounds of the 
institution. 

The report of the Home treasurer showed the receipts 

707 



History of The Typographical Union 

to have been $57,280.18 (including a balance on May 31, 
1901, of $10,213.57) and the expenditures $41,076, leav- 
ing a balance of $16,204.18. The receipts for the year, 
therefore, exceeded the expenditures by $5,990.61, not- 
withstanding the numerous improvements. 

The Home library at this time contained about 2,000 
volumes, the limit of its capacity. Seventy-one daily 
papers, seventy-five weeklies and twenty-two monthlies 
were regularly received through the courtesy of their 
publishers and a dozen dailies and twice that number of 
weeklies were received by individual residents from 
friends. The superintendent suggested that the next en- 
largement of the steadily growing institution should be 
in the direction of a new library building which could 
also contain a room for public gatherings. He suggested 
a Christmas gift of 50 cents from each member under the 
jurisdiction of the International as a means to raise suffi- 
cient funds for the purpose. 

The mortality record at the Home showed that during 
the year nine residents died from tuberculosis, two from 
old age, one from Bright's disease and one from cancer 
of the stomach. The records of the Home showed that 
during the first ten years of its existence, there had been 
113 deaths and of this number seventy-one died from 
pulmonary tuberculosis. The superintendent declared this 
was due to the admission of patients in the advanced 
stages of the disease and said it seemed impossible to 
remedy this evil. 

An account was given of the celebration of the decennial 
anniversary of the Home, and the following recommenda- 
tions were made by the superintendent : That some pro- 
vision be made to increase the capacity of the dining 
room ; that a small creamery be erected for the proper 
preservation of the milk and cream, and that steps be 
taken to acquire additional land adjoining the Home plot 
in Evergreen cemetery. 

708 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

The conduct of the residents during the year was 
declared to have been uniformly good and during this 
period forty-three had been admitted, sixteen died and 
three expelled ; of the latter, two were expelled for intoxi- 
cation and one for obnoxious conduct. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Four constitutional amendments were submitted to the 
referendum, all of which were adopted. 

Amendments to the original law are indicated by 
italics. It will be seen that these amendments denied 
membership to non-printer proofreaders ; fixed the mini- 
mum wage at $4 per day for unsalaried officers while on 
duty ; increased the revenue of the general fund, and 
changed the Typographical Journal to a forty-eight page 
monthly publication and provided for the payment of 
five cents, in addition to the monthly per capita tax, for 
the purpose of sending the Journal to all members of the 
organization. The general laws were also amended to 
conform with the constitutional changes. The laws, as 
amended, follow : 

Section 1, article i. This body shall be known as the International Typo- 
graphical Union of North America. Its jurisdiction shall include all branches 
of the printing and kindred trades, other than those over which jurisdiction 
has been conceded by agreement. In it alone is vested power to establish 
subordinate unions of printers (printers, proofreaders who are practical printers, 
machine-tenders, and all other skilled employes not otherwise herein excepted), 
photo-engravers, mailers, typefounders, editors (other than managing editors), 
reporters and kindred trades, and its mandates must be obeyed at all times 
and under all circumstances. To the International Typographical Union of 
North America is reserved the right to fix, regulate and determine all matters 
pertaining to fellowship in its branches of the printing and kindred trades, 
while to subordinate unions is conceded the right to make all necessary laws 
for local government which do not conflict with the laws of the International 
Union. In cases where allied trades have formed trade district unions the 
powers hereinafter specified shall be delegated to said trade district unions. 

Result of vote — For, 17,355; against 3,545; majority 
for, 13,810. 

Section 2, article viii. The compensation of any officer other than 
president, second vice-president or secretary-treasurer, or any member perform- 
ing service under the direction of the president or executive council, shall 
be an amount for time lost equal to his earning capacity, or, if unemployed, 
the regular scale of his union, but not less than $4 per day. 

709 



History of The Typographical Union 

Result of vote — For, 13,717; against, 8,071; majority 
for, 5,646. 

Section 2, article ix. The dues of the International Union shall be appor- 
tioned to the several funds as follows: One-sixth to the general fund; one- 
fourth to the defense fund; one-fourth to the burial fund, and one-third to the 
endowment fund of the Union Printers Home; Provided, That in event the re- 
ceipts of the burial fund shall exceed the expenditures therefrom during any 
fiscal year, such excess of receipts over expenditures shall be immediately trans- 
ferred to the general fund by the secretary-treasurer. 

Result of vote — For, 15,307; against, 5,444; majority 
for, 9,863. 

Section 2, article ix. In addition to the monthly dues provided in this 
article, every member (except members of the Typographia and those domiciled 
at the Union Printers Home) shall pay the sum of 5 cents monthly as a sub- 
scription to the Typographical Journal, the same to be collected with the 
monthly dues and transmitted to the secretary-treasurer of the International 
Union, to be placed to the credit of the Typographical Journal. 

Section 3. The dues of the International Union shall be apportioned to 
the several funds as follows: One-sixth to the general fund; one-fourth to the 
defense fund; one-fourth to the burial fund, and one-third to the endowment 
fund of the Union Printers Home. 

-Section 1, article xv. There shall be published monthly by the secretary- 
treasurer a paper of forty-eight or more pages, to be non-political and non- 
sectarian, and to be known as "The Typographical Journal: Official Paper of 
the International Typographical Union of North America," which shall be, 
so far as practicable, the International Typographical Union's official organ of 
communication to subordinate unions.- 

Result of vote — For, 11,545; against, 9,375; majority 
for, 2,170. 

GENERAL LAWS, RESOLUTIONS 

The general laws were amended requiring a majority 
of local auditors to be present at the examination of the 
secretary's accounts and forbidding members of auditing 
committees to attach their signatures to a report unless 
they had personally participated in the examination of the 
books and accounts. 

The law forbidding speed contests on typesetting ma- 
chines was amended to include contests of any character. 

It was provided that a strike in any subordinate union 
could be declared off by a majority vote of the mem- 
bership. 

Subordinate unions were requested to adopt a concilia- 

710 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

tory method of making important changes in their scales 
of prices, and it was required before any change in scales 
of prices was sought to be made effective, such proposed 
changes must be submitted to all the employers interested. 
It was also provided that upon request a representative 
of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association must 
be allowed a hearing on important changes in the scale. 
Among the resolutions adopted were the following : 

That local unions in forming new scales make an effort to 
secure the eight-hour day, and that all local unions be required 
to report to the 1903 convention the advisability of establish- 
ing an eight-hour day throughout the entire jurisdiction of the 
International Typographical Union. 

That as anarchy is largely on the increase in this country, 
and we as good American citizens should abhor this condition 
of affairs, the International Union, at its forty-eighth session, 
tenders its aid in helping to exterminate from our country this 
class of people who violate our laws and are a menace to good 
government. 

That our delegates to the next convention of the American 
Federation of Labor do not work or vote for any proposition 
which may be introduced which has for its object the placing 
of the American Federation of Labor on record as advocating 
socialism or any other political idealism, and that our delegates 
stand so instructed. 

That the executive council of the International Typograph- 
ical Union and the first vice-president are directed to act as a 
committee for the purpose of devising and putting into effect 
plans for the establishment of an eight-hour day throughout 
the jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union at 
as early a date as practicable ; that local unions be required to 
act in conjunction with the said committee in furthering its 
plans, and that they be enjoined from making contracts extend- 
ing beyond October 1, 1905, which require their members to 
work more than eight hours per day ; that the said committee 
bring the matter before the National Typothetae, to the end 
that the eight-hour day may be put into operation without 
friction ; that should the committee deem it necessary to add 
to its numbers, it shall be empowered to do so. 

711 



History of The Typographical Union 

That the International Typographical Union is unalterably 
opposed to the practice followed by many employers of our 
members, who maintain workrooms that are positively detri- 
mental to the health of those employed therein ; and that the 
president of the International Typographical Union is hereby 
ordered to call the attention of the American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association and other employers of our members to the 
sanitary and other conditions existing, and he is hereby ordered 
to demand from all such that steps be taken as soon as possible 
to remedy the existing evil, and that the International Typo- 
graphical Union hereby pledges itself to lend all aid and 
assistance through its local unions to bring about the much- 
desired result. 

LOS ANGELES TIMES 

Following the Birmingham convention, President 
Lynch was requested by Los Angeles Union to send an 
organizer into that jurisdiction for the purpose of con- 
ducting a vigorous campaign against the unfair Los 
Angeles Times. It was stipulated in the request made by 
the union that the organizer placed in the field be selected 
from some section of the International jurisdiction remote 
from Los Angeles, the purpose being that the situation be 
placed in the hands of an individual entirely free from 
local prejudice and influences. By agreement with Los 
Angeles Union, Arthur A. Hay, of Syracuse, N. Y., was 
selected and proceeded to Los Angeles to take up the 
work outlined. 

Mr. Hay made a complete and thorough report of his 
activities in Los Angeles to the Cincinnati convention, 
including therewith an appeal from No. 174 for financial 
assistance in the fight being waged against the Times. 
Realizing the need of vigorous action in the case, the 
convention adopted the following resolutions and the 
delegates present pledged themselves to work for the pass- 
age of the assessment by the referendum : 

Resolved, That a proposition for an assessment of five cents 
per month per member for a period of one year be submitted 

712 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

to a special referendum one month after the other propositions 
from this convention, this money to be paid to the secretary- 
treasurer of the International Typographical Union, and to 
be used in assisting Los Angeles Typographical Union No. 174 
to unionize the Los Angeles Times. 

The above proposition providing a fund for carrying 
on the fight against the Times was endorsed by the refer- 
endum by a vote of 22,066 for, 3,975 against, and thus the 
membership, aroused to the necessity for action, endorsed 
the fight against the Times and provided the funds neces- 
sary to carry on a vigorous campaign. 

RELATIONS WITH THE PRINTING PRESSMEN 

During the progress of the convention, the following 
communication, received by President Lynch, was re- 
ferred to the committee on allied trades relations: 

Charlestown, Mass., August n, 1902. 
Mr. James M. Lynch, President International Typographical Union of North 

America. 

My Dear Mr. Lynch: At the late convention of the International Print- 
ing Pressmen and Assistants' Union of North America, held at the city of 
Baltimore, week of June 16th, 1902, the following resolution was adopted: 

Resolved, That the board of directors, or such a committee to be selected, 
shall call on the officers of the American Federation of Labor to demand a 
ruling as to the trade autonomy of the International Printing Pressmen and 
Assistants' Union in the printing trades. No matter what the decision may be, 
the same committee to call on executive board of the International Typograph- 
ical Union and demand that steps be taken immediately to reinstate on the 
part of the International Typographical Union the tripartite agreement, through 
their referendum or in such a way as the executive council of the International 
Typographical Union may determine, and in event it is refused, no matter what 
excuse is offered, that all members of the International Printing Pressmen and 
Assistants' Union be ordered not to print any form containing the label now 
known as the International Typographical Union or allied printing trades 
label. Then said committee shall call a committee of all international organiza- 
tions that have representation in the printing trades as employes for the 
purpose of forming an international allied printing trades council, and adopt 
a suitable label not later than November, 1902. 

The above resolution speaks for itself and was offered with a view of 
having the International Typographical Union declare in no uncertain terms 
their position relative to the tripartite agreement and the ownership of the 
allied printing trades label; also the trade autonomy rights of the International 
Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union. 

Trusting that a fair and practical discussion on the part of your Inter- 
national body will bring the matter to a just and equitable conclusion, where 
all sides may agree, I am, 

Fraternally and respectfully, 

Martin P. Higgins. 

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History of The Typographical Union 

The committee recommended the adoption of the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

Resolved, That the International Typographical Union, in 
convention assembled, denounces the action of the late conven- 
tion of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' 
Union in adopting a resolution antagonistic and threatening 
to the International Typographical Union, and hereby notifies 
the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union that 
the allied printing trades label and the typographical label are 
the property of the International Typographical Union solely, 
and will be upheld and defended to the utmost by this 
organization. 

Resolved, That the reinstatement of the defunct tripartite 
agreement is not to be considered for a moment, through the 
referendum or in any other way. If the International Printing 
Pressmen and Assistants' Union desires an agreement for 
mutual benefit with the International Typographical Union, 
the proposition must come from the International Printing 
Pressmen and Assistants' Union. 

Resolved, That the International Typographical Union, 
under certain conditions, has jurisdiction over all branches of 
the printing trades except stereotypers and electrotypers and 
all branches of the stereotyping and electrotyping business. 

Resolved, That all members of the International Typo- 
graphical Union be hereby prohibited from inserting in any 
job they may be given to produce any label detrimental to the 
interests of the Internafional Typographical Union, or in the 
interest of any other organization opposed to the International 
Typographical Union. 

After some debate a roll call was ordered and the report 
of the committee unanimously adopted. 

A meeting of representatives of the printing trades 
unions was held in Indianapolis, January 26-28, 1903, 
with the following in attendance : James M. Lynch, J. W. 
Bramwood, C. E. Hawkes and Hugo Miller, representing 
the International Typographical Union ; Martin P. Hig- 
gins, W. H. Burklin, T. F. Galoskowsky, Benjamin F. 
Thompson and C. R. Johns, representing the International 

714 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union ; E. W. Tatem 
and Robert Glockling, representing the International 
Brotherhood of Bookbinders; James J. Freel and L. P. 
Straube, representing the International Stereotypers and 
Electrotypers' Union. James M. Lynch was elected chair- 
man and E. W. Tatem, secretary. Chairman Lynch said 
that the conference was the result of an agreement reached 
at the Federation convention in New Orleans between 
representatives of the International Typographical Union 
and the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' 
Union, and the object of the meeting was to endeavor 
to formulate an agreement between the international 
organizations of the printing trades that would prove 
satisfactory to the interested parties. All matters in con- 
nection with the proposed agreement received careful 
attention and considerable discussion resulted. The best 
of feeling prevailed throughout the conference, it being 
the evident desire to prepare a document that would meet 
the approval of the membership of the different unions. 
The agreement which follows was unanimously approved 
by those present and was signed by the presidents of the 
international unions interested. 

AGREEMENT 

Between the International Typographical Union, the International Printing 
Pressmen and Assistants' Union, the International Brotherhood of Book- 
binders, and the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union. 

The duly authorized representatives of the International Typographical 
Union, the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, the Inter- 
national Brotherhood of Bookbinders, and the International Stereotypers and 
Electrotypers' Union, for the purpose of more clearly defining their obligations 
to each other, the powers of local allied printing trades councils, and for the 
further purpose of avoiding disputes and securing the harmonious co-operation 
of all local unions in joint defensive action and label agitation, do hereby agree: 

JOINT BOARD OF APPEALS 

i. For the purposes of this agreement a joint board of appeals shall be 
created, as follows: Three representatives from the International Typographical 
Union, one representative from the International Printing Pressmen and 
Assistants' Union, one representative from the International Brotherhood of 

7*5 



History of The Typographical Union 

Bookbinders, and one representative from the International Stereotypers and 
Electrotypers. 

2. The joint board of appeals may adopt such rules of procedure in the 
hearing of appeals and the conduct of other business, that may properly come 
before it, as do not conflict with this agreement or the laws of any of the 
organizations parties hereto. 

3. The officers of the joint board shall be a president, a vice-president, a 
secretary, and such other officers as the board may determine, but no two 
executive officers shall be chosen from one organization. 

4. On demand of a majority of the organizations that constitute this joint 
board, the president shall call a meeting at a convenient time and place. 

5. In the event of the representative of any other party to this agree- 
ment voting with the International Typographical Union on an appeal, and 
the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and the Inter- 
national Brotherhood of Bookbinders being jointly dissatisfied with the verdict, 
the two last named organizations shall have the right to call for a seventh 
disinterested party, who shall be unanimously agreed upon, to act as arbitrator, 
whose decision shall be final. If a tie vote should occur under any other 
circumstances, a seventh party, as above, shall be called in, and his decision 
shall be final. On a question of appeal, all organizations named herein 
must vote. 

6. Each organization shall pay the incidental expenses of the joint board 
in proportion to its representation. 

ALLIED PRINTING TRADES COUNCILS 

7. In localities where there are unions chartered by two or more of the 
organizations parties to this agreement a local allied printing trades council 
shall be formed. Should any such chartered union decline to form an allied 
printing trades council, the aggrieved union or unions shall be allowed an 
appeal on this question to the joint board, through their respective inter- 
national organizations. 

8. Allied printing trades councils shall be composed of three delegates 
from each local union holding a charter from one of the parties to this 
agreement, and the same number of delegates from such other organizations 
affiliated with the American Federation of Labor as may receive the unanimous 
consent of the joint board to their admission. 

9. Each delegate present at any meeting of the allied printing trades 
council shall be entitled to one vote; provided, that a roll call may be demanded, 
by the representatives of any union, on a question of the raising of revenue 
or the election of officers, and on such roll call each union shall be entitled 
to additional votes, as follows: For fifty (50) members of the local union 
represented, one vote; for each additional fifty (50) members or major fraction 
thereof, up to three hundred (300) members, one vote; for the next two 
hundred (200) members or major fraction thereof, one vote; for each addi- 
tional five hundred (500) members or major fraction thereof, one vote; the 
membership to be computed in accordance with the last per capita tax paid by 
each local union. 

10. Allied printing trades councils may elect such officers and adopt such 
provisions and rules for their own government as are not in conflict with this 
agreement, or the laws of the organizations parties hereto; but no more than 
one officer may be chosen from the representatives of one local union, except 
by unanimous consent. 

11. The "powers of allied printing trades councils shall not exceed those 
specified in this agreement, and such councils shall not take hostile action, of 
any character except by unanimous consent of the unions represented therein. 



7l6 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

12. Any local union may request the assistance of the allied printing 
trades council in the adjustment of any difficulty that may arise. Upon failure 
of the council to effect a settlement, and should a joint or sympathetic strike 
be desired, the question shall be referred to the local unions for action, in 
accordance with the laws of their respective international unions. 

13. Should an allied printing trades council refuse to abide by the 
decision of the joint board of appeals, it shall be dissolved, and the unions 
affiliated therewith instructed by their international officers to form a new 
council, on the basis of the decision of the joint board. 

ALLIED PRINTING TRADES COUNCIL UNION LABEL 

14. The International Typographical Union shall procufe and hold all 
allied printing trades council union labels, and shall loan same to local allied 
printing trades councils, as its agents ; in accordance with the terms of this 
agreement, upon receipt of a sum of money from the local council not 
exceedire jo per cent above the cost of production and distribution of said 
labels. 

15. No allied printing trades council shall issue any label not procured 
as above, nor any label differing in design from the label now known and 
registered as the allied printing trades council union label, nor duplicate nor 
allow the duplication of said label, except in the case of stereotyped or 
electrotyped forms, in which case the label appearing in the plate or plates 
shall be destroyed immediately upon completion of the work on which it is used. 

16. No other body than the local allied printing trades council shall be 
allowed to grant the use of the allied printing trades council union label in 
any jurisdiction. 

17. Labels shall be loaned only with the unanimous consent of unions 
represented in the allied printing trades council. Unions objecting to the 
issuance of the label in any instance must produce a valid reason for such 
objection, the council to be the judge of the validity of such reason, subject 
to appeal to the joint board; provided, that an active member in good standing 
of any branch represented in an allied printing trades council, who runs an 
office of not more than two platen presses, and in the operation of such 
office complies with the nine-hour law and the laws of his union, shall be 
permitted to use the label; provided, the entire work of the office be done by 
the proprietor thereof, and that when employment is given to any additional 
help, members of affiliated unions must be employed. Violation of the fore- 
going shall be deemed sufficient reason for the immediate surrender of the 
label. The above provisos shall not apply in cities of 500,000 population 
or over. 

18. In regard to label issuance, should any union chartered by a party 
to this agreement feel that an injustice has been done, or should any local 
allied printing trades council feel that the action of any such union is 
detrimental to the best interests of the council, an appeal may be taken to 
the joint board, under such provisions as may be adopted by said board. 

19. Wherever an allied printing trades council is in existence the local 
unions affiliated therewith shall withdraw the label of their respective unions, 
unless otherwise decided by the joint board. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

20. When a joint or sympathetic strike shall have been inaugurated by 
the parties to this agreement the initiating union shall pay those involved 
as follows: The sum of seven ($7.00) dollars per week to each married man 
involved, and five ($5.00) dollars per week to each single man or woman 
involved, for the period of eight weeks, unless settlement is sooner effected. 



717 



History of The Typographical Union 

2i # This agreement may be altered or amended on motion of any one 
organization party to this agreement, and if said motion receives the unani- 
mous consent of the other parties hereto. 

22. This agreement shall go into effect on its ratification, as a whole, 
by the proper authorities of the organizations signatory hereto. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 28th day of 
January, 1903, at Indianapolis, Indiana. 

For the International Typographical Union, 

James M. Lynch. 
For the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, 

Martin P. Higgins. 
For the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, 

E. W. Tatem. 
For the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union. 

James J. Freel. 

The conference also unanimously adopted the follow- 
ing: 

It is the sense of the joint conference that, where allied printing trades 
councils require the number of an office, or the number of the label, to 
appear with the label, the same shall be placed alongside the label in type, 
rather than cast on the label. 

It is recommended that labels be marked by each allied printing trades 
council with consecutive numbers punched in the side of the labels, and that 
receipts for labels from offices contain such numbers, and that the records 
of each council shall show the number on each side of the labels loaned 
any office. 

THE PHOTO ENGRAVERS 

A conference between representatives of the photo 
engravers affiliated with the International Typographical 
Union and those connected with the independent organ- 
izations was held in Indianapolis January 23-24, 1903, 
and resulted in the following agreement : 

Indianapolis, Ind., January 24, 1903. 

In consideration of the surrender of jurisdiction by the International 
Typographical Union over photo engravers, the following is agreed to by 
representatives of the International Typographical Union and independent 
wings as organized in the photo engraving trade: 

That, on the endorsement of the following plan by the proper authority 
of the International Typographical Union, a convention of representatives of 
the photo engravers' unions of the country shall be called, at some point to be 
hereafter agreed upon; that this convention shall form a new international 
union of photo engravers; that this new organization shall agree to work in 
harmony with the International Typographical Union, and at no time or in 
no manner antagonize its interests; that should trouble arise in the photo 
engraving trade, threatening to involve the International Typographical Union 
or its subordinate unions, the International Typographical Union shall be given 
opportunity to pass on the matter and adjust the dispute, if possible; that, 
should a strike be necessary at any time on the part of photo engravers, and 
sympathetic action be sought on the part of the International Typographical 

718 



Convention at Cincinnati, 1902 

Union, the International Photo Engravers' Union, or whatever the organization 
may be termed, shall first guarantee to the International Typographical Union, 
by cash deposit, that all expenses connected with the joint strike shall be 
borne by the organization of photo engravers; that the new organization of 
photo engravers shall at no time give aid or comfort or assistance to any 
trade organization opposed to the International Typographical Union; that, 
pending the endorsement of this plan by the International Typographical 
Union, or its proper authority, there shall be no interference with photo 
engravers' unions now connected with the International Typographical Union, 
or subsequently organized by the latter body. 

In witness whereof, the undersigned representatives of the International 
Typographical Union photo engravers and the independent organization have 
hereunto set their hands and seals, this 24th day of January, 1903. 

In the event of the various "allied printing trades" at the coming con- 
ference agreeing to a similar proposition to the above, the words "International 
Typographical Union" wherever they appear in the proposition submitted by 
Mr. Walls, to be eliminated, and the words "allied printing trades" be sub- 
stituted therefor. 

Charles Walls. 

Lewis Flader. 
THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY 

Immediately following the adjournment of the Cin- 
cinnati convention, the eight-hour day committee, com- 
posed of the executive council and first vice-president, 
began the work of preparing the membership for the 
struggle. In the Typographical Journal of December I, 
1902, President Lynch said: 

The Cincinnati convention considered many important matters affecting 
to a large degree the interests of the International Typographical Union. It is 
my purpose in this column to touch on only a few of these, in order that 
the attention of the Journal readers may be centered on questions that will 
be an important part of the history of the International Typographical Union 
for the next few years. Official circulars will be issued from this office and 
read at the meetings of subordinate unions, quoting in their entirety the 
various resolutions to which reference is herein' made. 

Perhaps the most important act of the forty-eighth convention was 
embodied in its disposition of the resolutions relating to the establishment 
of the eight-hour day in the book and job rooms. After providing for a 
committee to handle the matter, the convention prescribed, "That local unions 
be required to act in conjunction with the said committee in furthering its 
plans; that they be enjoined from making contracts extending beyond October 
T , 1905. which require their members to work more than eight hours per 
day." The convention further ordered "That local unions, in forming new 
scales, make an effort to secure the eight-hour day, and that all local unions 
be required to report to the 1903 convention the advisability of establishing 
an eight-hour day throughout the entire jurisdiction of the International Typo- 
graphical Union." There can be little question as to the advisability of estab- 
lishing an eight-hour day, but there may be some doubt as to the feasibility, 
and this the committee in charge of the matter will endeavor to ascertain, 
and will be in a position to report to the convention that is to be held in 
Washington next year. In the meantime, each local union should put forth 

719 



History of The Typographical Union 

strenuous effort to obtain the eight-hour day. Every union achieving success 
in this connection aids the International committee and makes its task easier. 
In my annual report I said, "Various methods have been suggested whereby 
the eight-hour day can be generally put into effect in book and job rooms, 
and all of these have merit. One of these suggestions which particularly 
appeals to our members as feasible, and also just to the employers, is that 
the working time shall be reduced fifteen minutes each year for four years, 
or until the eight-hour day is an accomplished fact." Local unions, in request- 
ing the shorter workday, may find it to their interest to incorporate the above 
suggestion in their negotiations with book and job proprietors. Incidentally, 
it may be well to mention here that a well-filled local treasury is the best 
lubricant for the eight-hour movement. 

Again in the Journal of September 15, we find in the 
president's column : 

In compliance with the instructions of the recent convention, the eight- 
hour movement was launched from headquarters on September 2, in circular 
No. 1. Especial attention is directed to that portion of the minute adopted by 
the recent convention reading, "That local unions be required to act in con- 
junction with the said committee (the International eight-hour committee) in 
furthering its plans, and that they be enjoined from making contracts, extend- 
ing beyond October 1, 1905, which require our members to work more than 
eight hours per day." Continuing, the circular read: "The report of the 
president treating of the eight-hour day in book and job rooms said: 'Various 
methods have been suggested whereby the eight-hour day can be generally 
put into effect in book and job rooms, and all of these have merit. One of 
these suggestions, which particularly appeals to our members as feasible, and 
also just to the employers, is that the working time shall be reduced fifteen 
minutes each year for four years, or until the eight-hour day is an accomplished 
fact. * * * That the eight-hour workday will eventually be established as 
the maximum for our entire membership goes without challenge. We trust 
thru it may come peaceably, but in any event, come it must.' " 

Three recommendations were contained in circular No. 1 which should 
have careful attention and compliance from subordinate unions, as follows: 
That, in the making of new scales or contracts, local unions endeavor to 
incorporate the suggestion contained in the president's annual report and made 
a part of the circular — that the working time in book and job rooms be 
reduced fifteen minutes each year for four years. This suggestion to apply 
in case agreements embracing better terms can not be negotiated. That an 
eight-hour committee of not less than five members be appointed at once. 
That immediate steps be taken for the establishment of an eight-hour fund. 
The local eight-hour committees will be important adjuncts to the international 
movement. In fact, the success of the project for the further reduction of 
the hours of labor will depend on enthusiastic support from local unions. 
Circulars will be issued from time to time containing further advice and 
instructions. It is expected that the next letter will go from headquarters 
about October 1. If the condition of the printing industry remains in as 
prosperous a state as at present, it will very greatly aid the eight-hour move- 
ment. There is no reason why our members employed in book and job offices 
should work more than eight hours. The newspaper plants almost uniformly 
work eight hours or less. In the instances where newspapers work more 
than eight hours the movement for the eight-hour day will apply. The com- 
mittee in charge of the eight-hour agitation will be pleased to receive sugges- 
tions from members interested in the project. Each member of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union should constitute a committee of one for the 
furtherance of the effort to reduce the working time. 

720 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

Washington, D. C, was chosen as the meeting place 
for the convention of 1903. 

Convention at Washington 

[1903] — The forty-ninth session of the International 
Typographical Union was called to order in the Colum- 
bia Theater, Washington, D. C, by F. N. Whitehead, 
chairman of the entertainment committee of Columbia 
Typographical Union No. 101. Rev. George E. Mayd- 
well invoked the divine blessing. Hon. Henry B. F. 
Macfarland, commissioner of the District of Columbia, 
noted the fact that the International had not met in 
Washington % for a quarter of a century and expressed the 
hope that it would not be so long before another conven- 
tion was held there. Prof. Willis L. Moore, director of 
the weather bureau, referred to his connection with the 
typographical union and paid a tribute to the Interna- 
tional. Daniel C. Vaughan, vice-president of Columbia 
Union, welcomed the delegates and visitors on behalf of 
No. 101. President Lynch replied, thanking the preceding 
speakers for their kind welcome. He then declared the 
convention open for business. 

The secretary-treasurer reported that credentials had 
been deposited by 231 regularly elected delegates, repre- 
senting 179 unions. Credentials were presented by five 
irregularly elected delegates and referred to the creden- 
tials committee. 

An invitation was extended to the International Stereo- 
typers' and Electrotypers* Union convention, then in 
session at Washington, to visit the sessions of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union. 

REVIEW OF OFFICER S' REPORTS 

In his report to the members of the International Union 
and the delegates to the forty-ninth session, President 

721 



History of The Typographical Union 

Lynch said that the year just closed had been a notable 
one for organized labor in general. The spirit of organi- 
zation had prevailed in trades and callings which, 
previous to that time, had been almost unknown, while 
the older organizations had made steady progress and 
gained in membership. He continued : 

It is a pleasure to be able to report that we are no exception 
to the rule of progress outlined. Our field is necessarily some- 
what circumscribed, and in the main lies in the smaller cities 
and towns. The locality of any considerable importance 
without a typographical union is rare. But the avenue open to 
us for added membership contains, nevertheless, almost unlim- 
ited possibilities. It is bounded only by the confines of our 
immense jurisdiction. * * * During the past year we organ- 
ized nearly 160 unions. To accomplish this a large outlay in 
money was necessary, and was coupled with the energy, loyalty 
and ability put forth by our agents. In this work your president 
has attempted to continue the working out of the idea imbuing 
him when first honored as your executive — that, despite the 
great strength of the union, there are new fields that should be 
given attention. The benefit accruing from thorough organiza- 
tion has been repeatedly made apparent where employers 
seeking to secure non-unionists in order to defeat union activity, 
have failed. This was especially true in the Atlanta strike, the 
only affair of magnitude occurring during the year. In the 
furtherance of the work of organization let us make effort to 
devise some plan whereby we can reach the isolated printer 
working in localities supporting from one to six of our brother 
artisans, or not enough to warrant organization. It has been 
found not practicable, in fact, to organize unions of less than 
ten members. What would seem to be desirable would be to 
attach the printers, working where it is not possible to organize, 
direct to the parent body. It may be said that we can do that 
now through what is termed provisional membership ; but 
during the time that such membership has been available it has 
failed to attract new material in any appreciable quantity. With 
a proper system of insurance and other benefits the provisional 
scheme would have undoubtedly been a greater success as an 
organizing agent. 

During the industrial crisis brought about by the vast 

722 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

increase in the number of trade union adherents, the 
president said that the International Typographical 
Union had been fortunate in preserving its equilibrium 
and had pursued a calm and peaceful course. In discuss- 
ing unions of employers the president expressed regret 
at the tendency on the part of trade unions to make light 
of these associations and questioned whether it would not 
be better to display a tolerant spirit toward them in the 
hope of establishing friendly relations. "Surely we can 
not deny to others the right which we claim — the right to 
organize — and it is not aside from the probabilities that 
during this era of organization may come the era of 
peace." In this connection, President Lynch said that 
amicable relations existed between the International 
Typographical Union and the American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association and that with the United Typothetae 
of America there was at least an armed neutrality. 

In calling attention to the work for the future, the 
president observed : 

The extension of the work and scope of the International 
Typographical Union can take the course of added benefits to 
its members in the way of financial relief, the renewal of the 
demand for better sanitary conditions of the workroom, insist- 
ence on the proper instructions for apprentices, the advancement 
of the union label ; but, above all, there should be an effort to 
encourage a system of education that will bring to our member- 
ship a knowledge of the conditions which surround them, and 
enable them to defend their position as trade unionists and 
members of a great international organization. 

Great progress had been made in localities where 
unions had existed for years, and many new members had 
been added to the rolls as a consequence. 

Arbitration Agreement — Commenting on the arbitra- 
tion agreement with the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association, which had been in force for over two years, 
the president reported that all but two disputes had been 

723 



History of The Typographical Union 

settled in a fairly satisfactory manner and that the 
friendly agreement between the two organizations had 
established a much better feeling. The president charac- 
terized the verdicts rendered in the Minneapolis and 
Spokane cases as "outrageous, unjust and ridiculous," and 
said that arbitration had received a decided setback in 
those cities. He said : 

Ours is the first international union to negotiate a general 
arbitration agreement. Thus far we have carried it out faith- 
fully, and with an earnest desire to promote and make secure 
industrial peace with union employers. That this idea is cor- 
rect in theory and right in practice can not be disputed. Its 
practical application has resulted in the conversion to unionism 
of many important newspapers. If, however, the arbitration 
agreement is juggled with by unscrupulous individuals, and 
made the vehicle for unjust and questionable decisions, through 
the connivance of any interested party, then the cause of arbi- 
tration, and necessarily the cause of industrial peace, will 
receive a blow from which recovery will not be possible for 
years. Other organizations, profiting by our experience, will be 
slow to adopt arbitration, and the last condition of the relations 
between capital and labor will be worse than that which arbi- 
tration was intended to remedy. It is for the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association, if it desires the continuance of 
amicable and secure relations, to consent to such amendments 
to the agreement as will guarantee justice and fair dealing, and 
prevent the repetition of the unfortunate and dangerous 
conditions brought about in Spokane and Minneapolis through 
decisions rendered by men who, to say the least and express it 
in the most charitable manner, were absolutely unable to grasp 
and pass upon the important questions entrusted to their judg- 
ment. The arbitration agreement has not quite four years to 
run. That period can be made one of satisfaction and industrial 
peace, under necessary amendments to the agreement, and its 
fair application, or it may be a period of bickering, dissatisfac- 
tion and industrial chaos, marked by events, unfortunate but 
none the less unavoidable, that will mean death to the arbitra- 
tion idea. It is not believed that our members will long 
continue to accept unjust decisions. In the adoption of the 
arbitration agreement by a vote of 12,544 to 3,530, our Inter- 

724 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

national expressed its endorsement of the peaceful method, and 
the Birmingham and Cincinnati conventions by resolutions de- 
noted satisfaction with the idea. 

President Lynch made his address to the American 
Newspaper Publishers' Association a part of his report. 
In it he adverted to the fact that there had been no strike 
or cessation of work since formal relations had been 
entered into between the International Typographical 
Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' Associa- 
tion and suggested that the latter accept certain amend- 
ments to the agreement offered by the executive council 
of the International Union. He also argued for better 
sanitary conditions in workrooms and the adoption of a 
proposed apprenticeship plan. 

Organizing Work — In speaking of the work of organ- 
ization, the president said that the spirit and intent of the 
Cincinnati convention, when it directed that he appoint 
not more than six organizers, had been taken into con- 
sideration and that four or five organizers had been kept 
almost constantly in the field, this being as many as the 
money on hand would permit. He suggested the forma- 
tion of some plan to reach the isolated printer; called 
attention to the organizers* reports and asked that the 
suggestions made therein receive consideration. 

Atlanta Strike — The strike at Atlanta was then given 
attention and the events leading up to its inauguration 
were stated thus : 

The employers of Atlanta in the book and job branch 
formed an association or club. Among other provisions in 
their agreement there was a price schedule. The club has been 
in existence more than two years. About one year ago it was 
claimed that one employer violated the price agreement, and, 
under the contract between No. 48 and the firms, the latter 
demanded that we withdraw our men from the offender's com- 
posing room. We declined to do this under our construction of 
the contract, and trouble threatened. I visited Atlanta and 

725 



History of The Typographical Union 

succeeded in adjusting the quarrel. In March the same em- 
ployer was again charged with treachery to his associates. As 
in the previous incident, we were requested to withdraw our 
men, or, in plainer English, strike the office. This we again 
refused, and rested the case on our construction of the local 
contract, offering, however, to submit that construction to arbi- 
tration. The associated employers refused to arbitrate ; insisted 
that their construction and contention were the only ones that 
could be made; charged us with violation of the contract and 
declared their composing rooms open. There the matter rested 
until the largest office employed two non-unionists, and then 
No. 48 promptly accepted the gauge of battle and struck the 
"open" office. The next most important concern attempted to 
aid the firm in trouble with the union, and another strike re- 
sulted. So it went all down the line, until 140 of our members 
were idle. The Atlanta affair was caused by our refusal to 
strike an office at the dictation of an association of employers. 
This association could not discipline its offending members, so 
insisted that we do it. We refused. The pressmen and book- 
binders went with the employers' club, on the ground that "if 
fourteen offices are against one, go with the fourteen." The 
strength of No. 48 was shown, as office after office became in- 
volved, and with few exceptions the men promptly responded 
to the call. 

Kansas City — The reclamation of Kansas City, the 
president set forth, was brought about by a well-defined 
and well-executed plan of action which had had a most 
important effect. It changed Kansas City from a haven 
for non-unionists to a union stronghold. 

Agreement With Allied Trades — - The agreement ar- 
rived at between the four international unions of the 
printing trades and also between the two factions of the 
photo engravers, it was suggested, should be submitted to 
the referendum for ratification or rejection. 

Trade Union Incorporation — On the subject of trade 
union incorporation it was claimed that comparatively 
few of the local unions were incorporated and in these 
cases the action had been taken for especial reasons, or on 
account of peculiar state provisions. It was recommended 

726 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

that the convention adopt a law forbidding local unions 
to incorporate except under exceptional conditions and 
with the sanction of the executive council. 

Per Capita Tax — Under the sub-heading "Per Capita 
Tax/' President Lynch suggested : 

It might be well for this convention to submit to the- mem- 
bership a proposition making the per capita tax 40 cents. It 
will be 35 cents, even should the Los Angeles assessment be 
discontinued at the end of the year, and it is believed that it will 
be necessary to carry the contest against the Los Angeles Times 
for a longer period than the present assessment has to run. 
Even though we are successful in the Times contest sooner than 
we expect the increased revenue can be used to advantage for 
similar purposes in other sections. 

Miscellaneous — In the closing paragraphs of his ad- 
dress to the membership, President Lynch, after express- 
ing his disapproval of the action of some central labor 
bodies in boycotting union newspapers because of their 
editorial policy, referred briefly to the abuse of the right 
to appeal; the failure of the efforts to secure the passage 
of an eight-hour law by congress; the establishment of 
printing offices on the factory plan in small villages; the 
flourishing condition of the printing business, notwith- 
standing the continued introduction of improved machin- 
ery; the vigorous prosecution of the campaign for label 
text books ; the necessity for better sanitary conditions in 
composing rooms ; the apprenticeship question, and, in 
conclusion, he said : 

We are doing well. Careful action on the part of the dele- 
gates, coupled with moderation and ordinary business sagacity, 
will accelerate our progress, add to our stability as an 
organization, make our future even more secure, and be of 
inestimable benefit to the membership represented in this forty- 
ninth session. Let wisdom be the watchword. 

Typographia — The second vice-president began his 
report by saying that, with the close of the fiscal year, the 
Typographia ended the thirtieth year of its useful career 

727 



History of The Typographical Union 

and that it was in better financial condition than at any 
previous period in its history. While the membership had 
decreased during the last decade, owing to the reduction 
in the number of German publications and the introduc- 
tion of typesetting devices, never before had the German- 
American unions more fully controlled their branch of 
the printing trade. Vice-President Miller also reported 
that after a struggle which had lasted for more than seven 
years the Illinois Publishing Company, of Chicago, had 
been unionized. During the twelve months the funds of 
the Typographia had been increased from $11,000 to 
$16,500, notwithstanding the decrease in membership. 
There were but two German offices in the United States, 
of considerable size, outside the union. 

Mailers — Third Vice-President Mulcahy reported 
that he had been busy during the year organizing new 
subordinate unions and strengthening old ones. A trade 
district union had been formed and since its inception 
unions had been organized in Omaha, Providence, 
Springfield, Mass., and Buffalo, N. Y. The International 
Typographical Union organizers had rendered the mail- 
ers great assistance in the work of organization and thanks 
were extended to the International officers for assistance 
in organizing mailers' unions at Indianapolis, Ind., and 
St. Joseph, Mo. The vice-president complained that 
organization by correspondence failed to produce satis- 
factory results and asked that the sum of $1,000 be set 
aside to meet the expenses of an organizer to work among 
the mailers. 

Photo Engravers — Notwithstanding the legislation 
enacted by the International as a means to suppress the 
seceders among photo engravers, Vice-President Walls 
reported that the secession movement had been gaining 
strength, especially in New York city. "Every possible 
means has been used to persuade the seceding photo 

728 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

engravers to again connect themselves with the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, but all in vain." On 
January 24, 1903, an agreement was arrived at between 
the representatives of the two factions to form an interna- 
tional union of photo engravers which should work in 
harmony with the International Typographical Union 
provided it received the endorsement of the proper 
authority of the latter body. Later on they had an agree- 
ment to exchange traveling cards. Vice-President Walls 
thought it better to accept this agreement than to continue 
strife, and concluded his report by saying that it would 
be presented to the convention in regular form and that 
it had the unanimous endorsement of the photo engravers 
connected with the International Typographical Union. 

Typefounders — The time and attention of the sixth 
vice-president had been given to the adjustment of dis- 
putes and to prevent the disruption of unions by the 
employers who made special efforts to induce those hold- 
ing positions as foremen to withdraw from the union. In 
only one instance, however, had this attempt been success- 
fully carried out. Vice-President Nuernberger reported 
the organization of a typefounders' union in San 
Francisco with all journeymen working at the trade as 
members. A proposition made by the employers at a 
conference with delegates from local unions in New York 
suggested that the delegates make an agreement binding 
the members to sign individual contracts. This proposi- 
tion was rejected. Up to date of his report, Vice-President 
Nuernberger said that all members had remained loyal 
to the union and were working under the uniform scale 
adopted two years previously. 

Secretary's Report — Secretary Bramwood's report 
showed that the growth in membership had been in 
keeping with the advances made in other directions, the 
increase in the average paying membership during the 

729 



History of The Typographical Union 

year having been more than 4,000, the largest in the 
history of the organization. Per capita tax was paid on 
an average membership of 42,436. 

A tabulated statement of the number of charters issued, 
reinstated, suspended and surrendered was submitted, 
which showed a net gain in membership of 2,031 from 
this source. 

The record of local unions showed that on June 1, 1902, 
there were 559 unions under the jurisdiction of the Inter- 
national. The report also showed that during the fiscal 
year 159 new unions were chartered, I reinstated, 2 
suspended, and 18 surrendered, the total increase in the 
number of local unions for the twelve months being 1 40, 
while the total number of subordinate unions to the 
International on May I, 1903, was 699, divided among 
the several crafts as follows: Typographical (English), 
616; German-American, 21; photo engravers, 16; mail- 
ers, 21 ; typefounders, 7; newspaper writers, 18. 

The number of death benefits paid during the year 
was 476, which involved an expenditure of $30,940. The 
receipts of the fund were $7,318.77 in excess of the 
expenditures, and that amount, pursuant to law, was 
transferred to the general fund. The death rate for the 
year was about 1 1 per 1,000, while the average death rate 
since the inception of the burial fund had been nearly 
13 per 1,000. A total of 4,971 death benefits were paid 
from 1892 to 1903, inclusive, incurring an expenditure of 
$289,380. The amount of benefit paid had been increased 
from time to time, but nevertheless the receipts had 
always exceeded the expenditures and the secretary rec- 
ommended that the death benefit be increased to $70, with 
no increase in the per capita tax. A tabulated statement 
giving the age at death, the cause of death, and the 
number of deaths at certain ages was presented, the aver- 
age age at death during the year having been 42.62. 

730 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

The sum of $50,925.03 was transferred to the Union 
Printers Home fund as its share of the per capita tax for 
the fiscal year. 

Typographical Journal — On account of the change 
from a semi-monthly to a monthly, two statements were 
furnished regarding the Typographical Journal account. 
The excess of expenditures over receipts for the first half 
of the fiscal year was $3,880.68, making the net cost of 
the paper for this period 9 cents per member. The 
secretary was of the opinion that a most progressive step 
had been taken in adopting a plan which allowed every 
member to become a reader of the official paper. Not- 
withstanding the fact that every effort had been made to 
increase the advertising patronage of the Journal, there 
had been little progress in that direction. 

Strikes — Nineteen unions were involved in eighteen 
strikes during the year and the number of men affected 
was 397. Of the strikes, six were won, seven lost and five 
were pending at the time the report was filed. Fifty-five 
men were displaced on account of strikes, 202 returned to 
work on the settlement of disputes and 140 were involved 
in the pending troubles. 

Organizers' Reports — The reports of the organizers, 
as a rule, were of an encouraging nature. With their 
assistance increases in wages and reductions of hours had 
been gained in various jurisdictions and many new unions 
had been organized as a result of their efforts. 

Organizer Bonnington, of San Francisco, said the year 
had been one of progress in his territory. Referring to 
the Los Angeles situation he said : "The effects of the 
fight against the non-union Los Angeles Times were 
apparent in every town in southern California. During 
an organizing trip in January, I visited many places in 
that part of the state and found the union men everywhere 
enthusiastic in our cause. As this matter will no doubt be 

731 



History of The Typographical Union 

fully dealt with in the reports of the officers handling the 
contest I will only add the earnest recommendation that 
the convention adopt whatever means is suggested by 
them to carry to a successful conclusion the winning fight 
now being waged against the last stronghold of the fra- 
ternity on this coast." 

Committee on Benefit Features — The committee on the 
establishment of benefit features reported that while it 
favored three classes of benefits — funeral, which should 
be graded according to length of membership, and sick, 
superannuation or pension — it was not prepared to recom- 
mend all three for immediate adoption, but considered it 
wise to recommend the establishment of a graded and 
increased funeral benefit for consideration by the con- 
vention, the other proposed benefits to be taken up at 
a later date. 

American Federation of Labor — The delegates to the 
American Federation of Labor submitted an exhaustive 
report of the transactions of that body at its New Orleans 
session. The following is quoted as having direct bearing 
on the International organization : 

In the controversy between the International Printing Press- 
men's Union and the International Typographical Union, the 
committee on executive council's report reported as follows : 

"It is also pleasing to report that the delegates representing 
the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and 
the International Typographical Union have agreed upon a 
basis by which they will endeavor to settle by conference their 
differences as outlined in the executive council's report and 
resolution No. 128. The resolution referred to has, therefore, 
been withdrawn." 

Home Trustees — The report of the board of trustees 
of the Home contained the minutes of the meetings of the 
corporation and board of trustees, the reports of standing 
committees, the financial statement of the treasurer and 
the report of the superintendent, this latter document 

732 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

containing a brief report from the Home physician. 
Several propositions were discussed involving proposed 
improvements at the Home and it was decided that all 
work should be done by day labor as far as practicable. 
It was decided to add another story to the hospital annex. 
The report of the Home treasurer showed total receipts 
for the fiscal year to have been $68,002.07, with expendi- 
tures of $60,833.49. The admission committee had 
approved eighty-one applications and disapproved eight 
during the year. The mortuary record of the Home for 
the year showed fourteen deaths, seven of which resulted 
from tuberculosis. The number of residents domiciled at 
the Home at the close of the year was 1 13. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Eight propositions were submitted to the referendum 
by the convention, all of which met with approval. 

The first proposition was to amend section 1, article i, 
constitution, relinquishing jurisdiction over photo engrav- 
ers. It was approved by a majority of 14,121 out of a 
total vote of 17,438. 

The second proposition amended section I, article ii, 
of the constitution, providing that the International body 
should not enact legislation relative to the internal affairs 
of printing offices. The majority for this proposition was 

13,055. 

The third amendment provided a salary of $50 per 
annum for the mailer vice-president and was approved by 
a majority of 8,790." 

The fourth proposition amended section I, article ix, 
constitution, creating a special defense fund. Previous to 
the adoption of this amendment the International dues of 
each member were 30 cents per month and 5 cents addi- 
tional for subscription to the Typographical Journal. For 
the year following the Cincinnati convention, an assess- 

733 



History of The Typographical Union 

ment of 5 cents per member per month was collected to 
carry on the Los Angeles fight, making the total payment 
40 cents per member per month. The amendment in- 
creased the dues to 35 cents per member per month, the 
extra 5 cents being placed in the special defense fund, 
thus making the regular dues and Journal subscription, 
40 cents pei member per month. The convention also 
endorsed a proposition to continue the Los Angeles assess- 
ment, but by the adoption of the amendment creating a 
special defense fund there was no necessity for submitting 
this matter to the membership. 

The fifth proposition amended section I, article ix, 
constitution. The old law required that International dues 
for each month be forwarded to the secretary-treasurer 
on or before the third Monday of the succeeding month. 
The amendment provided that such dues should be for- 
warded before the 20th of the succeeding month, thus 
fixing a definite day and allowing a little more time in 
most instances. 

The sixth proposition increased the burial fund from 
$65 to $70, with no increase in dues. While this propo- 
sition was endorsed by the referendum, 1,695 votes were 
cast against it. As the amendment proposed a substantial 
increase in the burial benefit without added taxation it is 
presumed that the negative votes on the proposition 
represented an element in the union opposed to benefit 
features on general principles. 

The seventh proposition amended section 3, article xvi, 
constitution, forbidding subordinate unions, or a combi- 
nation of subordinate unions, issuing labels of different 
designs than that furnished by the International, and 
prohibiting more than one design of label being used in 
any jurisdiction. 

The eighth proposition was a proposed agreement with 
other printing trades organizations recognizing the au- 
tonomy of the printing pressmen, the bookbinders, 

734 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

stereotypers and electrotypers and forming a joint board 
of appeals. The document was the same as agreed upon 
at the conference held following the Cincinnati convention 
which is printed in full in the synopsis of that conven- 
tion (1902). 

General Laws, etc. — The general laws and the by-laws 
were amended to conform with the constitutional changes 
and with the new agreement entered into with the allied 
trades. Among the resolutions adopted by the convention 
were the following: 

That the International Typographical Union in convention 
assembled requests W. R. Hearst to acquire a morning news- 
paper in Los Angeles. 

That the executive council be instructed to expend such sum 
as it may see fit to assist Philadelphia Union in unionizing that 
city, the same to be spent under the direction of the executive 
council of the International Typographical Union. That owing 
to the peculiar conditions in Philadelphia, which are best known 
to the executive officers of the local union, the executive council, 
after consultation with the executive officers of Typographical 
Union No. 2, shall select its representative to supervise said 
work. 

RELATIONS WITH NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS 

The relations of the International Typographical Union 
with the American Newspaper Publishers' Association 
had become somewhat strained owing to the wide differ- 
ences of opinion regarding the purposes and limitations 
of the arbitration agreement. The matter was brought 
squarely before the convention on certain changes that 
were suggested be made in the agreement. Commissioner 
Driscoll, of the publishers' association, was invited to 
attend the convention and address the delegates. In view 
of the importance of the questions at issue between the 
publishers' association and the union, Mr. Driscoll's 
address is reproduced in full : 

Mr. President and Gentlemen: I appear before your organization in con- 
vention assembled for the fourth time as the representative of the American 

735 



History of The Typographical Union 

Newspaper Publishers' Association, and, as usual, by the cordial invitation of 
President Lynch. It is true that this invitation was extended before the unpleas- 
ant disturbance of our heretofore completely harmonious relations, which hap- 
pened last month. I will say, however, that since the regrettable occurrences 
of July, and notwithstanding the same, this invitation has been verbally re- 
peated by the members of your executive council. 

In the year 1900, at the initiatory request of our association, I urged your 
body to take such action as would secure arbitration in the settlement of any 
differences arising which could not be adjusted by conciliation. You adopted 
such action and set in motion the machinery by which representatives of both 
organizations met and arranged a plan of arbitration, which was subsequently 
approved by your referendum and our convention. The following year, at Bir- 
mingham, you empowered your executive council to enlarge the scope and length 
of the term of the arbitration plan, which was done in conjunction with our 
special standing committee. 

For more than two years, covering the execution of the original plan and 
the enlarged one, we all enjoyed continuous industrial peace, and until the 
month of July just past, when two inexcusable strikes occurred in the offices of 
our members, one at Seattle, on July 7, and the other at Spokane, on July 26. 

I use the word "inexcusable" with the fullest deliberation, for, in my judg- 
ment, the reasons put forth for justifying these strikes are not tenable. 

I state unhesitatingly that if arbitration had been adhered to according to 
the obligations of our agreement there would have been no strike or disturbance 
of our friendly relations. 

The national board of arbitration should have been organized as provided 
in the contract in each of the two cases referred to. That board, if it had found 
prior irregularities or even fraud, if publishers or unions had asked for consid- 
eration of subjects not allowed in the contract, has and does possess all necessary 
power to annul and wipe out all previous proceedings, and begin -anew from the 
inception of the issues raised and give an award which would be accepted by all 
parties in interest. 

It is not a pleasant duty for me, I assure you, after years of business inter- 
course with your president and executive council, unruffled by any serious 
differences, and always characterized by the most gentlemanly conciliation, to 
stand before you, their constituents, and criticize and condemn their official 
action during the past month. 

But as a friend of your organization, as a representative of the publishers of 
our association, as a man and a citizen, I am obliged to enter my most solemn 
protest against these gross violations of our arbitration contract. 

As a friend of your organization, I believe you will give me credit for doing 
all in my power since I accepted the office of industrial commissioner to improve 
the labor situation between your members and the publishers of our association 
who had trade relations with the union. 

Representing the publishers' association, I have labored constantly for a 
strict observance of the arbitration contract. As a man and citizen I know that 
if contracts with the unions are not strictly observed and are ruthlessly broken, 
then we have arrived at the end of industrial peace, and we will be moved back- 
ward to the disastrous days of the strike and lockout. 

With reference to the Seattle case, there is no word of the arbitration con- 
tract which has been violated by the publishers of that city, and I challenge any 
truthful denial of this statement. There is nothing in that contract which pro- 
hibits a publisher from presenting a counter proposition when the union makes 
a demand for increased wages or shorter hours. If there was it would be an 
unequal contract, in that it would deny to the publisher , one party to the con- 
tract, the same right conceded to the union. The president and executive 



736 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

council acknowledge the right of the publisher to make an original demand for 
reduced wages or increase of hours, and in that case the union could not present 
to the board a counter proposition for its consideration. To practically carry 
out this idea would require a half a dozen ambulatory boards traveling all over 
the country to hear in one case the union demands, and during the next month 
of the publishers' association. If it is desired to prevent the board of arbitration 
from considering all the facts in each case, this is a patent method of accom- 
plishing unfair work, and of needlessly multiplying labor and effort, while keep- 
ing both parties in interest in frequent and unnecessary turmoil. 

This ruling or interpretation, so-called, has been made by President Lynch, 
representing one of the parties to this agreement, while the commissioner has 
dissented therefrom in emphatic terms. In June, 1902, President Lynch agreed 
in writing with Mr. McCormick, the chairman of our special standing committee, 
after a conference on the subject, that whenever the two members of the national 
board of arbitration disagreed as to the interpretation of the terms of the con- 
tract, such difference should be arbitrated by the selection of a third arbitrator. 
Out of the many differences of interpretation which have arisen but one case 
has been arbitrated as provided. 

In addition, I contend that even if the publisher had exceeded his rights 
under the contract in demanding to have arbitrated matters which were outside 
of the limitations imposed in said contract, the national arbitration board had 
power to .hold each party within their proper limitations to consider only what 
was proper to be heard, and to make an award based on the evidence and 
pleadings. 

In the same way the trouble at Spokane could have been avoided. Even if 
gross fraud was proven on the part of the local board, which I utterly deny, it 
was wholly within the power of the national board, when appeal and review were 
granted, to have ignored all that had previously transpired, and to begin anew 
from the inception of the union's demands. I made the proposition to President 
Lynch to join with me in selecting a third arbitrator, but he declined to do so 
unless I would consent to exclude consideration of the publishers' requests, and 
I regret to have to state he most grossly violated the express provision of the 
contract bearing his own signature and promise to the publisher that there 
should be no strike during the life of that contract. 

Now, in view of this sad experience, you will all concede it would seem to 
be useless to make any amendments to the contract with parties who have here- 
tofore broken it. The special standing committee is ready and willing at any 
time to take up with your executive council the consideration of whatever may 
seem to you as unequal or unfair in the arbitration agreement. The only 
assurance which would be convincing to the publishers that you would carry 
out your agreed part in any amended arrangements would be that you should 
respect the existing agreement and restore to the publishers of Seattle and 
Spokane the statu quo before the strike, and proceed with regularity under the 
terms of the existing contract to arbitrate and finally settle the differences exist- 
ing in our offices in those two cities. 

If you are indisposed or refuse to furnish such assurance the publishers 
certainly would look upon the prospect of your union keeping any amended 
agreement and faithfully observing its obligations as hopeless. 

We regard the honor of your organization is at stake. Your union has the 
reputation of being one of the most conservative, honorable and intelligent of 
all the unions of the country. As it is one of the oldest unions its long experi- 
ence should apparently, at least, have enabled it to acquire more wisdom than 
is possessed by many younger organizations. This wisdom should teach the 
lesson that it is extremely unwise to trifle with a sacred contract between two 
great organizations like ours, and that no violation of contract should be counte- 

737 



History of The Typographical Union 

nanced by your convention in this crisis. The happiness and comfort of thou- 
sands of your members are involved in this issue, as to whether you will abide 
by or break your contracts. Any party who breaks contracts forfeits the con- 
fidence and good faith which previously* reposed in him. 

It remains for this convention to determine what path shall be pursued 
hereafter. If the straight path of carrying out our sacred obligations is followed, 
industrial peace with its numerous blessings will result. If the crooked path of 
broken contracts is to be pursued, the consequence will be deplored on every 
hand. 

Finally, I can not urge you too strongly to adhere to the straight path, and 
thereby not only preserve the general estimation in which your organization is 
held, but also secure to your membership the greatest good to the greatest 
number. 

The address was referred to the committee on arbitra- 
tion. This committee submitted a report covering the 
entire matter at issue between the representative of the 
publishers' association and the executive council. The 
report of the committee is given below : 

Your committee 'on arbitration respectfully presents the fol- 
lowing for your consideration : 

In the famous Spokane and Seattle cases, in which President 
Lynch is charged by Commissioner Driscoll with violation of 
the arbitration agreement, we find, after careful consideration 
of all evidence adduced : 

That the publishers precipitated the trouble by a display of 
bad faith in the outset. 

We believe the arbitration agreement was promulgated by 
honorable men, who were unable at its inception to see the loop- 
holes through which an unfair publisher or union might take 
advantage of it. 

We believe that the apparent bad faith of the above-men- 
tioned publishers nullified the arbitration agreement as applied 
to them, and justified President Lynch and the executive council 
to take the course they pursued. 

Commissioner Driscoll and President Lynch agree, and so 
does your committee, that the whole trouble arises over the lack 
of a code of procedure which shall define what and how any 
question or questions are to be arbitrated. 

We hold that this code of procedure should be fixed only by 
the parties who conceived and promulgated the original arbitra- 
tion agreement. 

We submit that this agreement was effected without arbitra- 
tion in its popular sense, and now that it has been discovered 
that the agreement is ineffective without a code of procedure, 

738 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

we recommend that if the agreement is to live its acknowledged 
shortcomings shall be remedied as above set out. 

We do not believe the arbitration agreement contemplated 
the arbitration of questions of International Typographical 
Union law, but should be confined only to questions over estab- 
lished wage scales and the new one proposed by the dissatisfied 
party. 

The International Typographical Union law in existence at 
the inception of the arbitration agreement can not be arbitrated 
for the reason that only by referendum vote can it be receded 
from or altered. The International Typographical Union con- 
stitution and by-laws, like those of the United States govern- 
ment, represent what the members of this union believe to be 
principles that can not be arbitrated, and their arbitration was 
never contemplated. They are necessary to the life of the 
organization and must be maintained. 

Commissioner Driscoll proposed to arbitrate with our presi- 
dent the questions presented in Spokane and Seattle, and to 
leave it to any third man that they may agree upon. 

For reasons above set forth your committee is of the opinion 
that this can not be done. 

The publishers there demanded the arbitration of matters 
prohibited by our laws, and therein violated the agreement, put- 
ting themselves beyond the pale of arbitration. 

We assert that we believe in arbitration, but arbitration is 
only possible where parties in dispute approach the question in 
a fair and conciliatory manner. 

We recommend that the convention endorse President Lynch 
and the executive council in pursuing the course they did pursue, 
believing that it was the only one open when the discovery was 
made that the publishers were not living up to the spirit of the 
contract. 

President Lynch, in his supplementary report to the 
convention, referred to the matters touched upon by 
Commissioner Driscoll in his address. In order that the 
reader may have a full understanding of both sides of 
this controversy, so much' of President Lynch's report as 
refers to the controversy with the publishers' association 
is included herewith : 

Arbitration Developments — Recent happenings in connec- 

739 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion with arbitration will be of interest. The typographical 
union in Seattle presented a revised scale, embracing an increase 
in the wage and a reduction in the hours. The proprietors 
wanted arbitration. The union was not unwilling ; that is, not 
until the employers presented a counter proposition. Aside from 
the demand for the arbitration of a few laws, the reduction in 
scale, the increase in hours, the regulation of apprenticeship 
terms, etc., embraced in this counter proposition, there was a 
skilfully worded blanket paragraph under which almost any- 
thing might have been brought before the arbitration board. 
Communication was opened with headquarters. The Interna- 
tional officers were of the opinion that if the arbitration 
agreement was to be jockeyed with generally it was time to take 
an unequivocal position. The Seattle Union was given some 
advice. No. 202 interviewed the employers and asked that the 
questions to go to the arbitration board be defined and agreed to. 
This was refused. The union then enforced its scale. 

The Developments in Spokane — The scale of No. 193 was 
$4 and $4.50, seven and one-half hours. The union asked for 
$4.50 and $5. The chairman of the local board voted to increase 
the hours and decrease the scale. The union appealed to the 
national arbitration board, and in consequence I visited Spokane 
last month. The question of the illegality of the proceedings 
of the lower board, raised by No. 193, was reviewed by the 
national board. It was shown that the local chairman was in 
frequent consultation with the interested proprietor; that the 
union's representative was denied the right of attending these 
conferences; that certain telegrams asking as to living condi- 
tions in other cities were sent out from the office of the inter- 
ested newspaper without the consent of the union's arbitrator, 
and that the replies to these telegrams, supporting, as was to be 
expected, the office contention, were submitted to the chairman 
of the arbitration board. Replying to this charge, the weak 
claim was made that these telegrams did not affect the final 
decision. Then to give the proceedings the necessary theatrical 
finish, the alleged award was written and signed by two of the 
arbitrators, and thus promulgated, without giving the union's 
representative on the board opportunity to discuss the terms of 
the written award, suggest a change or modification in these 
terms, or even protest again them. After the review by the two 
members of the national board of arbitration it was my decision 
that the interested newspaper proprietor had violated his arbi- 

740 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

tration contract, and was therefore entitled to no further 
protection under it. The Spokane Union then enforced its 
revised scale of prices. 

Meeting with A. N. P. A. Representatives — Ninety days 
prior to May 1, as required by the arbitration contract, the 
executive council prepared the following amendments to that 
document. 

First. Amend section 8 of the arbitration agreement to read as follows: 

Section 8. This agreement shall bind only those individual members of the 
American Newspaper Publishers' Association and local associations of publishers 
entering into the "contract" as herein set forth, and this contract shall not apply 
to disputes having their inception within sixty days after such agreement shall 
have been countersigned and guaranteed by the president of the International 
Typographical Union. The inception of a dispute is the date that notice is given 
of a desire in any way to change existing conditions. 

Second. Amend section 15 so that the last paragraph but one shall read: 

This contract shall date from 1 90 . . . . 

(This date to be the date of signature by the president of the International 
Typographical Union and continue to the first day of May, 1907, unless amended 
sooner by mutual consent.) 

Omit date of signatures in last paragraph of contract. 

Third. Amend section 1 by striking out all subsection "b." 

In case amendment No. 3 fails to meet the approval of the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association, the following alternative amendments are proposed: 

Fourth. Amend subsection "a" of section 1 so that the proviso shall read: 

Provided such publisher shall have made an agreement with said local union 
to arbitrate all differences that may arise under said verbal or written contract 
or contracts between said publisher and the local union, affecting union employes 
in said department or departments, if such differences can not be settled by 
conciliation. 

Fifth. Amend subsection "b" of section 1 to read: 

b. Such agreement with the local union may also provide that all disputes 
arising over scale provisions relating to wages and hours in renewing or extend- 
ing contracts shall likewise be subject to arbitration under the provisions of this 
agreement, if such disputes can not be adjusted through conciliation. 

Sixth. Amend section 2 to read: 

Section 2. The International Typographical Union further agrees to arbi- 
trate any and all differences that may arise in the mechanical departments of 
any newspaper, member of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, 
which shall enter into an agreement with the local unions to that effect; pro- 
vided, etc. 

Seventh. Amend section 15 so that the first paragraph and the first para- 
graph of the contract shall read: 

Section 15. The form of contract to be entered into by the publisher and 
the local union shall be as follows: 

Contract. 

It is agreed between publisher and 

proprietor of the and 

of duly authorized to act in its behalf, party 

of the first part, and Union, by 

duly authorized to act as follows: 

Eighth. The last paragraph of contract in section 15 to read as follows: 
In witness whereof, the undersigned publisher(s) or proprietor(s) of said 

741 



History of The Typographical Union 



newspaper and - representing 

Union, have hereunto affixed their respective signatures in triplicate this 
day of 190. . . . 



Publisher (s) or Proprietor (s). 



On behalf of Union No 

This contract is entered into by and with the consent of the International 
Typographical Union, and the International Typographical Union, through its 
authorized representative, hereby agrees to protect the party of the first part in 
case of violation of the agreement by the said party of the second part under 
the jurisdiction of said International Union. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 

day of 



President International Typographical Union. 

In accordance with the action of the Cincinnati convention, 
the following apprenticeship plan was also submitted to the 
American Newspaper Publishers' Association : 

To maintain the standard of our craft, to give apprentices an opportunity to 
become competent workmen within the term of their apprenticeship, and to 
give a guarantee to employers that some return will be made them for an effort 
to turn out skilled workmen, apprentices must be allowed to assist journeymen 
on all classes of work practicable, under the instructions of the journeymen or 
foreman, but they shall not be allowed to operate typesetting machines until 
the last three months of their apprenticeship and after they have become pro- 
ficient in the other branches of the trade. Apprentices shall not be confined 
exclusively to proving galleys, distribution, or any other work requiring com- 
paratively little skill for an undue length of time. The term of apprenticeship 
shall not be less than four years. 

Subordinate unions shall make regulations limiting the number of appren- 
tices that may be employed in an office to one apprentice for such number of 
journeymen as shall be just to the journeymen and enable the apprentice to 
receive proper instruction. 

Apprentices, upon entering offices under the jurisdiction of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, shall be registered by local unions. A record shall 
be kept of such apprentices and a certificate issued to each, which certificate 
shall be presented to the union where application is made for membership as a 
journeymen, said certificate to be as follows: 

Certificate of Apprenticeship 
(International Typographical Union) 

This is to certify that has on this date 

entered the employ of as an apprentice. 



Chairman of Office. 
Secretary Typographical Union No 



(Date.) 

Rigid examination as to the competency of applicants for membership shall 
be made by a committee of the local union. 

On Monday and Tuesday, July 27 and 28, 1903, the officers 
742 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

of the International Typographical Union met the representa- 
tives of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association in 
Chicago, and at this meeting our propositions were considered. 
The newspaper representatives agreed to the apprentice plan, 
but declined to accept the vital propositions affecting the arbi- 
tration agreement. This decision has been withheld temporarily 
in order to give this convention opportunity to consider further 
amendments or suggestions. If these are made by the conven- 
tion they will be taken up and considered by the special 
standing committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association. The correspondence in connection with the Chi- 
cago meeting is embraced in an executive council document, and 
will be placed before the convention or the proper committee, 
if desired, as will also the documents relative to the events in 
Spokane and Seattle. 

During the consideration of the committee's report, 
President Lynch replied at length to the charges made by 
Commissioner Driscoll in his address. He gave a detailed 
statement of the Spokane, Seattle and Minneapolis cases, 
pointing out that the interested publishers and not the 
International officers had been guilty of a breach of the 
arbitration agreement. The president insisted the Inter- 
national officers favored arbitration and that the publish- 
ers had not shown a disposition to be fair. The opinion 
was expressed that when the publishers understood 
that the International Union would not be imposed upon 
they would manifest a spirit of fairness and that the dif- 
ferences would be adjusted. 

The report of the committee with its recommendation 
was unanimously adopted by a rising vote. 

The convention then approved of the changes suggested 
by the executive council in the arbitration agreement. 

During October following the Washington convention, 
representatives of the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association and the International Typographical Union 
met in New York for the consideration of the national 

743 



History of The Typographical Union 

arbitration agreement between the organizations and for 
the purpose of preparing a code of procedure to govern 
future arbitration proceedings. After a full discussion of 
all the points involved, specifications and interpretations 
were prepared and a code of procedure adopted. The 
conclusions were reached unanimously and it was the 
opinion of the conferees that the action taken would result 
in a more harmonious relationship and a better under- 
standing of the rights of both parties. After this business 
had been disposed of, it was unanimously decided that the 
disputes in Spokane and Seattle should be considered at a 
later conference to be held at Indianapolis. The points to 
be considered in the cases were determined, with the 
understanding that a decision would be reached by the 
joint committee consisting of three members of the execu- 
tive council of the International Union and three members 
of the special standing committee of the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association and without the aid of an 
umpire or seventh member. At the subsequent meeting, 
both the Seattle and Spokane cases were settled by the 
board on a basis quite satisfactory to both parties. 

Code of Procedure — Following are the specifications, 
interpretations and code of procedure decided upon by the 
joint committee at the New York meeting: 

Defining Matters Subject to Arbitration — 1. In determining and inter- 
preting the provisions of subsection bf in section 1 of the arbitration agreement 
between the American Newspaper Publishers' Association and the International 
Typographical Union, it is understood that hereafter only disputes arising over 
scale provisions relating to wages and hours shall be subject to arbitration. 

2. In determining and interpreting the provisions of section 2 of the 
arbitration agreement between the American Newspaper Publishers' Association 
and the International Typographical Union, it is understood that hereafter all 
matters affecting wages and hours shall be subject to arbitration: Provided, that 
local union laws not affecting wages and hours, and the laws of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, shall not be subject to the provisions of the arbi- 
tration agreement: Provided further, that International and local laws enacted 
subsequent to the execution of an arbitration or a local contract shall not 
affect either contract during its life. 

3. Whenever the members of the national board of arbitration shall dis- 
agree as to the interpretation of any part of the national arbitration agreement, 

744 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

or as to this code of procedure, such disagreement shall then be referred for 
settlement to a joint conference consisting of the three members of the executive 
council of the International Typographical Union and the three members of the 
special standing committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association. 
If this joint body can not agree, it shall select a seventh member, or if it can 
not agree on one, then the selection of the seventh member shall be referred 
to the National Civic Federation. The decision of the arbitrator in either case 
shall be final and binding upon the joint conference and on the members of the 
national board of arbitration. 

4. A form of certificate shall be prepared, and this certificate shall contain 
a statement that the office of the publisher desiring an arbitration contract is 
union in the department or departments to be covered by the contract; that 
there is at the time of execution of the certificate no issue pending between the 
publisher and the local union, nor a new scale or change of scale of prices 
under consideration by either party; and that therefore the full execution of 
the arbitration agreement is satisfactory to both parties. This certificate shall 
be signed by the president and secretary of the local union, with seal attached, 
and by the interested publisher, and forwarded by the latter, with his executed 
arbitration contract, to the commissioner of the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association, and by the latter to the president of the International Typograph- 
ical Union. If there is an issue pending, it shall be defined in the certificate 
and be considered exempt from arbitration, but as to all other matters the 
national arbitration agreement shall apply in the usual manner. No new issues 
shall be raised by either party until at least sixty days shall have elapsed from 
the date of signing the above certificate. 

5. An issue is raised at the time a written request for a change of condi. 
tions is made by either party. 

Local Arbitration — 6. Within thirty (30) days after a union has made a 
demand for a change of scale, or within sixty (60) days after a publisher has 
made such a demand, the two parties in interest must have a conference. A 
shorter period than above specified may be agreed to. At said conference the 
party on whom the original demand was made shall also have the right to present 
a proposition. This conference shall be one of conciliation, and every effort 
shall be made to agree upon the points of difference. The points upon which no 
agreement is reached shall be certified by both parties as questions in dispute 
to the national board of arbitration, which board shall determine the questions 
or subjects which can be properly submitted to arbitration. In case the two 
members of the national board can not agree, their differences shall be sub- 
mitted to the joint conference for decision, and further procedure shall then 
be in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of this code. 

7. After the questions to be arbitrated have been finally determined, and local 
arbitration has been agreed upon, and the local board selected, the said board 
shall proceed forthwith to conduct the hearing under the following rules: 

8. The party making the original demand shall have the right to present 
its case and evidence without interruption, excepting that when oral evidence 
is introduced, cross-examination of witnesses shall be allowed. The opposing 
party shall have the same right in turn. The first party shall then have the right 
to present evidence strictly in rebuttal, and the opposing party shall be allowed 
to present counter-evidence strictly in surrebuttal. 

9. In case of the inability of either side to present evidence at the moment, 
the order may be varied to the extent of allowing such evidence to be presented 
at such session as may be agreed upon by the parties to the contest or as may 
be ordered by a majority of the local board of arbitration. No evidence shall be 
received or considered that was not presented at a regular open session of the 
board. 

745 



History of The Typographical Union 

io. Oral argument shall be limited to one speech on each side, after all 
evidence has been presented. Written pleadings instead of oral arguments shall 
be allowed whenever agreed upon by the parties to the contest or whenever 
ordered by a majority of the local board of arbitration. 

ii. There shall be an agreement by at least a majority of the members of the 
board as to the exact times and places of hearing, of which both parties shall 
be notified in season. The sessions shall be continuous, except for necessary 
intermissions, until the hearing is concluded. 

12. The chairman of the board, or umpire, shall not privately confer, directly 
or indirectly, on the matter at arbitration with either or any of the parties at 
interest, from the time of his appointment until the formulated award has been 
duly signed by the board or a majority thereof. It shall be allowable for all 
the members of the board in any case to visit together any office to see the 
operation of labor therein or for any other laudable purpose to aid in arriving 
at a just decision providing such action is agreed to by all members of the 
board. Any violation of the provisions of this section shall invalidate the 
decision and proceedings shall begin anew. 

13. When said hearing is concluded, the board shall, without unnecessary 
delay, go into executive session, from which all persons except the members of 
the board shall be excluded, for the determination of its award. The award 
of the board must be formulated and signed by at least two members thereof, 
at a regular executive session, after there has been full opportunity for con- 
sideration and discussion, due notice in writing of such session having previously 
been given to each member. Any violation of the foregoing provisions shall 
invalidate the award and proceedings shall begin anew. If any member of the 
board dissents from the award, and wishes to file a dissenting opinion, he shall 
give immediate notice to that effect, and shall, within forty-eight hours after 
the award has been decided upon, and before it has been promulgated, formulate 
his reasons for dissenting, and such opinion must be signed by him before final 
adjournment at a regular executive session, of which due notice in writing shall 
have previously been given to each member. Such dissenting opinion, when thus 
signed, must be attached to the award. 

14. The board shall not be compelled to set forth its reasons for making 
the award, and may only do so in the written award. In framing its award 
the findings shall be expressed in detail, to the end that no misunderstanding 
shall afterward occur. 

15. All expenses of the local arbitration board shall be divided equally 
between the union and the publishers. On the demand of either party the board 
shall employ a competent stenographer to report the proceedings, and the tran- 
script of such report shall be accepted as the best evidence of what occurred 
at such hearing, unless it can be shown that gross errors exist in the said 
transcript. 

The National Board — 16. So far as they are applicable, the foregoing rules 
of procedure for the local arbitration board shall govern the national board of 
arbitration, in addition to the rules comprised in section 14 of the national 
agreement. In case of any conflict between the two sets of rules, the provisions 
of said section 14 of the national agreement shall prevail. 

17. Should it be alleged against either party to a local arbitration under the 
national agreement, that it has omitted to perform any duty prescribed therein, 
or attempted to evade any of these rules, or has secured any unfair or fraudu- 
lent advantage, it shall be the duty of the national board of arbitration to pro- 
ceed without delay to the locality affected, and consider the case in conformity 
with the rules provided by this code and the national agreement. Should a 
majority of the board determine, after a fair and impartial hearing, that evasion, 
neglect, collusion or fraud has characterized the previous proceedings, it shall 
be wholly within its power to commence anew in any case, and reject all that 

746 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

has been previously done; or it may find against the offending party, or annul 
the arbitration contract. 

18. In the absence of a local agreement to the contrary, all awards of the 
national board shall be for at least one year. 

19. These rules and this code may be amended at any time by the joint action 
of the special standing committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' Asso- 
ciation and the executive council of the International Typographical Union. 

20. These stipulations and the code of procedure as hereinbefore set forth, 
are hereby ratified and confirmed this the eighth day of October, 1903, by the 
special standing committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association 
and the executive council of the International Typographical Union, and it is 
agreed that hereafter the national arbitration agreement shall be interpreted 
in accordance herewith. 

[A comparison of the code and rules with the report of President Lynch, 
covering the Seattle and Spokane cases, will show that every contention he 
made was recognized, and the code and rules designed to prevent their re- 
currence. — Ed.] 

ALLIED TRADES AGREEMENT RATIFIED 

A meeting of representatives of the parties to the agree- 
ment between the international unions of the printing 
trades was held at International headquarters at Indian- 
apolis, Ind., on January 29th, 1904. A temporary 
organization was effected and the agreement previously 
adopted by the organizations interested was ratified as a 
whole and declared effective on and after the above date. 

Pursuant to section 1 of the agreement, the following 
were designated as representatives of their respective 
organizations on the joint board of appeals : International 
Typographical Union, James M. Lynch, J. W. Bramwood, 
Hugo Miller; International Printing Pressmen and 
Assistants' Union, Theodore F. Galoskowsky; Interna- 
tional Brotherhood of Bookbinders, Edward W. Tatem ; 
International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, 
James J. Freel. The joint board of appeals was perma- 
nently organized by the election of Theodore F. Galo- 
skowsky as president; James J. Freel, vice-president, and 
J. W. Bramwood, secretary-treasurer. 

It was decided that upon application the photo engrav- 
ers' unions, when amalgamated, should become a party to 
the agreement, after being granted a charter by the 
American Federation of Labor. Provision was made for 

747 



History of The Typographical Union 

the creation and maintenance of a fund of $200 to meet 
the incidental expenses of the board. A resolution was 
adopted making the rules governing the joint board of 
appeals a part of the agreement. These rules provided 
that the representatives should vote for and bind their 
unions; specified the manner of making appeals to the 
joint board by local councils; provided for arbitration in 
event of dissatisfaction with the verdict of the joint board ; 
for naming the date and place of the annual meeting, at 
which time the officers were to be elected, and for the 
filling of vacancies occurring between the annual meet- 
ings; gave members of the board the privilege of dele- 
gating power to proxies; declared that labels should be 
procured from the secretary-treasurer of the International 
Typographical Union and that any infraction of the 
last-named rule should be cause for dissolution of the 
offending council. 

LOS ANGELES TIMES 

In his annual report to the convention President Lynch 
referred to the Los Angeles Times affair. He said that 
through the columns of the Typographical Journal the 
membership had been made aware, step by step, of the 
progress made in the contest. Referring to the proposi- 
tions submitted by the Cincinnati convention to levy an 
assessment of 5 cents per member per month for a period 
of one year for the benefit of Los Angeles Union, the 
president said this was a magnificent endorsement of the 
contest which the International Typographical Union in 
conjunction with No. 174 was making against the Times 
and that it was a most emphatic answer to the editorials 
printed in the Times vilifying and traducing trade unions 
and their officials and the efforts made by the Times 
literary bureau to prejudice the membership against the 
assessment proposition. As a matter of fact the union in 

748 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

self-defense was compelled to take up the gauntlet that 
the Los Angeles Times threw down. 

A special committee appointed to investigate the 
progress of the Times contest reported having carefully 
scrutinized the work from the documents available and 
from the information furnished *by Mr. Arthur A. Hay, 
the special representative of the International Typograph- 
ical Union in Los Angeles, and Mr. T. D. Fennessy, 
delegate from Los Angeles Typographical Union, and 
reported that every possible effort had been made to re- 
cord another victory for the organization. 

Mr. Hay was introduced to the convention and fully 
explained the progress of the contest, showing what had 
been accomplished in a few months, and urged favorable 
action by the convention on the proposition to continue 
the assessment. Mr. Fennessy supplemented the remarks 
of Mr. Hay in a most convincing manner and assured the 
delegates that his union was grateful for the support 
given it. 

In making his verbal report Mr. Hay announced that 
"Tip" Hoy, of Washington, D. C, had contributed $25 
to the Times fund and had promised to make it $100. 

[Mr. Hoy for many years was the proprietor of a well-known printer hos- 
telry in Washington, D. C, and his name and fame as a friend of union 
printers is still remembered throughout the entire jurisdiction. — Ed.] 

The convention endorsed the work of the International 
representative at Los Angeles and the manner in which 
the contest had been carried on and it was ordered that 
the work undertaken be continued and that ample funds 
be provided. 

THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY 

The committee on the eight-hour day presented a report 
congratulating the president and the executive council on 
the large number of unions that had secured or partially 
secured the eight-hour day the preceding year and it was 

749 



History of The Typographical Union 

urged upon all local unions and eight-hour committees to 
put forth the greatest efforts during the coming year. It 
was announced that a large number of local unions had 
failed to report their status on the eight-hour question on 
the blanks that had been furnished them requesting such 
information and the committee urged all unions to take 
a more active interest and lend greater support to the 
executive officers. It was recommended and urged upon 
delegates at the convention to incorporate in their reports 
a statement of the progress the eight-hour day had made 
during the preceding year and to use their best endeavors 
to have their local union inaugurate the movement without 
delay in such places as the matter had not been taken up. 

HATS OFF TO THE PRINTERS 

During the convention week the Washington Post, 
under date of August 10, published an editorial with the 
above caption. By order of the convention, the editorial 
was read to the delegates by the secretary and ordered to 
be printed in the Typographical Journal. It follows : 

Here is where we all take off our hats. We are accustomed to the great 
officials, the accidents of fortune, the wealthy, the aristocratic, and all the rest 
of it, and we easily know each one of them for what he really is. But when 
the typos come to town and gather together in convention we realize that we 
are in the presence of the most potent force of civilization — of the chosen rep- 
resentatives of the craft which for centuries has led all others in the dissemina- 
tion of knowledge and the exaltation of mankind. 

Without them the teachers of the ages would have taught in vain; the 
dreams of philosophers would have vanished with the tapers that burned for 
their meditations; Luther, Shakespeare, Goethe, Wesley, Swedenborg, Newton, 
Jenner, Stephenson, Rousseau would be unknown beyond a narrow and jealous 
circle; the Dark Ages would still brood over the human race, and ignorance 
and fear and superstition hold us in degrading bondage. They have been the 
pioneers of the army of human progress and emancipation. Through them 
the thoughts, the precepts, the inspirations of the captains have reached the rank 
and file. Their hands have held the torches of illumination in whose radiance 
the mind of man has quickened from its swoon. They are the agency of the 
moral and intellectual growth which has lifted the world out of savagery 
and given it to reason and to truth. 

Printing is the science of all sciences, the art of all arts, for it has opened 
the fair land of opportunity to the untold millions and destroyed the cruel 
monopoly of the few. Since its discovery and practical application mankind 
has experienced more blessings, greater enlightenment, larger happiness, truer 

750 



Convention at Washington, 1903 

liberty than had come to it with the blind gropings and the voiceless aspirations 
of the countless centuries preceding. To that art, science, craft — call it what 
you will — the race owes its rescue from the blight of barbarism. For those who 
have practiced it from the beginning to the present day no monument of human 
gratitude would be high enough. 

The average individual seldom considers this aspect of the case. He is 
so used to the fruits of the beneficent civilization made possible by the printer's 
art that he has come to take it all for granted. But the rulers, the writers, 
the public men of our day are conscious of a keener obligation, a far closer 
intimacy. It is not only that the types enable them to communicate their 
thoughts to others and to impress themselves upon the age; it is that the typo 
is their guide, philosopher, and friend besides. Speaking for those who write 
for publication, we make grateful acknowledgment of that debt. Since the first 
type was set, those centuries ago, the printer has known the maker of the manu- 
script as no one — not even the wife of his bosom — knew him; known his faults, 
his virtues, his weakness, and his strength; penetrated his secret purpose, 
unveiled his hypocrisies, perceived his errors, shams and subterfuges. To delude 
the reading public is not impossible. To delude the typo is beyond hope of 
the most subtle humbug. The man at the case feels, as none other can, the 
beat of the loyal, kindly heart. He detects, with equal certainty, the false 
ring of the counterfeit. To know what the printers of that day thought of Dean 
Swift's alternations of mawkish sentiment and passionate ferocity; of Doctor 
Johnson's solemn reverberations; of Congreve's sprightly wit, and Charles 
Lamb's buoyant persiflage — to know this would be to know far more than any 
human being knows and to be wiser than any one alive. 

But here are the typos of our generation, assembled now in Washington, 
and to them, as the finished representatives of the printing art in its last and 
best development, we wish to pay the tribute of our sincere appreciation and 
respect. To tell the story of what this writer or that, or of what this public 
man or that, owes to their patience, their understanding, their sympathy, and 
their enlightened appraisement would be to exhaust the space this morning at 
our disposal, and then be at the threshold of the undertaking. Enough to say, 
All hail, and thanks! 

Officers, 1904.-1905 — At the biennial election* held in 
May, 1904, the following officers were selected for the 
two-year period, beginning November 1, 1904: Presi- 
dent, James M. Lynch, Syracuse; first vice-president, 
John W. Hays, Minneapolis ; second vice-president, Hugo 
Miller, Indianapolis; third vice-president, James J. Mul- 
cahy, St. Louis; fourth vice-president, E. J. Bracken, 
Columbus, Ohio; fifth vice-president, P. G. Nuernberger, 
Chicago; secretary-treasurer, J. W. Bramwood, Denver. 
Delegates to American Federation of Labor — James M. 
Lynch (president), Syracuse; Max S. Hayes, Cleveland; 
Frank Morrison, Chicago; Frank Foster, Boston; Victor 
L. Berger, Milwaukee. Trustees Union Printers Home — 



751 



History of The Typographical Union 

James M. Lynch, Syracuse; J. W. Bramwood, Denver; 
Thomas McCafTery, Colorado Springs; Thomas F. Crow- 
ley, Cincinnati; W. J. White, San Francisco; L. C. 
Shepard, Chicago ; H. H. Rogers, Chicago. Agent — 
William Kennedy, Chicago. 

Convention at St. Louis 

[1904] — The fiftieth session of the International Typo- 
graphical Union was called to order by Chairman M. R. 
H. Witter of the arrangements committee of St. Louis 
Union No. 8, in Convention Hall, World's Fair Grounds, 
on Monday, August 8, 1904. Rev. Dean Carroll M. Davis 
invoked the divine blessing on the proceedings of the 
convention and President Joseph A. Jackson, of St. Louis 
Union, together with Chairman Witter, welcomed the 
delegates and visitors to the World's Fair city. Mr. 
Witter presented the International president with a hand- 
some union-made gavel on behalf of the local body. 
President Lynch returned thanks briefly, and declared 
the convention open for business. 

Secretary Bramwood reported that the credentials of 
264 delegates, representing 21 1 unions, were regular and 
that those presented by four others were defective in that 
the unions had not held their elections according to law. 
An attempt was made to pass a motion allowing the privi- 
leges of the floor to ex-delegates, but this was ruled out of 
order by the president. 

A resolution of greeting to the International Stereoty- 
pers and Electrotypers' Union, then in session in St. 
Louis, and extending to that body an invitation to attend 
the sessions of the International Typographical Union, 
was adopted. 

E. E. Gessler, delegate from Manila, P. I.,' presented 
President Lynch with a handsome gavel and sounding 

752 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

board made from a rare quality of hardwood found only 
in the Philippine Islands. 

REVIEW OF OFFICERS' REPORTS 

In volume and in number of subjects treated the officers' 
reports submitted to the St. Louis convention were more 
comprehensive and contained more information relative 
to the interests of the membership than any documents of 
like nature ever offered at a previous convention. Presi- 
dent Lynch touched upon the industrial disturbances that 
had occurred during the year, declaring them to be of an 
even more turbulent nature than the year preceding, and 
said that the opposition to union labor by employers' 
associations had been still more pronounced. This state- 
ment was made in order that the membership might be 
reminded of the dangers existing to the end that the 
policy and methods of the International Typographical 
Union should be dictated by wisdom, prudence and fore- 
thought. Continuing on this subject the president said : 

We should be careful not to expose ourselves to attack, and 
every movement that we design for the betterment of the condi- 
tions that surround us should be capable of justification to the 
world. At the same time there can be no relaxation in the for- 
ward movement. We must continue to organize, continue to up- 
lift, continue the agitation for reasonable hours and fair wages, 
and persevere in the task of making our great union the ideal 
workingmen's organization. Not forgetting the rights of others 
and our obligations to society, at the same time let us ever bear 
in mind our rights and the obligations we owe to those depend- 
ent on us. Mindful of our present interests, there should not 
be forgetfulness of the future generations, and we should so 
build that the structure we are rearing may be both of present 
service and enduring character. 

Strikes — Following this the International executive 
referred to the three notable strikes of the year: "Their 
loss is to be regretted, but they teach valuable lessons, 

753 



History of The Typographical Union 

which should be studied and remembered." The strike of 
the typefounders was almost unavoidable and its loss was 
due mainly to treachery by members. The president 
referred to the strikes in Boston and Louisville and 
asserted that they were in defiance of International law 
and the advice of the International officers and that their 
failure had done much harm to the local and Internationa! 
organizations. The lack of funds had not caused their 
loss. Had the prospects for success warranted the expen- 
diture, funds would have been provided by the executive 
council. The local officers in each case acknowledged 
defeat. In this connection, President Lynch said : 

If the law is not strong enough and explicit enough to pre- 
vent unauthorized strikes, then change should be made, and 
injunction should be laid on the International officers, wherever 
a strike occurs without sanction from the council, to immediately 
disavow the act of the local union and to guarantee protection 
to such members as remain at or return to work. In both Boston 
and Louisville, after the unauthorized strikes had taken place, 
the council was practically powerless. If these strikes had been 
terminated by the council, the charge would have, been made 
that but for International interference victory was assured. 
These affairs are more to be deplored when it is remembered 
that the International officers were and are firmly of the opinion 
that had the law been observed and negotiations continued, sat- 
isfactory settlements would have been forthcoming. 

Turning to the brighter side, the president referred to 
the progress made during the fiscal year and said that the 
victories of the organization demonstrated that the Inter- 
national Typographical Union occupied a higher and 
more advanced position on May 31, 1904, than it had 
occupied on the same date in 1903. 

Eight-Hour Day — Under the caption, "The Eight- 
Hour Day," President Lynch had this to say : 

The eight-hour day subject will not grow old until the 
inauguration of the eight-hour day is itself an event of the past, 
rather than something that must yet be brought about. A 

754 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

suggestion has been made to the effect that many of our mem- 
bers do not thoroughly appreciate the benefits that will be 
derived by reason of the reduction in hours contemplated by 
the eight-hour movement. If this is true — and it is beyond 
belief — then a great object lesson has not been taken advantage 
of, the betterment of conditions because of the enforcement of 
the nine-hour day. * * * If our members do not appre- 
ciate the benefits that will follow the eight-hour day, if they are 
not alive to their interests, if they will not arise to the duty of 
the hour, then they must assume the responsibility that attaches 
to the crime of keeping the International Typographical Union 
in the rear of the great progress that is being made by the 
industrial army. 

Following this came a statement of the conference held 
on the subject of the eight-hour day with the committee 
of the United Typothetae. The president declared that the 
answer received from the typothetae was not unexpected. 
It was contained in these resolutions : 

Whereas the International Typographical Union has asked 
the United Typothetae of America to declare its position upon 
the proposed eight-hour day ; and 

Whereas under existing conditions any attempt to reduce 
the hours of labor in the printing trade would be disastrous to 
the employer and employe alike ; be it 

Resolved, That the United Typothetae of America declares 
that it is opposed to any reduction of the fifty-four-hour week ; 
and, be it further 

Resolved, That the United Typothetae of America will resist 
any attempt on the part of the International Typographical 
Union to reduce the present hours of labor. 

It had been asserted by some employers that the Inter- 
national Union was bound by the Syracuse agreement, but 
a reading of the agreement referred to, made in 1898, 
would seem to demonstrate conclusively the lack of basis 
for the statement made by the typothetae. The agreement 
only specified the days on which the nine and one-half 
and nine-hour day should become effective. 

Boston and Louisville Strikes — The correspondence 

755 



History of The Typographical Union 

between the officers of the Boston and Louisville unions 
and executive officers of the International, as well as the 
reports of the organizers sent to assist the officers of the 
last-named union in effecting a settlement of the contro- 
versy, was presented to the delegates by the president. 
The basis of settlement of the Boston strike, as given in 
the Journal, was quoted, and in reply to the open shop 
criticism in this regard, President Lynch said : 

The council has been criticized for the Boston settlement, 
and it is claimed that because of that settlement open offices 
were established in Boston. As a matter of fact, open offices 
have existed in Boston for years and years. The large number 
of female compositors outside of the union, and the hitherto 
unsolved problem of how to induce them to affiliate with the 
union has made open offices in Boston an insurmountable ob- 
stacle. The agreement presented by No. 13 to the Boston 
Typothetae, prior to the strike, did not provide for union offices. 
During the strike a very large number of women remained at 
work in the offices affected. It is also a fact that the local com- 
mittee urged the council to accept the proposition that was 
finally agreed to, and that two of the members of this com- 
mittee, officers of the union, coupled with this insistence the 
declaration that if the council left Boston without effecting a 
settlement disaster and ruin would follow. 

The council, after its Boston investigation, was confirmed 
in its opinion that had the advice given in its telegram of Jan- 
uary 30 been followed, and in the event of non-agreement, an 
International officer given an opportunity to take up the nego- 
tiations, that a strike would not have resulted. The council is 
also of the opinion that had its negotiations taken place with the 
union members at work in the offices, instead of on strike — the 
condition that faced the council — a much better settlement 
would have been possible. 

Arbitration — Referring to the arbitration agreement, 
President Lynch said that following the adoption of the 
code of procedure the relations between the International 
Union and the publishers' association under the agreement 
had been most cordial and the arbitration cases had been 

756 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

conducted and completed harmoniously and satisfactorily. 
In using the word "satisfactorily," it was not meant that 
in the few cases where the verdict had not been favorable 
to local unions, these unions had been wholly contented. 
The main point was, however, that the arbitration agree- 
ment had preserved peace and whether the verdict had 
been in favor of the union or the publishers, work 
continued, and strikes, friction and disaster had been 
averted. The continuance of such relations with the 
majority of the great newspapers of the country was 
worth while and it was pointed out that when the cases 
that had been won were taken together with those lost, 
and the results averaged up, it would be found that the 
union was steadily making progress. A list of the cases 
settled by the national board of arbitration was given in 
the report. It showed substantial gains for the unions in 
almost every instance. 

Organization — On the subject of "Organization," the 
president said that more attention had been devoted to 
strengthening the unions already in existence than in 
forming new ones and the effect of this work was shown 
by the total gain in membership during the year. The 
greater portion of the work done by the organizers was 
in settling disputes between employers and unions and 
only on rare occasions had these officers been sent out for 
the sole purpose of forming new unions. It had been the 
president's aim to retain the experienced organizers and 
none had been removed. It was thought that the system 
of permanent organizers had worked for the benefit of the 
International Union and this statement was backed up by 
statistics showing the results of the work done by the 
organizers. Commenting on the open shop, President 
Lynch observed : 

If the International Typographical Union had been willing 
to recognize the open shop, a working agreement with the 

757 



History of The Typographical Union 

United Typothetae of America would now be in effect. Failure 
to perfect such a contract was due almost solely to the desire 
of the employers' committee to incorporate the open office pro- 
vision in the proposed agreement. Our union may properly be 
termed the originator of the strictly union office. This require- 
ment has been a leading feature for all of fifty years. For the 
greater part of that time, the union office rule attracted little 
attention from the public, but recent events have given what is 
now termed "the closed shop" a prominent place in public dis- 
cussion. At the October meeting, under the auspices of the 
Civic Federation in Chicago, the "closed shop" topic occupied 
a conspicuous place in the deliberations. The trade union is a 
labor trust, but it is a combination for the benefit of the many 
rather than the few. Membership in our International Union 
is open to every competent printer of good character. Possess- 
ing this membership, the "closed office" is no longer closed. 
We never have tried to create a close corporation. On the con- 
trary, the effort has been to seek out all journeymen printers 
worthy of the title, and induce them to affiliate. Lack of oppor- 
tunities to labor, or their plentitude, has made no difference. 
One job and fifty applicants, all an equal chance, with the only 
requirement union membership, which in its turn means that 
there shall be no cutting under the established wage, the living 
rate, by any applicant of the fifty. With such a fair field, the 
closed shop loses many, if not all, of the terrors for the wage- 
earner that its enemies seek to ascribe to it. There remains 
the charge that the unions compel the employer to accept, with 
the union office, rules that are obnoxious. Perhaps this is true 
so far as some employers are concerned. But any rules, almost 
any wage, are obnoxious to the individual whose one aim in life 
is profit. The workers have a right to prescribe the conditions 
under which they will sell their labor, and where these condi- 
tions are acceptable to 90 per cent of the employers in a given 
trade, they must have good reason for their existence. We have 
had large experience with the open and closed office question, 
and it has demonstrated beyond a doubt that the strict union 
requirement is necessary if satisfactory and amicable relations 
are to be maintained, and the union live. Let our critics remem- 
ber that we aim to meet conditions as they exist, and that our 
union enactments are founded on necessity and not on theory. 

758 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

Considered as a body, the only free wage-earners today are 
those who hold union membership. The rest have as a class or 
individually absolutely nothing to say in the disposition of the 
only commodity they have for sale — labor. It is well enough 
for the anti-unionist to shout freedom of contract. But is there 
any freedom of contract for the individual? Is it not a fact 
that it is the purchaser who sets the price, and that this price is 
arbitrary, final, brutal in its conception, selfish in its applica- 
tion? Work made a prize for the needy, dangled before their 
wants, in order that traffic may be made in misery, and a job 
knocked down to the lowest bidder. Is it not better that the 
wage-earner should pool his labor, and then sell it through the 
collective method, rather than that labor should be made the 
sport of the man who can buy? The cry against the closed shop 
is raised because it involves a feature of trade-union policy 
difficult for the inexperienced to grasp, analyze and understand. 
Employers believe if the open shop can be established there will 
be speedy end to trade unionism. Once open the way for elim- 
ination of the man with a price on his labor, and his place will 
be quickly taken by the man with labor to sell at any price. The 
International Typographical Union has gone through it all. It 
knows the value of the closed shop. It realizes the necessity 
for collective bargaining. As soon as the reasons underlying 
the demand for the union office are more generally understood, 
the critics will without doubt make their attacks in another 
direction. Let the criticism come. It all advertises trade 
unionism. And in the meantime we will continue to organize 
the printers and unionize offices. 

Label — The president said that nothing was of greater 
service to local unions than the label and added : "It is a 
source of regret that after all the label propaganda there 
is not a more general demand for union-made com- 
modities." 

Beneficial Features — The president again presented 
that portion of his report to the Washington convention 
concerning the value to the organization of benefit fea- 
tures, such as out-of-work, insurance, etc., "in the hope 
that in the near future the greater percentage of the 

759 



History of The Typographical Union 

membership might be brought to a realization of their 
value." Under the heading "Laws Should be Consistent," 
the president said : 

The Washington convention adopted and the referendum 
approved this amendment to the constitution, and it now 
appears in section I, article ii: 

"But nothing shall be enacted relative to the internal affairs 
of printing offices." There are a number of general laws enacted 
prior to the approval by the membership of the amendment 
quoted that are inconsistent with it. If the declaration is to 
remain our enactments should conform with it, and with other 
changes in our laws that will be suggested by the International 
officers will go to a list of the statutes that it is believed are 
related "to the internal affairs of printing offices." 

The elimination of these laws will make drastic changes in 
many hitherto accepted policies. Inasmuch as general laws are 
subject to final action by the convention, this is a feature of the 
convention work that will require special consideration by the 
delegates. 

The Union Printers Home, the Los Angeles Times 
fight, finances, the unionizing of Philadelphia were among 
the other subjects noted in succession in the report of the 
president, who concluded by congratulating the member- 
ship on the reputation, strength and usefulness of the 
International Typographical Union. 

The several vice-presidents submitted reports covering 
activities in the affiliated trades during the year. 

Typographic^ — Second Vice-President Hugo Miller, of 
the Typographia, reported quite a successful year, not- 
ing increases in wages and improved conditions in various 
points in the jurisdiction. The financial affairs of the 
German branch as usual were found to be in excellent 
shape, the general fund containing $22.80 per capita, 
notwithstanding the fact that the out-of-work benefits 
had been increased $1 per week. The Typographia still 
continued its fight against the Philadelphia Demokrat, the 

760 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

only German printing office of any consequence outside 
the union fold at that time. 

Mailers — Vice-President Mulcahy, of the mailers' 
branch, reported that his union had gained recognition in 
Louisville and Indianapolis during the year. Also a new 
union had been organized in Des Moines and the local at 
Buffalo, N. Y., was reorganized. 

Newswriters — Fourth Vice-President Bracken re- 
ported a slight improvement in the newspaper writers' 
branch during the year, and said : 

The newspaper writers will be of immense value to the labor 
movement in general, and the printing crafts in particular, when 
by association with the trained unionists of the mechanical part 
of the trade they acquire a correct knowledge of the aims and 
objects of organized labor, and with intelligent sympathy for 
the cause will write the truth, and thus disperse the false con- 
ception in the public mind that often leads it to espouse the 
cause of the union oppressor and condemn the oppressed. 

Typefounders — The fifth vice-president, representing 

the typefounders, devoted his report entirely to detailing 

the efforts made by the International Union officers to 

# 
bring about an amicable settlement of the typefounders' 

strike. He acknowledged valuable assistance rendered by 

the executive council and the organizers and spoke of the 

appreciation of the typefounders for the valuable aid 

given by several of the subordinate unions during the 

struggle. 

Secretary's Report — Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood, 

as had been his custom before, presented a summary of 

the financial transactions of the International Union in 

brief form, though complete in detail. It showed that the 

total receipts of the executive council and joint defense 

fund for the year, including the balance from the previous 

twelve months, were $75,921.64, and the expenditures 

$73,420.26, leaving a balance to the credit of the fund 

of $2,501.38. 

761 



History of The Typographical Union 

The secretary-treasurer reported that the membership 
of the International had increased more rapidly during 
the fiscal year than in any period in its history, except the 
fiscal year of 1902 -1903, due mainly to more thorough 
organization by the unions already established. While 
the withdrawal of the photo engravers had affected the 
total membership in a minor way, the greatest gains were 
made after the date of their retirement — January 1, 1904. 
The total number of members upon whom per capita tax 
was paid during the first seven months of the year was 
45,500, while during the last five months of the fiscal year 
per capita tax payments had been made upon 47,095 
members, making the average paying membership for the 
year 46,165. The increase in membership from 1891 to 
the close of the fiscal year was shown in tabular form. 

Sixty unions, with a total membership of j66> were 
chartered during the year; forty-one unions, with 640 
members, surrendered their charters ; the charters of 
twenty-five unions, having a total membership of 298, 
were suspended and one charter was revoked, but the 
union was at once reorganized. The total number of local 
unions — 692 — at the close of the fiscal year was seven less 
than at the same time the previous year. 

For the purpose of comparison, the secretary-treasurer 
submitted a tabulated summary of the receipts and ex- 
penditures of the International Union from 1 891 to 1904, 
as follows : 

Notwithstanding that the burial benefit had been 
increased to $70 at the beginning of the year, the receipts 
of the burial fund exceeded the expenditures. The secre- 
tary presented a table showing the total number (5,549) 
and amount ($328,305) of benefits paid since the estab- 
lishment of the fund in 1892. The total number of deaths 
during the fiscal year was 578, the average age at death 
being 45.5 years. The table giving the age and cause of 

762 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

death and the number of deaths at certain ages was a 
feature of this section of the report. 

During the year the secretary-treasurer transferred to 
the Home fund the sum of $55,670, being its share of the 
per capita tax. The new law providing that 5 cents of the 
total per capita tax collected from each member monthly 
should be credited to the special defense fund became 
effective on January 1, 1904, the receipts from which, to 
May 31, 1904, amounted to $9,622.95, and that amount 
stood to the credit of the fund, there being no expendi- 
tures up to the time the report was filed. 

YEAR RECEIPTS EXPENDITURES 

189I $53,483.50 $57,296.26 

1892 113,134.49 II2,Il8.22 

1893 127,764.14 120,984.95 

1894 119,051.33 108,960.92 

1895 92,902.66 89,650.72 

1896 95,042.90 93,210.08 

1897 110,519.53 125,162.97 

1898 113,163.79 111,978.02 

1899 128,436.70 *i35,762.54 

1900 177,484.79 i85,033-57 

1 901 138,631.67 118,347.54 

1902 151,141.23 145,760.31 

1903 185,183.08 174,085.33 

1904 240,005.00 252,817.38 

Total $1,845,944.81 t$i,83i,i68.8i 

* Embraces loss in Indianapolis National Bank, $19,955.98. 

t Includes sum transferred to treasurer Union Printers Home, $476,505.33. 

A statement of the Los Angeles assessment fund showed 
that the secretary-treasurer received from January I, 
1903, to May 31, 1904, $26,350.11 and transferred to the 
union at that place, $24,185.31. Including $2,500 drawn 
by Los Angeles Union before this assessment was decided 
upon, that local had received from the International 
Union during the two fiscal years a total of $26,685.31. 

Regarding a bond investment, the secretary-treasurer 

said : 

Three years have elapsed since the first of the bonds now 
held were bought. The first, second and third purchases were 

763 



History of The Typographical Union 

composed of ten one-thousand-dollar 2 per cent United States 
bonds. In this fiscal year another purchase of fifteen bonds of 
the same character was made. The aggregate sum paid for the 
forty-five bonds was $48,525. Shortly after the last bonds were 
acquired, our typefounder members became involved in a strike. 
The large number of men on the roll soon made it necessary 
to convert some of our bonds into cash, and before the strike 
was finished fifteen bonds had been sold for $15,918.75. Thus 
the investment was reduced to $32,606.25. On these bonds the 
sum of $1,300 has been received, $800 being credited as interest, 
and $500 against the investment, reducing it to the present 
figures — $32,106.25. The bonds will be at par when they 
mature, hence it is necessary to charge a portion of the interest 
received against the investment, in order to reduce the invest- 
ment to the exact face of the bonds by the date of maturity. 

The receipts of the Typographical Journal fund for 
the fiscal year were $31,316.78, and the expenditures 
$28,511.75. The members of the union were again urged 
by the editor to patronize the Journal and to help to 
increase its efficiency. 

In reference to the cost of publication of the annual 
scale report, Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood said : 

Among the expenditures of this year will be noted an item 
of $1,255.59 for the printing and distributing of the scale 
report issued as a supplement to the Journal of February, 1904. 
It has been my privilege on four occasions, assisted by local 
secretaries, to gather data relative to the wages received and 
hours worked by members of our organization, together with 
statistics regarding the machines in use, the number of oper- 
ators, etc., under the jurisdiction of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. The information thus obtained was compiled 
and published by your secretary-treasurer in the shape of four 
separate reports, the first appearing February 15, 1898, the 
second June 1, 1901, the third May 1, 1902, and the last in 
February, 1904. Each report has been more complete than its 
predecessor, the last one comprising returns from 619 cities and 
627 unions. These reports are valuable not merely because they 
show the increases in local scales and the reduction in hours of 
labor ; they awaken apathetic unions to the opportunities before 
them and lead to additional progress in this direction. 

764 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

Our laws provide for the annual compilation of these statis- 
tics, and the publication thereof in the official paper. The wis- 
dom of the latter regulation has been frequently attacked during 
the year. It is claimed that the printing of such data in the 
Journal not only saves the employing printers the cost of gath- 
ering the figures, but places in their hands a potent weapon with 
which to combat the efforts of local unions for further in- 
creases in wages or reduction in hours. Those holding to this 
idea advocate the confining of its distribution to the members of 
subordinate unions, which can not be done as long as the present 
plan is followed. Your secretary-treasurer does not care to dis- 
cuss the merits of these claims at this time, but the subject is 
worthy of the attention of the convention. While the prepara- 
tion of such statistics adds to the work of the secretary-treasurer, 
and imposes additional duties upon local secretaries, the value 
of the information thus afforded more than justifies the effort 
necessary to its compilation. 

Two of the leading features of the secretary-treasurer's 
report were the tabulated statements under the heading 
"Receipts From and Benefits Drawn by Local Unions" 
and "Our Subordinate Unions — Finances and Mem- 
bership." 

These reports showed the exact amount received from 
each subordinate union and to what funds amounts re- 
ceived had been credited, also the exact amount expended 
from these funds for the benefit of each subordinate union. 

Twenty-five strikes occurred ,during the year in which 
674 members of twenty-eight local unions were involved. 
The number of men who returned to work when a settle- 
ment was reached was 481, while 141 were displaced, 52 
being involved in the pending disputes at the time the 
report was filed. The strikes in Boston and Louisville 
were not included in the statement as they were under- 
taken without the sanction of the International Union. 

CHANGES IN THE LAWS 

Six constitutional amendments were submitted to the 
referendum by the convention. 

765 



History of The Typographical Union 

The first proposition was to amend section I, article ii, 
of the constitution by striking out the words "but nothing 
shall be enacted relative to the internal affairs of printing 
offices." 

In order that the reader may fully understand the 
importance and grasp the real meaning of this proposi- 
tion, it is necessary to present a resume of the events 
leading up to its adoption by the convention and presenta- 
tion to the membership. 

At the Washington session in 1903, section I, article ii, 
of the International constitution, was amended to read as 
follows : 

The International Typographical Union may enact and en- 
force laws for its government and that of subordinate unions 
and members thereof throughout its jurisdiction (but nothing 
shall be enacted relative to the internal affairs of printing 
offices). 

The words in parentheses constituted the amendment. 
This change in the laws was submitted to the referendum 
and ratified by a vote of 16,884 for; 3,829 against. 

The new law became effective January 1, 1904. When 
this amendment was enacted nothing was done toward 
harmonizing the law with sections 95, 96, 97, 102 and 103 
of the general laws, which related specifically "to the 
internal affairs of printing offices." Article xviii of the 
constitution declared that "all laws and parts of laws in 
conflict with this constitution are hereby repealed or 
changed in accordance therewith, and the secretary-treas- 
urer is hereby authorized to make necessary changes." 
Had the secretary-treasurer exercised this authority in 
compiling the book of laws for 1904, it would have been 
necessary for him to have eliminated a portion of section 
95, and sections 96, 97, 102 and 103 of the general laws, 
because they were in conflict with section 1, article ii, of 
the constitution, as last amended. The situation was care- 

766 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

fully considered. Realizing the importance of the general 
laws in conflict with the constitution, and thinking that 
the effect of the constitutional amendment adopted by the 
membership might not have been thoroughly understood, 
the secretary-treasurer, after consultation with the other 
members of the executive council, decided to leave the 
sections in question in the book of laws, and to call the 
matter to the attention of the next convention. The execu- 
tive council therefore presented to the St. Louis session 
the following: 

Proposition No. 13 — By the executive council: 

The repeal of the- following general laws, which appear to 
be in conflict with that portion of section 1, article ii, constitu- 
tion, which declares that "nothing shall be enacted relative to 
the internal affairs of printing offices :" 

That portion of section 95 reading "such decrease to be 
accomplished by discharging first the person or persons last em- 
ployed either as regular employes or as extra employes, as the 
exigencies of the matter may require. Should there be an in- 
crease in the force within sixty days after a decrease, the person 
or persons displaced through such cause shall be reinstated in 
the order in which they were discharged before other help may 
be employed." And "persons considered capable as substitutes 
by foremen shall be deemed competent to fill regular situations, 
and shall be given preference in the filling of vacancies in the 
regular force." Balance of section to remain as at present. 

Section 96. 

Section 97. 

Section 102. 

Section 103. 

Note — The council, in compiling the above, desires to bring 
the general subject before the convention, as explained in the 
following section of the report of the International president : 
"Laws Must Be Consistent." 

"The Washington convention adopted and the referendum 
approved this amendment to the constitution, and it now appears 
in section 1, article ii : 'But nothing shall be enacted relative to 
the internal affairs of printing offices.' There are a number of 
general laws, enacted prior to the approval by the membership 

767 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the amendment quoted, that are inconsistent with it. If the 
declaration is to remain, our enactments should conform with it, 
and with other changes in our laws that will be suggested by 
the International officers will go a list of the statutes that it is 
believed are related 'to the internal affairs of printing offices.' 
The elimination of these laws will make drastic changes in many 
hitherto accepted policies. Inasmuch as general laws are sub- 
ject to final action by the convention, this is a feature of the 
convention work that will require especial consideration by the 
delegates." The referendum voted on the proposition to amend 
the constitution as follows: For, 16,884; against, 3,829; ma- 
jority for, 13,055. 

The committee on laws submitted a favorable report, 
and a general debate was had on this question. It was 
claimed by many delegates that the membership had not 
voted intelligently upon the constitutional amendment 
submitted by the Washington convention. The members 
of the executive council maintained that a conflict existed 
between the constitution and general laws, and urged the 
adoption of legislation tending to harmonize them. 

It seemed that a large number of the delegates favored 
the retention of the general laws. Secretary-Treasurer 
Bramwood took the position that if the general laws under 
consideration were to be retained, the constitutional pro- 
vision in conflict therewith should be eliminated, and that 
the International Union should not by law require the 
secretary-treasurer to do what its delegates declined to do. 

After further debate, Delegate Athey, of Portland, 
Ore., moved to amend proposition 13, by substituting 
therefor the following: 

In article ii, section 1, of the constitution, strike out the 
words "but nothing shall be enacted relative to the internal 
affairs of printing offices." 

In the event of this amendment carrying by the referendum, 
that portion of section 95, as provided in proposition No. 13, 
sections 96, 97, 102, 103, general laws, to stand. In the event 
of the loss of the amendment, the sections named shall be 
stricken out. 

768 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

This proposition was referred to the committee on laws, 
reported favorably and adopted by the convention. The 
first proposition, as it appeared on the ballot, therefore 
read: 

First Proposition. Amend section 1, article ii, constitu- 
tion, by striking out the words "but nothing shall be enacted 
relative to the internal affairs of printing offices" ; the amended 
section to read as follows : 

"Article II — Laws 

"Section i. The International Typographical Union may 
enact and enforce laws for its government and that of subor- 
dinate unions and members thereof throughout its jurisdiction." 

In event of this amendment carrying, the following general 
laws will stand. Should the proposition be defeated, that por- 
tion of section 95 in italics, and all of the remaining sections 
herewith presented, will be stricken from the book of laws : 

"foremen 

"Section 95. Foremen of printing offices have the right to 
employ help, and may discharge (1) for incompetency, (2) for 
neglect of duty, (3) for violation of office rules (which shall be 
conspicuously posted) or of laws of the chapel or union, and 
(4) to decrease the force, such decrease to be accomplished by 
discharging first the person or persons last employed, either as 
regular employes or as extra employes, as the exigencies of the 
matter may require. Should there be an increase in the force 
within sixty days after a decrease, the person or persons dis- 
placed through such cause shall be reinstated in the order in 
which they -were discharged before other help may be employed. 
Upon demand, the foreman shall give the reason for discharge 
in writing. Persons considered capable as substitutes by foremen 
shall be deemed competent to fill regular situations, and shall be 
given preference in the filling of vacancies in the regular force. 
This section shall apply to incoming as well as outgoing fore- 
men. 

"Sec. 96. Foremen shall not designate any particular day, 
nor how many days, a man shall work in any one week. 

"Sec. 97. The practice by foremen of selecting their forces 
from day to day, or not having any regular situations in an 
office, is prohibited. Foremen must give out such minimum 
number of situations as are needed to meet office requirements. 

769 



History of The Typographical Union 

Employment other than a regular situation shall be classed as 
extra work. 

"Sec. 102. The practice of foremen of phalanxing, or giving 
out six-day situations on seven-day papers, thereby controlling 
extra work, constitutes a sublist. Any member in an office, 
seven-day paper or otherwise, is entitled to employ in his stead, 
whenever so disposed, any competent member of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, without consultation or approval 
of the foreman of said office. A fine of $25 shall be imposed 
upon foremen for violation or evasion of this law. Any chair- 
man failing to report the violation of this section shall be 
fined $25. 

"Sec. 103. Sections 100, 101 and 102, general laws, shall be 
posted in all chapels and enforced by all unions under the juris- 
diction of the International Typographical Union/' 

This proposition was adopted by the referendum by a 
vote of 19,994 to 4,515, the majority being 15,429. 

The second proposition submitted to the referendum 
provided for an increase of salaries of the president and 
secretary-treasurer, and was defeated by a majority of 

5,839. 

The third proposition was to include a provision in 
section I of article ix, revenue and funds, "that unions 
located so far from headquarters as to make it impossible 
for their dues to reach there within the prescribed time 
should not be considered delinquent if their remittances 
bear postal mark date prior to the 15th of the succeeding 
month. " The proposition was approved. 

The fourth proposition, which was also approved, 
required that "any subordinate union which shall fail to 
make reports required by law or the executive council, 
or which shall neglect or refuse to obey any law, or legal 
mandate of the International Typographical Union or 
executive council, may be fined or have its charter sus- 
pended by the executive council." 

The fifth proposition, which was also adopted, amended 
the law governing all appeals from the decision of a sub- 

770 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

ordinate union, requiring that such be submitted "in 
written or printed form only." 

The sixth proposition submitted to the membership 
proposed a method of financing the struggle for an eight- 
hour day and is included in the summary of this conven- 
tion under that head. 

Several amendments to the by-laws and the general 
laws were adopted by the convention, the most important 
among which was the following section added to the gen- 
eral laws, enacted, upon recommendation of President 
Lynch, because of abuses occurring occasionally in the 
administration of the union's laws governing strikes : 

Whenever a strike occurs without the sanction of the execu- 
tive council, the council must immediately disavow the illegal 
strike and notify all subordinate unions to that effect. Protec- 
tion shall be guaranteed to all members who remain at, accept 
or return to work in offices affected by the illegal strike, as 
specified in section 122. Any officer or member of a union who 
shall suppress or conceal from his union or the executive council 
any official information concerning a strike, or a proposed 
strike, shall upon conviction by the local union be suspended or 
expelled. 

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT 

The committee to which was referred that portion of 
President Lynch's report relating to the arbitration 
agreement between the International Typographical 
Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' Associa- 
tion referred in its report to the satisfactory conditions 
that had followed the adoption of the amended agreement, 
which provided a code of procedure. The committee 
congratulated the executive council on the manner in 
which the difficulty that had been before the Washington 
convention was adjusted and expressed the conviction 
that peaceful relations with the newspapers comprising 
the publishers' association would be maintained for the 
life of the agreement. Quite in contrast to the sentiments 

771 



History of The Typographical Union 

expressed in his address before the previous convention, 
Commissioner Driscoll, who was invited to again address 
the convention, spoke as follows : 

It gives me pleasure to state that while at your last convention it was my 
unpleasant duty to criticize the acts of your president I appear before you today 
to testify to the full measure of peace which has characterized the labor situa- 
tion of our members having trade relations with the unions during the past year. 
Differences have arisen in numerous localities, but they have been mostly 
settled, either by conciliation or arbitration. Some differences yet remain 
unadjusted, of comparatively recent origin, which it is reasonable to expect 
will be disposed of in like manner. After more than two years' experience 
of the practical working of the arbitration agreement between our organizations, 
and more especially since the adoption of the code of procedure last fall, 
I am sure all will agree that the ensuing beneficent results have fully justified 
the policy and established the wisdom of arbitration. 

President Lynch, in his annual report submitted to this convention, included 
a statement of the cases of differences settled by the National Board of Arbitra- 
tion, in which statement twenty-three cities are named where such settlements 
were effected. Of these the unions in twenty cities received an increase of scale, 
more or less, and but three failed to receive any increase. In these twenty-three 
cities one hundred and four newspaper offices, and, it is carefully estimated, 
more than 2,500 employes, were involved. In addition, new scales, as well 
as "differences," have been settled by conciliation in a number of cities, with- 
out reference to the National Board of Arbitration, and these settlements were 
effected mainly because the parties otherwise could demand arbitration as a last 
resort. In view of these results I fully agree with President Lynch when he 
states, from a strictly union standpoint, "that we have made considerable 
progress." 

During the past year there has been a widespread agitation and discussion 
of the question of the open versus the closed shop. The attitude of your union 
on this question is well known. Notwithstanding decisions of the courts in the 
various sections of the country, the publishers whom I have the honor to repre- 
sent fully realize that all of them who have entered into arbitration conn acts 
with the International Typographical Union are thereby bound morally, if not 
legally, to the closed shop until May 1, 1907. 

There are certain matters, however, which seriously affect the opinion of our 
publishers on this subject. The first I will mention is the manifest endeavor 
of local unions to exclude all unskilled workmen from performing unskilled 
work in the composing room. The publishers strenuously object to paying 
journeyman's wages for that portion of labor which requires little or no skill 
or experience. The position has been taken by the highest authority in your 
union, that all labor in the composing room must be performed by members 
of the twiion or union apprentices, so long as the present International Typo- 
graphical Union laws remain in force. Not only is the number of apprentices 
allowed by the union unreasonably limited, but the recently increasing require- 
ments to teach the trade to these apprentices will, if carried out, prevent them 
from doing much of this unskilled work, so that, if other unskilled labor 
is prohibited, the publisher will be forced to pay the full scale for this inferior 
and subordinate work. 

Another requirement the publishers would ask is. that the foreman should 
not be necessarily a member of the union. Of this I have spoken at several 
previous conventions, urging its adoption, but without avail. 

Tf, however, you are unwilling to make this change in your laws, we do 
insist that you shall repeal all laws relating to the duties of a foreman which 

772 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

hamper him in performing his duties and obligations to his employer. If he 
attempts to prove faithful to such duties he is liable to be heavily fined 
by the local union. Should this policy continue to characterize the "closed 
shop" of the future, the number of its enemies will increase, and the opposition 
grow until the "open shop" triumphs over such injustice and unfairness. 

If you insist that the foreman must be a member of the union, give him 
the liberty to be a man, free in every way to perform his full duty to the pub- 
lisher, free to employ the best man he can secure for any situation which be- 
comes vacant. Don't trammel him with priority lists and sub-lists, and appeals 
to the union and fines by the union, when he is struggling to do his best for 
the interest of the office, without acting unfairly toward the workman. 

With reference to the priority law, I quote from a contributor to the July 
number of The Typographical Journal: 

f The so-called priority law should be abolished. There is no sub- 
stantial reason why a foreman should be bound hand and foot by drastic 
exaction that works benefit to one to the disadvantage of another. All should 
stand on an equal footing, and in these piping times of strenuous exertion 
there should be some slight reward for the better man. The law is not recog- 
nized in job offices — at least not in Chicago — and should have no standing 
in the newspaper business. Foremen are given their authority because of their 
ability to get a maximum amount of work from a minimum number of men. 
He naturally wants to attain that end, and he should be allowed that privilege. 
He may have some partially incapacitated or other men on his force whom 
he dislikes to dispense with for various reasons, because they can do some 
classes of work as well as another; but when it comes to giving out a situation 
that requires an all-round man he should be allowed some latitude. The argu- 
ment that if a man is competent to work as a sub or extra he is competent 
to fill a situation, is untenable and misleading. It must be admitted that there 
are decided grades of workmen, both as to quality and quantity of results 
produced. One can be lacking in both these respects, yet he may hold a semi- 
situation for years. It would be an injustice to refuse him a chance to work, 
for he is entitled to an opportunity to earn his daily bread as a divine right. 
Yet he can not hope to compete with the more active craftsman. His abilities 
are limited. He simply fills in! because there is partial employment to be dis- 
pensed. To logically follow out the priority law he should be refused the 
right to work because the time is surely coming when he can claim the regular 
situation as a priority right, or else there must be a continual changing of the 
medium or poor-grade workman in order to avoid the necessity of giving 
him the situation when that time arrives. Either of these alternatives would 
be a more inhuman act than to slight him when the office has a situation 
to give out. The workman who shows ability gets the regular situation because 
he can be utilized to better advantage. That is the law of expediency and 
not priority. In fact, it is an exemplification of the old saying, 'May the best 
man win,' or, 'You can't keep a good man down.' No matter how many laws 
the International Typographical Union makes, merit will win, just as good 
seed will sprout and grow, while the bad and indifferent will fail to come 
up, or die before maturity. The law is a handicap; it has no standing as between 
merit and mediocrity. It should be abolished." 

This is testimony and advice from the union standpoint, by one who has 
labored inside and who has witnessed the working of the "priority" policy. 

The following was received from a publisher since this address was pre- 
pared : 

"At a conference between our typographical union and the newspaper 
publishers, held less than a year ago, the publishers complained to the Inter- 
national Union representatives present about the operation of the priority 
law in this city. The International Union representative told the conference 

773 



History of The Typographical Union 

there was no such law as priority law in the International Union. Our union, 
however, has a priority law in operation. I am unable to learn whether such 
a law is purely local, or is based upon an interpretation of International law, 
section 95. If based upon interpretation of 95, such interpretation is wrong, 
in accordance with statement of the International official. If it be a local law, 
it is manifestly unjust in that, not being general, it permits foremen in one 
locality to invade another locality for its best workmen, the privilege of replen- 
ishing its staff of operatives with efficient workmen. New York city, for in- 
stance, has no priority law and is consequently the Mecca of all first-class men 
who are at liberty to travel. The priority law here, which in effect is the same 
as the one Mr. Rapier quotes from New Orleans, is a serious menace to the 
organization and discipline of the composing rooms, and when these two essen- 
tials are undermined, not only the publisher will suffer, but the union men 
themselves will invite the inevitable results of the employer's legal and in- 
stinctive right of self-preservation. 

"The foreman, under the operation of the priority law, is nothing more 
than a clerk. He has been denied the right to hire help. The act of subbing 
is a voluntary one on the part of the sub. He reports on the floor for work, 
and by this act establishes his seniority or priority in the office. When a 
vacancy occurs the foreman has no discretionary power. He must put to work 
the substitute longest in employ in the office, regardless of his efficiency, 
reliability or personal decorum. The sub becomes the regular, not through 
choice of the directing foreman, but by his own act of reporting for work. 

"It has been the custom here for a number of years for foremen to fill 
the vacancies by selecting a man from the substitutes working in his office. 
The justice of this practice I will admit, but I contend the foreman should 
have the discretionary power to select from those subbing in his office the 
one whom he considers the most efficient, reliable and congenial with the men 
with whom the regular must associate. This, I believe, is the intent of section 
95, and an intelligent reading of the section, I contend, will admit of no other 
meaning. A competent sub will be a competent regular, and he should in fair- 
ness be given preference in the office in which he works, but there is no refer- 
ence whatever to the order in which the subs in an office should be given pref- 
erence. Therein, I believe, the International Union law contemplates that 
foremen should have the privilege of selecting their men with discretion and 
an eye to the welfare of his employer. 

"I trust you will have success in your effort to point out the errors of local 
unions to the International convention." 

In view of the fact that your referendum has adopted an amendment to 
your constitution that nothing will be enacted relative to the internal affairs 
of printing offices, I fully agree with your president when he says in his report 
that you have many general laws in force enacted prior to last year which 
are inconsistent with the new amendment. I trust this opportunity will be taken 
to repeal at least all laws to which I have referred. 

I beg to call your attention to the experiences of the past year with other 
organizations than ours, as set forth in the president's report; the typefounders' 
strike, which taxed your treasury about $40,000; the strike in Boston, which 
resulted in the continuance of the open shop in the book and job offices of that 
city, and finally the strike in Louisville, which after a sixty-day struggle, 
was declared by your organizer as "hopelessly lost." In the month of June 
the lines of battle were defined on the eight-hour issue between your organiza- 
tion and the United Typothetse so that the immediate future of your relations 
with the latter organization looks exceedingly warlike. 

Now, contrast all this struggling warfare with the existing peaceful con- 
ditions and relations between your organization and ours. Is it not in every 



774 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

way desirable to promote and foster our present harmonious policy by remov- 
ing every cause for friction between the publisher and the union. 

The newspaper composing room employe is favored with very much higher 
wages and also reduced hours than union printers receive from any other 
class of employers. Therefore, in all fairness, should not the union treat 
the newspaper publisher with greater consideration than has been shown in 
the past. Do not attempt to govern the business administration of the com- 
posing room. Do not interfere with the judgment of the foreman as to the 
competency of workmen by establishing low standards of competency in your 
local union laws and thus reducing the output. Repeal all priority lists and 
sub-lists, either in International Typographical Union or local laws. Allow 
the office to employ unskilled workmen to perform unskilled labor at a proper 
wage for such work. Then will publishers cease to object to a closed shop 
covering only skilled labor. We have before us nearly three years in which 
to improve our trade relations, during which time we will be bound by arbitra- 
tion and the closed shop. It is for you delegates, representing a membership 
of nearly fifty thousand, to determine whether or not you will so act as 
to legislate to bring about the results indicated, to make our present peaceful 
relations permanent and enduring, bearing in mind that an unfair policy 
can not be enduring, and that reason, not force, must determine all issues, 
unless we wish to retrograde from our present high state of enlightened civil- 
ization back to the barbarism of the savage. 

In closing, I wish to thank President Lynch for his courtesy in inviting 
me to be present on this occasion, and also to express my gratitude to you 
for your patient hearing of my frank presentation of the views of the Amer- 
ican Newspaper Publishers' Association. If, after a full and fair consideration 
of the suggestions I have made, you should assent to the adoption of any 
or all of them, rest assured such action will be greatly appreciated by our 
members, and that the results will tend to the continued growth and usefulness 
of the International Typographical Union. 

THE EIGHT -HOUR DAY 

The story of the struggle for the eight-hour day can 
perhaps be told best by the reproduction of the reports of 
President Lynch outlining the work done in preparation 
for the struggle and the action of the conventions upon 
recommendations made in these reports. In order that 
this important part of the history may be presented in a 
manner so that the reader may follow the story from its 
inception to the finish, the method thus outlined will be 
pursued. In his report to the St. Louis convention, 1904, 
President Lynch said : 

The eight-hour day subject will not grow old until the 
inauguration of the eight-hour day is itself an event of the past, 
rather than something that must yet be brought about. A sug- 
gestion has been made that many of our members do not 
thoroughly appreciate the benefits that will be derived by reason 

775 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the reduction in hours contemplated by the eight-hour move- 
ment. If this is true — and it is beyond belief — then a great 
object lesson has not been taken advantage of, the betterment of 
conditions because of the enforcement of the nine-hour day. In 
the letter mailed to each member it was said: "If you will 
investigate, you will find that the wage-earner working short 
hours receives high pay. In our own trade, the book and job 
printers are paid as much — and in many cases more— for nine 
hours as they formerly earned in ten hours." The trite expres- 
sions that found coinage in connection with the eight-hour 
agitation that has been general for years, still apply. "Eight 
hours for work, eight hours for sleep, eight hours for what you 
will," is as potent a rallying cry today as at any time. "Whether 
you work by the piece or work by the day, decreasing the hours 
increases the pay," is as true now as the day it was penned. If 
our members do not appreciate the benefits that will follow the 
eight-hour day, if they are not alive to their interests, if they 
will not arise to the duty of the hour, then they must assume the 
responsibility that attaches to the crime of keeping the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union in the rear of the great progress 
that is being made by the industrial army. "In the last analysis 
victory depends on the support accorded by the membership." 

Conference with Typothetce — The recently oft-repeated as- 
sertion that the eight-hour day in book and job rooms is a 
question for adjudication between the International Typograph- 
ical Union and the United Typothetae of America was put to 
the test in St. Louis on June 22 and 23. The annual convention 
of the typothetae was held in the Exposition City the week of the 
20th. Prior to this gathering the International president ad- 
dressed a letter to the typothetae secretary reciting the action 
taken by our Cincinnati convention on the eight-hour proposi- 
tion, and continuing: "It has been frequently intimated by 
local associations of the typothetae that the eight-hour day was 
an issue that should be adjusted between the International 
Typographical Union and the United Typothetae of America, 
and that these local associations were willing to accept and put 
into effect any conclusion that might be arrived at by the higher 
bodies. So often, indeed, has this intimation been made, and 
in several instances accepted by our local unions, that the eight- 
hour committee for the International Typographical Union is 
prepared and anxious to demonstrate the effectiveness of the 

776 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

suggestion. Therefore, our eight-hour committee will be in St. 
Louis during your eighteenth annual convention, which, I un- 
derstand, will be held during the week commencing Monday, 
June 20, 1904, in the convention hall of the Century building. 
Ninth and Olive streets. Our committee will at that time, or at 
such time during the week as may be designated by your 
convention, be pleased to meet a committee representing your 
association, for the purpose of discussing the eight-hour day, 
and, if possible, arriving at a conclusion that may be submitted 
to the United Typothetae of America and the International 
Typographical Union for consideration and possible ratifica- 
tion." 

The Committees Meet' — In accordance with our request, the 
typothetae convention instructed a committee to meet with our 
International representatives, and conferences were held on 
June 22 and 23. At the first meeting the employers asked us to 
make a proposition for the inauguration of the shorter workday 
which they would present to their convention. This was 
declined, our committee requesting that before any discussion as 
to detail, the typothetae should declare its position on the shorter 
workday proposition. If this attitude was favorable we said the 
two committees could then take up and endeavor to reach an 
agreement as to the date on which the reduction or partial 
reduction in hours should take place. On the other hand, if the 
attitude of the United Typothetae was unfavorable to a curtail- 
ment of the present working time, then we wanted to know that, 
and in such a way that there would remain no room for mis- 
understanding. In other words, if the employers should give 
us a negative reply, we wanted it on the main question, and not 
on a proposition from us for the inauguration of the shorter 
workday on a certain date, which might leave local associations 
free to assert that the United Typothetae had not declared itself 
against an eight-hour day, but only against its initiation on the 
date which our committee had named. This was finally agreed 
to, and on the 23d we were given a copy of the resolutions 
adopted by the typothetae convention, squarely setting forth the 
position of the United Typothetae of America on the request 
made by the International Typographical Union for an agree- 
ment under which the eight-hour day would become effective in 
book and job rooms. It was just the answer we expected, and 
we were in nowise disappointed. Indeed, we believed we had 

777 



History of The Typographical Union 

reason for congratulating ourselves in that the atmosphere had 
been thoroughly cleared, and henceforth we would know exactly 
where we stood. There can be no further shifting of the prob- 
lem to other shoulders by either local unions or local employers. 
It is a clean-cut, well-defined, pressing condition. 

The Resolutions — The following are the resolutions adopted 
by the United Typothetse in convention in St. Louis, together 
with the letter of transmission to our representatives : 

St. Louis, June 23, 1904. 
Messrs. Lynch, Bramwood and Miller, Committee from International Typo- 
graphical Union. 

Gentlemen: In accordance with your request, expressed in the conference 
yesterday, that we should obtain from the convention a statement of its attitude 
upon the proposed eight-hour day, we placed the matter before the convention, 
and also the telegram addressed to you from Indianapolis, and beg to submit 
in reply thereto the following resolutions which were passed unanimously: 

"Whereas the International Typographical Union has asked the United 
Typothetse of America to declare its position upon the proposed eight-hour 
day; and, 

"Whereas under existing conditions any attempt to reduce the hours of 
labor in the printing trade would be disastrous to the employer and employe 
alike, be it 

"Resolved, That the United Typothetse of America declares that it is opposed 
to any reduction of the fifty-four-hour week; and, be it further 

"Resolved, That the United Typothetse of America will resist any attempt 
on the part of the International Typographical Union to reduce the present 
hours of labor." Yours very truly, 

William Green, 
George H. Ellis, 
Harry P. Pears, 
Thomas E. Donnelley, 
F. C. Nunemacher. 

What It All Goes to Show — Recently I made reference in 
my Journal notes to "Circular No. 6," issued from the head- 
quarters of the United Typothetse of America, and which 
contained this statement : "The efforts of the International 
Typographical Union to inaugurate a shorter workday have 
been met by the earnest opposition of the United Typothetse of 
America, and every possible effort is being made to advise cities 
where agitation is carried on to turn a deaf ear to any such 
suggestion, and, if necessary, to fight it." On this the following 
comment was made : "Some of our members have inclined to 
the belief that conferences should be sought with the officers of 
the United Typothetae of America relative to the eight-hour day, 
and the above quotation may bring about a change in this 
regard. The typothetae intends to oppose the eight-hour day 
just so long as opposition is feasible. When the employing book 

77 8 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

and job printers become convinced that we are determined in 
our efforts to secure the shorter workday, then will it be pos- 
sible to confer with prospect for success. The agitation for the 
nine-hour day extended over many years before it crystallized 
and had result. Success came when the membership was 
aroused." Under the caption "Some Additional Evidence," the 
following was also printed in my department: "In an address 
delivered at New Haven, January 19, before the Connecticut 
State Typothetae, by the secretary of the United Typothetae of 
America, that official is reported to have said : 'The length of 
the workday is not of so much importance as the returns 
received. We are endeavoring to suppress all agitation started 
by the International Typographical Union. If the hours are 
reduced the expenses of the business are added to by 15 per cent. 
There is a movement in congress to frame an eight-hour day, 
which is a dangerous one. We are opposing it because it is 
unwise, and we are petitioning our members to have their sen- 
ators oppose the bill. We are also antagonizing the anti-injunc- 
tion bill. We stand for the "open" office, although we agree 
that the union men are the best workmen we can secure.' Could 
there be clearer outline of the attitude of the associated employ- 
ing printers toward the agitation for a shorter workday? Yet 
we are told to confer with the United Typothetae of America! 
Yes, when we have aroused the union printers of the country, 
when we have imbued them with eight-hour enthusiasm, when 
we have solidified and crystallized the eight-hour demand, when 
there is no room for doubt as to our attitude, then we will 
confer. And then will a conference be successful." Neverthe- 
less the agitation for the conference continued. It has been held. 
We have the result. And we repeat : "W T hen the employing 
book and job printers become convinced that we are determined 
in our efforts to secure the shorter workday, then will it be 
possible to confer with prospect for success." The next chapter 
must be written by the St. Louis convention. 

The Syracuse Agreement — In some localities employers in- 
sist that we are bound by the nine-hour agreement. On this 
point, a typothetae circular says : "It must not be forgotten 
that the United Typothetae of America has an agreement with 
the International Typographical Union, as well as the other 
unions connected with the printing trades, for a fifty-four-hour 
week, entered into at Syracuse in 1898, and that the terms of 
this agreement have never been changed, and must remain in 

779 



History of The Typographical Union 

force until formal notice of withdrawal or request for an 
alteration of its requirements has been submitted to the United 
Typothetae of America." A reading of the 1898 agreement 
referred to will demonstrate conclusively the lack of basis for 
the statement made in the official circular. It only specified the 
dates on which the nine-and-one-half-hour day became effective. 
Several queries have been received from eight-hour towns 
asking why eight-hour literature is sent into these jurisdictions. 
"We have the eight-hour day, and we are satisfied," is the 
assertion. In each case the answer has been that it is the desire 
of the International committee to arouse interest in the eight- 
hour day in every jurisdiction, and that the present eight-hour 
towns can do much to assist unions that have not been fortunate 
enough to obtain the eight-hour day. It is necessary, therefore, 
that the eight-hour cities appoint eight-hour committees, and 
that these committees shall give active support and encourage- 
ment to the effort that is being made by the International eight- 
hour committee to bring about an eight-hour day in all of the 
book and job rooms in the International jurisdiction. Those 
who enjoy the shorter workday jeopardize it by non-action. 

The convention committee on the eight-hour day, to 
which was submitted that portion of President Lynch's 
report dealing with the subject, submitted the following 
to the convention : 

Your committee on the eight-hour day has carefully consid- 
ered that portion of the report of President Lynch captioned 
"The Eight-Hour Day," and which we are informed is intended 
as the report of the International eight-hour committee, and has 
also had in review the circulars thus far issued by the Interna- 
tional eight-hour committee, seven in number. We have also 
had before^us President Lynch, who has explained fully and in 
detail the various steps taken by the committee, the work per- 
formed and the general object in view. 

After a careful review of the eight-hour movement and the 
documents indicated, we desire to report to the convention as 
follows : 

First. We endorse without reservation the work and meth- 
ods of the International eight-hour committee. We believe in 
this connection that the committee has thoroughly covered the 
ground and has put into effect every method that thus far has 
given promise of advancement to the eight-hour cause. 

780 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

Second. We believe with President Lynch that "the eight- 
hour clay subject will not grow old until the inauguration of 
the eight-hour day is itself an event of the past rather than 
something that must yet be brought about." 

Third. We regret that the eight-hour day in book and job 
rooms is not a question at the present time for adjudication be- 
tween the International Typographical Union and the United 
Typothetae of America, but in view of the action taken by the 
United Typothetae of America in convention assembled at St. 
Louis, in which it is asserted "That the United Typothetae of 
America declares it is opposed to any reduction of the fifty-four- 
hour week" and "that the United Typothetae of America will 
resist any attempt on the part of the International Typograph- 
ical Union to reduce the present hours of labor," no other 
conclusion is possible. That an agreement on peaceable lines 
is not now possible is solely the fault of the associated employ- 
ers, and this contention is borne out by the action of their last 
convention. Further, we dispute the statement of the typothetae 
that a reduction in the hours of labor would be disastrous to the 
employe. We maintain that the eight-hour day is the logical 
workday, that it is sufficient for the needs of the trade, and we 
give emphatic endorsement to the doctrine that the introduction 
of labor-saving machinery is not for the benefit of the employer 
alone, but should also result in better working conditions for 
the employe in the way of reduction in the hours of toil and 
increased remuneration. 

Fourth. The claim advanced by the typothetae that it has 
an agreement with the International Typographical Union for 
a fifty-four-hour week which precludes any attempt on the 
part of our organization for a shorter workday or week, is not 
borne out by the terms of the Syracuse agreement, and we be- 
lieve it is made at this time simply in furtherance of the inten- 
tion to construct as many obstacles to the eight-hour day as is 
possible. 

Fifth. We congratulate the International eight-hour com- 
mittee on the large number of unions that have thus far 
succeeded in inaugurating the eight-hour day, or that have made 
arrangements under which the eight-hour day will shortly come 
into effect. In view of the fact that it took more than twenty 
years to bring about the nine-hour day, we have especial cause 
for jubilation over the progress that has thus far been made 
toward the logical and inevitable eight-hour workday. 

78t 



History of The Typographical Union 

Sixth. We endorse the statement made by President Lynch, 
and we desire to impress it on the delegates to this convention 
and through them on the membership at large, that "when the 
employing book and job printers become convinced that we are 
determined in our efforts to secure the shorter workday, then it 
will be possible to confer with the United Typothetae of Amer- 
ica with prospect for success." 

After weighing carefully the various plans and methods that 
have been suggested to your committee the committee recom- 
mends to the convention the adoption of the following preamble 
and resolutions, which, when referred to the referendum and 
adopted by it, will place the International Typographical Union 
squarely on record on the eight-hour day proposition, and indi- 
cate beyond question the date on which the eight-hour day shall 
become effective in all union establishments : 

"Whereas in the movement for an eight-hour day for the 
book and job members of the typographical union, authorized 
by our Cincinnati convention, the International eight-hour com- 
mittee has sought an agreement with the United Typothetae of 
America, under which the eight-hour day could be made effect- 
ive on a mutually satisfactory plan, and with the minimum of 
embarrassment to the interests of our employers ; and 

"Whereas the overtures for peace thus made were refused 
and declined, and replied to with a threat, combined with a 
practical declaration of war should any effort be made to 
achieve the shorter workday, as witness the language of the 
resolutions adopted by the late typothetae convention; and 

"Whereas we reaffirm and again demand the eight-hour day 
for our book and job members. 

"Whereas your committee having carefully considered 
propositions Nos. 35, 61, 62, 63, 98, 103 and 129, submit in 
lieu thereof the following : 

"Resolved, That we again declare our entire willingness to 
negotiate with the United Typothetae for an agreement under 
which the eight-hour day will become operative, and so instruct 
our eight-hour committee ; 

"Resolved, That an assessment of one-half of one ( 1 ) per 
cent of all moneys earned be levied upon the membership of the 
International Typographical Union for the purpose of a defense 
fund. Such fund to be held and expended by the subordinate 
union, except in those cases where no trouble is experienced 
in putting in operation the eight-hour day, and in such unions 

782 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

one-half of the assessment to be subject to call of the Inter- 
national officers for use in the furtherance of the eight-hour 
day as deemed in their judgment necessary ; 

"Resolved, That on January i, 1906, the eight-hour day shall 
become effective in all union establishments under the juris- 
diction of the International Typographical Union, where exist- 
ing contracts do not prevent, and in each instance where the 
eight-hour day is refused work shall cease." 

In conclusion, your committee desires to urge upon this 
convention and the membership at large the advisability and 
necessity of adopting the resolutions herein set forth and pre- 
paring in every way possible for effective action if resistance 
to the eight-hour day develops on or prior to January I, 1906. 

The report of the committee, after prolonged discussion 
by many delegates and after an attempt to amend, was 
finally unanimously adopted, and the recommendation 
contained in the committee's report regarding the levying 
of an assessment was favorably acted upon by the refer- 
endum by a vote of 19,483 ayes, 5,398 noes — majority, 
14,085. 

THE PHOTO ENGRAVERS 

The Washington convention adopted, and the referen- 
dum approved, changes in the law necessary to permit the 
surrender of jurisdiction by the International Typograph- 
ical Union over photo engravers. As soon as possible, 
after the amendments became effective, an agreement was 
reached with the International Photo Engravers' Union, 
as follows : 

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION AND THE 
INTERNATIONAL PHOTO ENGRAVERS' UNION 

In consideration of the surrender of jurisdiction by the 
International Typographical Union over photo engravers, the 
following is agreed to by the executive council of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, acting with full authority, and 
the executive council of the International Photo Engravers' 
Union, acting with full authority. 

First. That the International Photo Engravers' Union 
agrees to work in harmony with the International Typographical 
Union. 

783 



History of The Typographical Union 

Second. That should trouble arise in the photo engraving 
trade, threatening to involve the International Typographical 
Union or its subordinate unions, the International Typograph- 
ical Union shall be given opportunity to pass on the matter 
and adjust the dispute, if possible. 

Third. That should a strike be necessary at any time on 
the part of the photo engravers, and sympathetic action be 
sought on the part of the International Typographical Union, 
that the International Photo Engravers' Union shall first 
guarantee to the International Typographical Union, by cash 
deposit, that all expenses in connection with the joint strike 
shall be borne by the International Photo Engravers' Union. 

Fourth. That the International Photo Engravers' Union 
shall, at no time, give aid or comfort or assistance to any trade 
organization opposed to the International Typographical 
Union. The maintenance of a neutral position by the Interna- 
tional Photo Engravers' Union shall be deemed a compliance 
with this section. 

Fifth. That all contracts with employers entered into by 
photo engravers' unions while under the jurisdiction of the In- 
ternational Typographical Union, shall be faithfully observed, 
and their execution is guaranteed by the International Photo 
Engravers' Union. 

The obligations embraced in this covenant and set forth in 
paragraphs I, 2, 3 and 4, shall be mutual; that is, they shall 
also apply to the International Typographical Union in its 
relation with the International Photo Engravers' Union. 
This agreement shall take effect immediately. 
In witness whereof, the undersigned representatives of the 
International Typographical Union and the International 
Photo Engravers' Union have hereunto set their hands and 
seals, this April 24, 1 904. 

Louis Flader, President, 
H. J. Griffith, First Vice-President, 
Augustus E. Blanck, Second Vice-President, 
Edward L. Henke, Third Vice-President, 
H. E. Gudbrandsen. Secretary-Treasurer . 
Executive Council International Photo En gravers' Union. 

James M. Lynch. 
Hugo Miller. 
J. W. Bra m wood. 
Executive Council International Typographical Union. 

784 



Convention at St. Louis, 1904 

After the signatures had been attached to the foregoing 
document the executive council withdrew all objection to 
an International Union of Photo Engravers, and the new 
organization was granted a charter by the American 
Federation of Labor. The union was also admitted to 
membership and participation in the compact between the 
international unions of the printing trade. 

LOS ANGELES TIMES 

In his annual report to the convention. President Lynch 
referred to the fact that on December 12, 1903, an event 
was chronicled in Los Angeles of supreme importance to 
the International Typographical Union. On that day the 
Los Angeles Examiner made its appearance as a morning 
daily and in direct competition with the unfair Los 
Angeles Times. The contest in Los Angeles had been 
initiated more than two years previously and it had been 
conducted stubbornly and determinedly. Obstacle after 
obstacle had been thrown in the way, but the union had 
persevered. The entire membership rallied to the fight 
with magnificent courage and on two occasions, by grati- 
fying majorities, voted the money necessary for the 
struggle. For years the Times had been on the non-union 
list and had never lost an opportunity to injure trade 
unionism and editorially and otherwise accepted every 
opening that gave promise of harm to the unions and 
especially to the International Typographical Union. 

In concluding his reference to the Times, President 
Lynch said : "This has been endured with patience until 
finally our preservation, almost our existence, compelled 
us to accept the gauge of battle. It may take years to win 
this contest, but it can be won." 

The convention committee to which the Times affair 
was referred reported that it had carefully reviewed the 
work being carried on by the representative of the execu- 
tive council in Los Angeles and agreed that everything 

785 



History of The Typographical Union 

possible had been done to bring about a victory. The 
committee had been in conference with Mr. Arthur Hay, 
special representative of the International Typographical 
Union and with the delegates from Los Angeles and San 
Francisco, and was assured by these representatives that 
the fight was being pushed vigorously. 

In view of the facts ascertained during its investiga- 
tions, the committee recommended to the convention the 
following : 

First. That the executive council be instructed to furnish 
such finances from the defense fund as in its wisdom may be 
necessary for the continuance of the contest. 

Second. That in order to further the interests of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, President Lynch be instructed 
to visit Los Angeles at his earliest convenience, to the end that 
the contest with the Times may, if possible, be made more 
effective. 

Third. That the following proposition, numbered in, by 
Delegate. Mitchell, of San Francisco, be adopted : 

"Resolved, That it is the sentiment of this union (San Fran- 
cisco No. 21 ) that the fight against the Los Angeles Times 
should be prosecuted with renewed vigor." 

Fourth. That the secretary-treasurer be instructed to 
write a letter of thanks to Hon, William R. Hearst for the 
establishment by him of the Los Angeles Examiner. 

The report of the committee was concurred in by the 
convention. 

The convention adjourned to meet in Toronto, Canada, 
in August, 1905. 

Convention at Toronto 

[^OS] — The fifty-first convention of the International 
Typographical Union was called to order in the Labor 
Temple, Toronto, Canada, August 14, 1905, by Chairman 
Stevenson of the arrangements committee, who invited 
the following gentlemen to take seats on the platform : 
Rev. Bernard Bryan, an ex-printer; Hon. J. P. Whitney, 

786 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

premier of the Province of Ontario; Thomas Urquhart, 
mayor of Toronto; Alderman J. J. Graham, chairman of 
the civic reception committee; Prof. Goldwin Smith; 
Robert Glockling, president International Brotherhood of 
Bookbinders; Edward Randall, first vice-president Inter- 
national Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union ; John 
McVicar, Detroit, ex-president International Typograph- 
ical Union ; John Armstrong, ex-president International 
Typographical Union and president of ex-delegates' 
association of Toronto; Edward Meehan, president To- 
ronto Typographical Union. 

Mr. Stevenson welcomed the delegates in behalf of the 
local organization and felicitated the International Union 
upon wiping out all geographical lines in the trade union 
movement. 

President Meehan took the chair and invited Reverend 
Bryan to offer the invocation. All of the speakers who 
had been invited to the platform addressed the convention 
in words of welcome and encouragement. President 
Meehan then presented a handsome gavel to President 
Lynch, who took the chair and responded briefly to the 
words of welcome. 

Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood reported that the cre- 
dentials of 252 delegates had been filed with him, of 
which number three were irregularly elected and one 
came from a delegate whose union was in arrears. The 
credentials of the irregularly elected delegates were 
referred to the credentials committee and the president 
then administered the obligation to those regularly 
elected. The number of delegates in attendance was later 
increased to 260. 

T H E PHILADELPHIA CASE 

Delegate Smith (Philadelphia) asked unanimous con- 
sent for the consideration of a resolution granting th£ 
privilege of the floor to officers, ex-officers and organizers. 

787 



History of The Typographical Union 

but objection was made and the president ruled the resolu- 
tion was out of order until permanent organization was 
effected by the appointment of officers and committees. 
The chair then announced the appointment of the conven- 
tion officers and of committees. The president explained 
that the several delegates from Philadelphia had been 
excused from committee duty at their own request. 

Delegate Smith (Philadelphia) again asked unanimous 
consent for the consideration of a resolution granting the 
privilege of the floor to officers, ex-officers and organizers, 
but objection was made. The delegate then introduced a 
proposition to amend the by-laws so as to grant said 
officers the privilege of the floor. The proposition was 
referred to the committee on laws. 

The Philadelphia delegation then submitted the follow- 
ing proposition : 

Whereas Philadelphia Typographical Union No. 2 has for over fifteen 
months been engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the Philadelphia In- 
quirer; and 

Whereas the success of the eight-hour day in a competitive district com- 
prising over 60 per cent of the total membership of the International Typo- 
graphical Union is dependent, to a great degree, on maintaining the integrity 
of Philadelphia Union No. 2, which can be accomplished only by sustaining 
the fight which Philadelphia Union is now carrying on. 

Resolved (by the International Typographical Union, in fifty-first annual 
convention assembled), That we emphatically endorse the fight now being 
waged by Philadelphia Typographical Union No. 2 against the Philadelphia 
Inquirer, and 

Be it further resolved, That the executive council be and the same is here- 
by instructed to place at the disposal of the Philadelphia Union, immediately, 
after return to headquarters, the sum of $7,800, this sum being due Phila- 
delphia Union under a fair and equitable construction of both the Washington 
and St. Louis agreements between the executive council and Philadelphia 
Union; provided, that Philadelphia Union, out of this sum, shall reimburse 
those of its sister unions who have contributed financial support; and 

Be it further resolved, That the executive council be and the same is here- 
by instructed to continue financial assistance to Philadelphia Union at the rate 
of $200 per week until the Inquirer fight is won, or until the next convention; 
provided, that Philadelphia Union contribute at least an equal amount and 
that the fight be conducted under the supervision and direction of the executive 
council, itemized vouchers being furnished that body by the local union for 
all moneys expended, and the work to be in charge of an International repre- 
sentative to be selected under the terms of the Washington agreement; and 

Be it further resolved. That the executive council be and the same is here- 
by instructed, in case the eight-hour fight or any other circumstances drain 
the International Typographical Union treasury to such an extent as to en- 

788 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

danger the continuation of the Philadelphia campaign or the regular work of 
organization, to submit to a vote of the referendum a proposition for an extra 
assessment in such amount and for such length of time as may be deemed 
necessary by the executive council to meet the contingency. 

The foregoing was referred by President Lynch to the 
committee on appeals. 

Delegate Kreft (Phila'delphia) submitted a resolution 
that the committee on appeals be directed to report the 
above proposition back to the convention not later than 
Tuesday, 2 P. M. Chairman Draper (Ottawa) of the 
committee asked for an extension of time, and, after some 
discussion, the resolution of Delegate Kreft was lost. 

President Lynch then called Vice-President Hays to 
the chair and took the floor as the representative of the 
executive council. He stated that the executive council 
had been charged with ''stabbing No. 2 in the back" ; 
"rendering aid and succor to the rats in their fight against 
the union"; with being "in league with the rat employers 
and rat printers of Philadelphia", etc. If the charges 
were true, as made, the executive council was not fit to 
carry on the eight-hour movement, nor fit to conduct the 
business of the union; there was no middle course; they 
were either union or non-union ; and if not union, they 
had no business in the chairs. The papers in this case 
were in the hands of the delegates and embraced in propo- 
sition No. I, an appeal by the council. On behalf of the 
council, he earnestly requested an early disposition of the 
appeal presented. 

Delegate Johnson (Washington, D. C. ) moved that the 
committee on appeals be instructed to take up proposition 
No. I, the appeal of the executive council, and report 
Tuesday morning if possible. 

Proposition No. 1, above referred to, was the appeal 
taken by the executive council from the action of Phila- 
delphia Union No. 2 in relation to the enforcement of 
section 81 of the general laws, in an instance of violation 

789 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the law called to the attention of Philadelphia Union 
by the council. It related to the Shelby Smith case 
(so-called). The proposition was before the delegates in 
printed form. 

After some discussion by Delegates Smith (Philadel- 
phia), Steele (Washington) and Faries (Philadelphia), 
Delegate Faries (Philadelphia) moved to amend that the 
Philadelphia case be taken up prior to proposition No. I 
(the council's appeal). 

Delegate Kreft (Philadelphia) argued in favor of 
considering the Philadelphia matter first and the Smith 
matter afterward. A rising vote was taken and the 
amendment was lost by a vote of 74 ayes to 135 noes. 

The original motion that the committee on appeals 
report on proposition No. 1 on Tuesday, or as early as 
possible, was then placed before the convention, and the 
motion prevailed. 

The committee on appeals submitted its report on the 
fourth day of the convention and it developed that propo- 
sition No. 1 was an appeal of the executive council from 
the action taken by Philadelphia Union No. 2 in relation 
to the enforcement of section 81, general laws of the 
International Typographical Union, in an instance of 
violation of the law called to the attention of No. 2 by the 
executive council. This law is as follows : 

Section 81. Any member or members of any subordinate 
union circulating or causing to be circulated in any way mali- 
cious or untrue statements reflecting upon the standing or char- 
acter, private or public, of any officer or member of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, or impugning the motives or 
reflecting upon the honesty of any officer or member of the 
International Typographical Union, shall be deemed guilty of 
ununionlike conduct, and upon conviction before a trial board 
shall be suspended or expelled, as two-thirds of the members 
may determine. It shall be the duty of the executive commit- 
tee of each subordinate union to investigate and prosecute all 

790 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

violations of this law occurring within its jurisdiction. It 
shall also be the duty, and it is hereby imperatively ordered, 
that any subordinate union, or any member .of a subordinate 
union, shall prefer charges before the proper authorities 
against all violators of this section. 

Under the provisions of the foregoing section, Shelby 
Smith, a member of Philadelphia Union and editor of the 
Trades Union News of that city, was charged with pub- 
lishing derogatory statements regarding the members of 
the executive council of the International Typographical 
Union individually and collectively, the most violent of 
which was as follows : 

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION AGAIN STABS NO. 2 

IN THE BACK RENDERS AID AND SUCCOR TO THE RATS IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST 

THE UNION 

Had anything been lacking to convince the membership of the International 
Typographical Union of the deliberate intention of the executive council to 
destroy Typographical Union No. 2, it is supplied by the "open letter" of 
the council printed below. 

Had anything been necessary to prove the interest of the executive coun- 
cil in neutralizing the effective fight of No. 2 against the scab Inquirer it is 
here supplied. 

Had any evidence of >the criminal refusal of the council to obey the plain 
letter of the law, supposed to govern its action, been missing, that evidence 
is here. 

Had there been any proof needed that the executive council is in league 
with the rat employers and rat printers of Philadelphia against Typographical 
Union No. 2, that proof is found in their "open letter" of February 7. 

John McNeal, president of the International Boilermakers' Union, was ex- 
pelled for offenses less infamous than that committed by the executive council 
of the I. T. U. in the issuance of this "open letter." 

So dastardly an attemptt to injure a local union by the officers of a na- 
tional organization charged with its protection and support has never been 
known. It is inconceivable that it can ever be repeated. 

The above article appeared in the Trades Union News 
of February I, 1905. On February 25, 1905, the execu- 
tive council of the International Typographical Union, in 
a letter to the president and executive committee of Phila- 
delphia Union, called attention to the provisions of 
section 81 of the general laws, reciting the charges and 
derogatory statements that were particularly offensive and 
calling upon the union through its president and executive 
committee to comply with the provisions of the section in 

791 



History of The Typographical Union 

question, which specifically applied to cases of this 
character. 

The question was subsequently brought to the attention 
of a meeting of Philadelphia Union and a trial committee 
was appointed. 

The members of the executive council were summoned 
to appear before the local trial board at Philadelphia but 
declined to do so, pointing out that under the law Phila- 
delphia Typographical Union was required to act, the 
council having pointed out the violations of the law and 
asserted that under the law the member who made the 
charges must prove them or take the consequences. At a 
later date the secretary of Philadelphia Typographical 
Union transmitted to the executive council the report of 
the trial board in the case. Mr. Smith's main defense was 
that the article written *by him and published in the 
Trades Union News was justified by reason of the action 
of the council in declining to extend Philadelphia Union 
all the financial aid it had requested in its fight with the 
Inquirer. 

The case of the executive council was fully stated by 
Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood, and Mr. Smith sub- 
mitted his defense to the convention committee, with the 
result that the following findings of the committee were 
submitted to the delegates : 

In the minds of your committee, this is one of the most im- 
portant questions that has ever been brought before an inter- 
national convention. The laws of the International Typo- 
graphical Union prescribe the duties of the executive council. 
Among these duties is the disposition of the defense fund. Cer- 
tain rules are laid down as to its disposition by the laws of the 
organization, while its administration is placed in the hands of 
the executive council. The council, in exercising its rights and 
prerogatives under the law, as construed by the council, de- 
cided upon a certain course of action in the Philadelphia case. 
Its adherence to that plan is claimed by Mr. Smith and the 

792 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

trial board of the Philadelphia Union — and, in fact, by the 
union itself, through its adoption of the report of the trial 
board — to have been sufficient ground for the charge of being 
"in league with the rat employers and rat printers of Phila- 
delphia against Typographical Union No. 2," of "rendering aid 
and succor to the rats in their fight against the union," and 
other statements of like character. We submit that this is an 
unjustifiable assumption on the part of any member or local 
union connected with this organization. If the unionism of the 
officers of the International Union, charged with the perform- 
ance of certain duties, is to be thus grossly attacked and be- 
smirched because official action may not meet with the ap- 
proval of certain members or officers of a local union, or the 
local union itself, and the provisions of existing law are not 
strong enough to cope with such cases, it is high time that a 
law was enacted that will end, for all time, such flagrant pro- 
cedure by those who wish to remain enrolled under the banner 
of the International Typographical Union. But your commit- 
tee believes that section 81, properly enforced, is ample to 
cover the case in question. Its provisions are exceedingly plain, 
and the course of procedure is mandatory. We agree with the 
members of the executive council that the charges as outlined 
above, "if founded on fact, mean that the officers of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, constituting the executive coun- 
cil, are not worthy to fill the positions they occupy; if not 
founded on fact, or if malicious or untrue, the provisions of 
section 81 apply." And those provisions set forth in a manda- 
tory manner the punishment that shall be administered to one 
violating its provisions. In the .case at issue not one scintilla 
of evidence — direct, documentary or oral — was produced before 
your committee tending to substantiate the charges made by 
Mr. Shelby Smith. The only defense put in by Mr. Smith is 
the one which he made before the trial board of Philadelphia 
Union, which we submit, is not evidence at all. On the other 
side, the appellants (the members of the executive council) in 
the case defy the production of any such testimony, and they 
emphatically state, collectively and individually, that no such 
testimony existed. Your committee, therefore, believes that it 
is warranted by the facts as disclosed by both sides in coming 
to the decision that section 81 was deliberately violated by 
Shelby Smith, and that the trial board of Philadelphia Typo- 

793 



History of The Typographical Union 

graphical Union purposely evaded the provisions of section 8 1 
in handling this case, and rendered a verdict that had no evi- 
dence to sustain it. We therefore recommend as follows: 

First. That Shelby Smith, who is now seated as delegate 
from Philadelphia Typographical Union, be expelled from the 
convention and his seat be declared vacant. 

Second. That Philadelphia Typographical Union be in- 
structed by this convention to immediately expel Shelby Smith 
from membership in that organization, and it is the verdict of 
this convention that such expulsion shall remain in effect until 
such time as Shelby Smith shall make a full and ample public 
apology to the members of the executive council of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, such apology to be published 
in the Typographical Journal and Trades Union News of 
Philadelphia, and given such other publicity as may be deemed 
necessary. By the term "full and ample apology," we mean 
one that will be acceptable to the members of the executive 
council, whose personal and official characters have been thus 
wantonly assailed. If No. 2 fails to enforce this verdict within 
thirty days its charter to be revoked by the executive council. 

In concluding its report, your committee desires to say that 
the problem before it was not one of sentiment, but one of ren- 
dering justice under our laws and according to facts. A ques- 
tion of the character covered in this report — involving the 
integrity of its chosen representatives — should not be passed 
lightly by. It is necessary for the International Typographical 
Union to take its place among the labor organizations which 
protect their officers and members from gross and malicious 
attacks of this nature. We further believe that a concurrence 
in the recommendations of this committee will show conclu- 
sively that the laws of the International Union are enacted 
for the guidance of its members and officers, and will be en- 
forced without fear or favor. 

The discussion following the report of the committee 
occupied a large portion of the day's session, when the 
report was adopted by a vote of 209 ayes against 34 noes. 

Just before the vote was taken on the Question of con- 
curring in the recommendations of the appeals committee, 
Mr. Smith read the following statement : 

I confess that I am not able to produce evidence to substan- 

794 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

tiate the statements made in the Trades Union News of Febru- 
ary 9 concerning the executive council of the International Typo- 
graphical Union in the construction placed upon them by the 
council and the committee on appeals — a construction never in- 
tended to be conveyed. I deeply regret their publication, and 
shall request the publication of this statement in the Trades 
Union News regardless of the action of this convention. 

BRIEF REVIEW OF OFFICER s' REPORTS 

The reports of the officers for the fiscal year were the 
most voluminous of any documents of that character pre- 
viously submitted to a convention. 

Aside from the eight-hour day, the Philadelphia case, 
the revocation of St. Louis' charter, which are treated 
under separate headings, the report of President Lynch 
contained an account of the arbitration proceedings had 
with the American Newspaper Publishers' Association 
during the year. The relations of the International Union 
with those newspapers holding arbitration contracts were 
reported to have been both pleasant and profitable. Sev- 
eral scales of prices had been arbitrated and numerous 
matters had been adjusted by the commissioner represent- 
ing the publishers' association and the president of the 
International Union. As a matter of fact, much of the 
value of the arbitration agreement was in the opportunity 
afforded for the settlement of minor contentions which 
caused endless trouble, often leading to costly and useless 
strikes. 

In connection with the subject of arbitration, a list of 
newspapers holding arbitration agreements was published 
and a review of the national board of arbitration awards 
was given. The liberty of the press as involved in the 
proposed boycott of a union paper because of its pub- 
lished opinions was discussed by President Lynch and 
such action was condemned by him. 

Under the heading "Organization," the International 

795 



History of The Typographical Union 

president presented a letter that had been sent to organiz- 
ers which showed that gains in membership and strength 
had been made even though the union through its eight- 
hour movement was under fire. It was asserted that 
despite the increased International per capita tax, the 
eight-hour assessment, supplemented in many instances 
by local assessments, and the feeling of uneasiness natural 
to a campaign for shorter hours, the union had not only 
retained its membership but had actually made gains. An 
active organizing effort had been initiated by local unions, 
acting on suggestions, from the headquarters office, and 
the reports received indicated that the venture, notwith- 
standing the expense attached, had been justified by 
results. 

The various vice-presidents submitted brief reports 
covering their activities during the year. 

Typographia — Second Vice-President Miller, for the 
Typographia, reported his organization as being in the 
best of shape, the only German printing office of any 
consequence in the country outside the German union 
being the Philadelphia Demokrat. The amount in the 
general treasury had been increased from $22,790 to 
$25,095, or a little more than $25 per capita. Second 
Vice-President Miller discussed the injustice which he 
thought had been put upon the German members by the 
St. Louis convention in passing an amendment to the old 
law governing foreign language composition, which 
placed the German members of the Typographia in the 
position of working on German composition in English 
offices for a lower scale than provided by the local 
Typographia. 

Mailers — Third Vice-President Mulcahy, for the 
mailers, announced that that branch of the trade had 
made wonderful improvement during the year. Seven 
new unions had been organized and increases in wages 

796 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

were gained in several instances. A steady, consistent 
increase in membership was reported. 

Newswriters — Fourth Vice-President Bracken of the 
newspaper writers reported that matters were moving 
along in a quiet way. He said that the writers would be 
found in the front ranks in the eight-hour movement and 
offered a suggestion to the membership advocating the 
purchase of printing machinery and all necessary stock 
to equip a large plant, the material and stock to be put in 
use wherever members were on strike, or locked out, in 
order that the public might not suffer through a cessation 
of the printing business. This, Mr. Bracken argued, 
would remove a source of criticism of strikes. 

Typefounders — Fifth Vice-President Nuernberger of 
the typefounders reported that nothing of importance had 
transpired in his branch during the year. He said that it 
might interest members of the International Union to 
know that the cost of manufacturing type had been re- 
duced somewhat, while the price of type had been 
increased, or the weight of fonts had been reduced, thus 
increasing the price per pound and giving the employing 
typefounders a greater profit than before. 

Secretary's Report — Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood 
opened his annual report with a table giving the complete 
record of the receipts and expenditures of the Interna- 
tional body for the fiscal year. The total receipts had 
been $286,187.35, expenditures, $205,822.41, leaving a 
cash balance of $80,364.94. 

Under the heading "Our Membership," the secretary 
said that the continued success of the International Typo- 
graphical Union and its steady increase in membership 
despite the opposition of various employers' associations, 
citizens' alliances, etc., was both encouraging and gratify- 
ing. Although the progress had not been startling or 
sensational, an increment was shown by a tabulated 

797 



History of The Typographical Union 

statement based upon the per capita tax payments for the 
twelve months ended May 31, 1905. From this statement 
it was apparent that the average paying membership for 
the fiscal year had been 46,734, the largest in the history 
of the organization. The list of charters issued and 
suspended showed forty-three new unions formed, thirty- 
three charters surrendered and twelve suspended, still 
there had been a net gain in membership. 

A slight decrease was noted in the number of burial 
claims. During the twelve months benefits to the number 
of 578 were paid. The receipts of the fund were 
$42,060.85, the expenditures $39,690, leaving a balance 
of $2,370.85, which, together with the balance carried 
over from the previous year, amounted to $19,927.78. 

The death rate for the year was 1.2 13 per cent of the 
average membership, or a little more than 12 per 1,000. 
The average death rate since the establishment of the 
fund had been 1.2 19, about 12 per 1,000. 

The receipts of the Typographical Journal fund for the 
fiscal year were $31,312.70. The expenditures from the 
fund were $29,426.77. 

Nineteen strikes, involving sixteen local unions, had 
taken place during the year, seven of which were success- 
ful, six lost, one arbitrated, four pending and one result 
not reported at time report was filed. The number of 
men who returned to work after settlement was made 
was in. The number of men involved in disputes pend- 
ing was seventy-three. This statement did not include the 
disputes in which Chicago and New York stereotypers 
were engaged. 

Union Printers Home — The board of trustees of the 
Union Printers Home reported that the business trans- 
acted at its annual meeting was of a routine character. 
Plans for further beautifying the grounds were taken up 
and endorsed. Additional tents had been procured for 

798 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

the use of tuberculosis patients. The superintendent had 
been instructed to confer with the fire department of 
Colorado Springs relative to more adequate fire pro- 
tection and the recommendations of the fire chief had 
been carried out. 

The total receipts for the year were $69,202.62, and 
expenditures $60,732.69, leaving a balance of $8,469.93 
in the Home fund. The cost of improvements during the 
fiscal year were $6,157.50 and an additional $1,000 had 
been expended in purchasing another cemetery plot. The 
total cost, per resident, of conducting the Home during 
the year was $453.22 and the average number of residents 
was 134. The total number of meals served at the Home 
during the year was 178,203. The library of the Home 
was reported as growing rapidly. Nineteen deaths oc- 
curred during the year, fifteen of which were caused by 
tuberculosis. The tents which had been erected for the 
use of this class of patients proved of great benefit. In 
concluding his report, the superintendent said that the 
conduct of the Home residents was up to the usual high 
standard. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Only four amendments to the constitution were ap- 
proved by the convention and referred to the referendum. 
All of the propositions were carried with the exception of 
one to increase the salaries of the president and secretary- 
treasurer. The majority against this proposition was 
2,392. The total number of unions entitled to vote was 
706; the total number voting was 455. The propositions 
submitted, with amendments appearing in italics, together 
with the result of the vote, follows : 

First proposition — Amend section 4, article i. of the constitution, so as to 
read as follows: 

Section 4. The distinctive names of the several subordinate branches 
shall be: Of the printers, typographical union; of the mailers, mailers' union; 
of the writers, newspaper writers' union; of the typefounders, typefounders' 

799 



History of The Typographical Union 

union; and of all other allied crafts or trades, if such there be, the distinctive 
name of each branch. 

Result of vote — For, 20,330; against, 1,600; majority 
for, 18,730. 

Second proposition — Amend section 7, article vi, of the constitution, to 
read as follows: 

Section 7. It shall be the duty of the agent, in the event of the Union 
Printers Home corporation neglecting or refusing to comply with the provi- 
sions of the deed under which the land on which the Home is situated was 
transferred, or disobeying any of the orders of the International Typograph- 
ical Union, to enter upon and take full possession of the property as the 
custodian of the International Typographical Union; provided, that it shall be 
the duty of the agent to attend at least one meeting of the board of trustees 
during his term of office. 

Result of vote — For, 20,366; against, 1,740; majority 
for, 18,626. 

Third proposition — Amend section i, article viii, of the constitution — 
"Salaries and Expenses" — as follows: 
Section i. The salary of * * *. 
For the president, $2,100 per annum * * * 
Secretary-treasurer, $2,100 per annum. 

Result of vote — For, 9,970; against, 12,362; majority 
against, 2,392. 

Fourth proposition — Amend section 3, article viii, of the constitution, to 
read as follows: 

Section 3. When any officer or member is required to perform service 
away from his home, he shall be allowed, in addition to the amounts set forth 
above, first-class railroad fare by the shortest route to and from destination, 
and actual hotel expenses; provided, that an itemised bill shall in all cases be 
rendered. 

Result of vote — For, 13,264; against, 8,866; majority 
for, 4,398. 

Affiliated Unions and the Joint Agreement — An 
amended joint agreement between the International 
Typographical Union, the International Printing Press- 
men and Assistants' Union, the International Brotherhood 
of Bookbinders, the International Stereotypers' and 
Electrotypers' Union, the International Photo Engravers' 
Union was adopted January 14, 1905. It was reported to 
the convention that during the time this agreement had 
been in effect it had given satisfaction. Allied trades 
councils were working under it without friction and ali 
differences were being adjusted under the provisions of 

800 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

the new agreement. Several appeal cases had been before 
the joint board and unanimous decisions had been reached 
in each instance. The agreement had worked out splen- 
didly during the first period of its existence and it was 
predicted that even better results would be forthcoming. 

The committee on allied trades relations recommended 
that the amended agreement be approved and the con- 
vention concurred in the suggestion of the committee. 
While the committee's report was under consideration, an 
attempt was made by Delegate Donnell, of Cincinnati, 
to have the agreement abrogated. This attempt failed, 
however. 

Arbitration — The committee on arbitration reported 
to the convention that 145 arbitration agreements were in 
effect in seventy-five cities, seven of which had been nego- 
tiated following the St. Louis convention. Attention was 
called to a part of Commissioner Driscoll's address to the 
convention wherein he suggested that the executive 
council be authorized to meet with the special standing 
committee of the American Newspaper Publisher's Asso- 
ciation during the coming year to formulate an agreement 
to be submitted to both organizations for approval at 
their succeeding conventions. In this connection attention 
was called to the president's report on this subject, under 
the head of "Arbitration." Instead of instructing the 
executive council as suggested by the commissioner repre- 
senting the publishers, the convention reaffirmed its belief 
in arbitration, but asserted that arbitration was only pos- 
sible where the parties in dispute approached the question 
in a fair and conciliatory manner and the executive coun- 
cil was instructed to proceed along the lines suggested by 
the president in his report. 

ST. LOUIS CHARTER REVOKED 

On Monday, June 5, 1905, the president of St. Louis 
Typographical Union No. 8 telephoned the headquarters 

801 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the International Typographical Union at Indianapolis 
and said that at a regular meeting held on June 4, St. 
Louis Typographical Union had instructed its officers to 
sign a contract for three years with the St. Louis Typoth- 
etae, this contract to be on a nine-hour basis for the 
contract period. On Tuesday, June 6, the International 
secretary-treasurer visited St. Louis and protested against 
the signing of a nine-hour contract, explaining that it was 
illegal and in contravention of International law. On 
Wednesday, June 7, the executive council considered the 
St. Louis situation, in Kansas City, . where it was then 
holding a conference with the representatives of the 
x^merican Newspaper Publishers' Association. As a result 
of the consideration of the St. Louis matter, the following 
telegrams were sent : 

BOTH PARTIES DULY WARNED 

[Telegram.] 

Kansas City, Mo., June 7, 1905. 
Ernest S. Hart, President St. Louis Typothetee (care R. B. Studley & Co.), 
St. Louis, Mo.: 

Executive council International Typographical Union formally notifies you, 
as president St. Louis Typothetae, that any contract made with St. Louis Ty- 
pographical Union No. 8, without first receiving the council's approval, will 
be repudiated as null and void, as provided by our laws. 

James M. Lynch, 
Hugo Miller, 
J. W. Bramwood. 
[Telegram.] 

Kansas City, Mo., June 7, 1905. 
Joseph A. Jackson, 408 Burlington Bldg., 910 Olive Street, St. Louis, Mo.: 

By action St. Louis convention, ratified by referendum, contracts extend- 
ing beyond January 1, and not including eight-hour day to become effective 
on January 1, will be illegal and will be repudiated by council. Representa- 
tives of No. 8 at Indianapolis and Detroit further ratified eight-hour plan 
and agreed that contracts before being entered into should receive approval 
of executive council. Therefore executive council will not recognize any con- 
tract that has. not received its approval, and has today so notified the St„ 

Louis Typothetae. T ,. T 

James M. Lynch, 

Hugo Miller, 

J. W. Bramwood. 

The executive council attended a special meeting of St. 
Louis Typographical Union No. 8, held on the evening of 
Thursday, June 9, and again protested against the ratifi- 

802 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

cation of a three-year contract on a nine-hour basis, and 
pointed out the International law, the compacts entered 
into by No. 8 at Indianapolis and Detroit, and the provi- 
sions of the eight-hour plan endorsed by the referendum. 
The council urged No. 8 to stand firmly for the eight-hour 
day. But despite the emphatic protest of the council, the 
officers of No. 8 were again instructed, in compliance with 
their recommendation and advice, to sign the illegal con- 
tract. The following documents explain further steps in 
the St. Louis case : 

BOTH PARTIES AGAIN WARNED 

[Telegram.] 

Indianapolis, Ind., June 9, 1905. 
J. A. Jackson, President St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8, 408 Burlington 
Building, St. Louis, Mo. : 

The executive council of the International Typographical Union reaffirms 
the decision embodied in its telegram to you as president of St. Louis Typo- 
graphical Union, dated June 7, 1905. T ,, T 

James M. Lynch, 

Hugo Miller, 
J. W. Bramwood. 
Executive Council International Typographical Union. 

[Telegram.] 

Indianapolis, Ind., June 9, 1905. 

E. S. Hart, President St. Louis Typotheta {care R. B. Studley & Co.), St. 

Louis, Mo. : 

The executive council of the International Typographical Union reaffirms 

the decision embodied in its telegram to you as president of the St. Louis. 

Typothetae, dated June 7, 1905. T ., T 

' James M. Lynch, 

Hugo Miller, 

J. W. Bramwood. 

Executive Council International Typographical Union. 

no. eight's charter suspended 

Indianapolis, Ind., June 12, 1905. 

At a meeting of the executive council of the International Typographical 
Union, at which all members were present, which convened at 9:30 a. m. on the 
above date, the following resolution was introduced and unanimously adopted 
by a roll-call vote: 

"Resolved, That the charter of St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8 be 
herewith suspended, in accordance with the provisions of section 2, article x, 
of the constitution of the International Typographical Union, for failure and 
refusal to obey the laws and legal mandates of the International Typographical 
Union and executive council, and the instructions of the executive council. 
Said suspension to take effect immediately (9:45 a. m., June 12, 1905) and 
continue in effect until St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8 complies with the 
laws and legal mandates of the International Typographical Union and execu- 

803 



History of The Typographical Union 

tive council, and until the charter of the union has been reinstated by the 

executive council." _ 

James M. Lynch, 

Hugo Miller, 

J. W. Bramwood. 

The foregoing action was telegraphed to the officers of No. 8. 

[Telegram.] 

Indianapolis, Ind., June 12, 1905. 
E. S. Hart, President St. Louis Typothetae {care R. B. Studley & Co.), St. 
Louis, Mo. : 

Following the telegrams sent you on June 7 and 9, the executive council 
of the International Typographical Union formally notifies you, as president 
of St. Louis Typothetae, that the charter of St. Louis Typographical Union has 
been suspended for violation of International law in entering into an illegal 
contract with St. Louis typothetae. 

James M. Lynch, 

Hugo Miller, 
J. W. Bramwood. 
Executive Council International Typographical Union. 

The president of St. Louis Typographical Union visited 
headquarters on Thursday, June 15, and asked that the 
executive council so modify the order of suspension as to 
permit the issuance of traveling cards, payment of per 
capita, etc., the suspension of No. 8 to be nominal pending 
review of the case by the Toronto convention. After con- 
sidering the request, the council declined to accede to it 

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL'S POSITION 

[Letter.] 

Indianapolis, Ind., June 17, 1905. 
Mr. Joseph A. Jackson, 7577 Benton Street, St. Louis, Mo.: 

My Dear Sir — Confirming our conversation over the long-distance telephone 
today, I desire to say that the executive council stands just where it did on 
the evening of Thursday, June 8, as to the support of the members of No. 8 
who may be locked out by the book and job employers in St. Louis, or who 
may be compelled to engage in a strike in order to conserve the law: 

Provided St. Louis Union repudiates the illegal nine-hour contract with 
the St. Louis typothetae and reaffirms its allegiance to International law, the 
eight-hour demand and the eight-hour plan endorsed by the referendum of the 
International Typographical Union, and serves written notice on the St. Louis 
typothetae that this action has been taken. 

Immediately after the action is taken and the council is furnished with an 
attested record of the action of the union, together with an attested copy of 
the notice to the St. Louis typothetae, No. 8 will be reinstated by the executive 
council. 

Permit me to reiterate that if trouble should occur in St. Louis because of 
this action by the union, and after compliance with the International Typo- 
graphical Union law, as set forth under the subdivision "Defense and Strikes" 
(page 66, laws of 1905), then the executive council will support the rein- 
stated union. 

804 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

Pending action by the special meeting of No. 8, which you inform me is 
to be held tomorrow, no further steps will be taken by the council. 

Fraternally, 
Approved: James M. Lynch. 

J. W. Bramwood, 
Hugo Miller. 

action by typographical union no. 8 
[Telegram.] 

St. Louis, Mo., June 18, 1905. 
James M. Lynch, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis: 

Meeting of union today declared submission to law as declared by execu- 
tive council. Rescinded nine-hour scale. Particulars by mail. 

J. A. Jackson, 
J. J. Early. 
[Letter] 

St. Louis, June 19, 1905. 
Executive Council, International Typographical Union, Indianapolis, Ind., 
James M. Lynch, Chairman: 

Dear Sir: The following resolutions were adopted at a special meeting of 
the St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8 held on June 18: 

"Resolved, That St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8, assembled in special 
meeting to 'consider the suspension of the charter and the new scale,' instructs 
the president and the secretary-treasurer of the union to immediately notify 
the executive council of the International Typographical Union by telegraph, 
and at the earliest possible moment in writing under our official seal, that Typo- 
graphical Union No. 8 hereby submits to the law as declared by the council 
and will observe and obey the same; and that all legislation by this union in 
connection with the recently enacted job scale be and is hereby rescinded. And 
that our officers are further instructed to request the council to notify the 
union as soon as may be of the revocation of the order suspending No. 8's 
charter. 

"Resolved, That in the opinion of the union this action is not an action 
upon the scale, within the meaning of the law, but is a compliance with the 
law as declared by the executive council, and is necessary in the emergency 
now confronting the union, in order to preserve our charter rights pending an 
appeal to the convention of the International Typographical Union." 

Respectfully, T , T 

J. A. Jackson, 

President Typographical Union No. 8. 



Attest : 

J. J. Early, 

Secretary-Treasurer. 



[Letter] 

St. Louis, June 19, 1905. 
C. M. Skinner, Chairman Executive Committee, St. Louis Typotheta, St. Louis: 

Dear Sir: The following resolutions were adopted at a special meeting of 
St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8, held on June 18: 

Resolved, That St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8, assembled in special 
meeting to 'consider the suspension of the charter and the new scale,' instructs 
the president and the secretary-treasurer of the union to immediately notify the 
executive council of the International Typographical Union by telegraph, and at 
the earliest possible moment in writing, under our official seal, that Typographical 
Union No. 8 hereby submits to the law as declared by the council, and will ob- 
serve and obey the same; and that all legislation by this union in connection with 
the recently enacted job scale be and is hereby rescinded. And that our offi- 



805 



History of The Typographical Union 

cers are further instructed to request the council to notify the union as soon 

as may be of the revocation of the order suspending No. 8V charter. 

"Resolved, That in the opinion of the union this action is not an action 

upon the scale, within the meaning of the law, but is a compliance with the law 

as declared by the executive council, and is necessary in the emergency now 

confronting the union in order to preserve our charter rights pending an appeal 

to the convention of the International Typographical Union." 

Respectfully, T . T 

J. A. Jackson, 

Attest: President Typographical Union No. 8. 

J. J. Early, 

Secretary-Treasurer. 

AN EXCHANGE OF MESSAGES 

[Telegram] 

Indianapolis, June 20, 1905. 
J. A. Jackson, 408 Burlington Bldg., St. Louis, Mo.: 

Acting on the first resolution contained in the communication of June 19, 
addressed to the executive council, signed by J. A. Jackson, as president of 
Typographical Union No. 8, and J. J. Early, as secretary-treasurer, the execu- 
tive council has today revoked the order suspending the charter of Typograph- 
ical Union No. 8. This action is taken with the understanding on the part of 
the executive council that No. 8 in the first resolution declares its allegiance 
to International law, and that the illegal nine-hour contract recently entered 
into between No. 8 and the St. Louis Typothetse has been rescinded, and that 
No. 8 has placed itself in position to co-operate in eight-hour campaign and 
fulfil its pledges made at Indianapolis and Detroit, and that no contract will be 
entered into without compliance with International law. Answer at once if 
council's understanding is correct, and then formal letter reinstating charter of 
No. 8 will follow, reinstatement to take effect at twelve o'clock noon today. 

James M. Lynch, 
J. W. Bramwood, 
Hugo Miller, 
Executive Council International Typographical Union. 
[Telegram] 

St. Louis, Mo., June 20, 1905. 
James M. Lynch, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Ind.: 
Executive council's interpretation of No. 8's action correct one. 

J. A. Jackson. 

NUMBER EIGHT'S CHARTER REINSTATED 

[Letter] 

Indianapolis, June 20, 1905. 
J. A. Jackson, President, and J. J. Early, Secretary, St. Louis Typographical 

Union No. 8: 

Gentlemen: At a meeting of the executive council held this day, the fol- 
lowing resolutions were adopted: 

"Whereas the executive council did, on June 12, 1905, resolve 'that the 
charter of St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8 be herewith suspended, in ac- 
cordance with the provisions of section 2, article x, of the constitution of the 
International Typographical Union for failure and refusal to obey the laws and 
legal mandates of the International Typographical Union and executive council, 
and the instructions of the executive council, said suspension to take effect im- 
mediately (9:45 a. M., June 12, 1905) and continuing in effect until St. Louis 
Typographical Union No. 8 complies with the laws and legal mandates of the 
International Typographical Union and the executive council, and until the char- 
ter of the union has been reinstated by the executive council;' and 

806 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

"Whereas the International president did on June 17, 1905, with the approval 
of his colleagues on the executive council, write Mr. Joseph A. Jackson as fol- 
lows: 'Confirming our conversation over the long-distance telephone today, I 
desire to say that the executive council stands just where it did on the evening 
of Thursday, June 8, as to the support of the members of No. 8 who may be 
locked out by the book and job employers in St. Louis, or who may be compelled 
to engage in a strike in order to conserve the law; provided, St. Louis Union 
repudiates the illegal nine-hour contract with the St. Louis Typothetae and re- 
affirms its allegiance to International law, the eight-hour demand and the eight- 
hour plan endorsed by the referendum of the International Typographical Union 
and serves written notice on the St. Louis Typothetae that this action has been 
taken. Immediately after the action is taken and the council is furnished with 
an attested record of the action of the union, together with an attested copy of 
the notice to the St. Louis Typothetae, No. 8 will be reinstated by the executive 
council,' and 

"Whereas the executive council has been informed, under date of June 19, 
by J. A. Jackson, as president of Typographical Union No. 8, and J. J. Early, 
as secretary-treasurer, under seal of the union, that at a special meeting of St. 
Louis Typographical Union held on June 18, the following was adopted: 
'Resolved, that St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8, assembled in special 
meeting to "consider the suspension of the charter and the scale," instructs the 
president and the secretary-treasurer of the union to immediately notify the 
executive council of the International Typographical Union by telegraph, and 
at the earliest possible moment in writing, under our official seal, that Typo- 
graphical Union No. 8 hereby submits to the law as declared by the council, 
and will observe and obey the same; and that all legislation by this union in 
connection with the recently enacted job scale be and is hereby rescinded; and 
the officers above named have also submitted copy of letter to the St. Louis 
Typothetae embodying the action taken by St. Louis Typographical Union No. 8. 
"Now, therefore, the executive council of the International Typographical 
Union, acting on the first resolution contained in the communication of June 19, 
addressed to the executive council, signed by J. A. Jackson, as president of 
Typographical Union No. 8, and J. J. Early, as secretary-treasurer, has today 
revoked the order suspending the charter of Typographical Union No. 8, this 
action being taken with the understanding on the part of the executive council 
that No. 8 in the resolution quoted heretofore declares its allegiance to Interna- 
tional law, and that the illegal nine-hour contract recently entered into between 
No. 8 and the St. Louis Typothetae has been rescinded, and that No. 8 has placed 
itself in position to co-operate in the eight-hour campaign and fulfd its pledges 
made in Indianapolis and Detroit, and that no contract will be entered into 
without full compliance with International law. 

"Resolved, That the order of suspension of the charter of Typographical 
Union No. 8 made by the executive council on June 12, 1905, be and is hereby 
revoked, the reinstatement to take effect at 12 o'clock, noon, June 20, 1905." 

James M. Lynch, 
J. W. Bramwood, 
Hugo Miller, 
Executive Council International Typographical Union. 

The committee on officers' reports to which the docu- 
ments in the St. Louis case were referred reported that the 
cage was set forth so clearly that comment was scarcely 
necessary. That the executive council was amply justified 
in the steps that were taken, and that the suspension of the 



807 



History of The Typographical Union 

St. Louis Typographical Union, so promptly made, was 
the only remedy, drastic though it was, that could be 
applied. The committee therefore recommended that the 
action taken by the executive council in the St. Louis case 
be endorsed by the convention and the council commended 
for its prompt action in the premises. 

Delegate Hertenstein (St. Louis) desired to place St. 
Louis Union on record and moved that the report of the 
committee on officers' reports be concurred in. The mo- 
tion was adopted unanimously. 

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES 

Speaking of the Los Angeles Times, President Lynch, 
in his annual report, said : 

We are still prosecuting, as vigorously as the monetary 
allowance will permit, the effort to unionize the Los Angeles 
Times. Early in the year, the executive council, following the 
policy of subordinating all enterprises to the eight-hour move- 
ment, reduced to $600 per month the appropriation for financ- 
ing the Times contest. It was believed that amount would per- 
mit as effective a campaign as it was desirable to conduct until 
the eight-hour problem was determined. We have more than 
held our own, and the Times has continued to lose in both ad- 
vertising and subscriptions. The Los Angeles Examiner is now 
firmly established, and its managers assert that it has more 
advertising and a greater circulation than the Times. Wliile we 
have expended a large sum of money in the Times affair, the 
Examiner has paid in wages to union men more than three 
times the amount we have put into Los Angeles. And the 
Examiner is one of the results of our movement against the 
Times. * * * 

Your president recommends that the effort to unionize the 
Los Angeles Times shall be continued. Success will be cheap 
at any expenditure. 

The convention committee appointed to investigate the 
fight against the Times said : 

We find that the present effort to unionize the Los Angeles 
Times has been supported financially by the International 

808 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

Typographical Union for about three years and six months. 
We gather from the report of the secretary-treasurer that Inter- 
national funds to th€ amount of $33,650.11 have been expended 
in Los Angeles in connection with the Times fight. It is fur- 
ther set forth in the report of the president that we are now 
prosecuting as vigorously as the monetary allowance will permit 
the effort to unionize the Times ; that early in the year the 
executive council, following the policy of subordinating all 
enterprises to the eight-hour movement, reduced to $600 per 
month the money appropriation for financing the Times con- 
test; that even with this reduction we have more than held 
our own, and that the Times has continued to lose in both 
advertising and subscriptions. 

We gather further from the report of the president that 
the Cincinnati convention submitted to the referendum a prop- 
osition for a special assessment of five cents per capita to 
finance the Los Angeles Times contest, and this proposition 
was adopted ; that later the additional five cents was merged 
into the regular per capita, and that from September 26, 1904, 
the executive council has financed the Times fight from the 
regular funds; that both the Washington convention and the 
St. Louis convention instructed the executive council to con- 
tinue financial assistance and to press the effort to secure a 
victory in Los Angeles. 

After diligent investigation, we find that the conditions in 
Los Angeles prior to the date on which the present contest was 
inaugurated were about as bad as they well could be. While 
the contests against the Times were conducted vigorously by 
No. 174 while they lasted, they were generally declared off at 
the end of a few months, and accomplished practically noth- 
ing of lasting benefit. These occasional efforts usually served 
only to further anger the Times and make it more pronounced 
in its intense opposition to trade unionism generally and the 
Typographical Union particularly. When the present fight 
was begun, Los Angeles Typographical Union No. 174 faced 
many obstacles and met with great difficulties in inaugurat- 
ing necessary reforms. The Times not only gloated edi- 
torially over what it considered a vanquished foe, but made 
a practice of educating in its composing room young men to 
operate its typesetting machines, and also aided them in gain- 
ing superficial knowledge of the compositor's art. Later these 

809 



History of The Typographical Union 

partly instructed craftsmen were sent to other portions of the 
coast, and in fact throughout the entire jurisdiction, to aid un- 
fair employers in resisting requests made by typographical 
unions. 

As Arthur A. Hay, the International Typographical Union 
representative in Los Angeles, will address the convention on 
the Times matter, your committee does not deem it necessary to 
here enter into details of the contest. 

We earnestly agree with the recommendation in the pres- 
ident's report that the efforts to unionize the Los Angeles 
Times should be continued, and we are one with the declara- 
tion that "success will be cheap at any expenditure." 

We recommend to the convention, therefore, that it endorse 
and approve of the Los Angeles Times contest as at present 
conducted ; that it express its appreciation for the progress 
thus far made, and that it instruct the executive council to 
continue financial assistance for the purpose of carrying on the 
effort to unionize the Los Angeles Times, the council to be the 
judge of the amount of money necessary for this crusade. 

The convention concurred in the recommendation of 
the committee. 

THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY 

In presenting his annual report to the convention, 
President Lynch said : 

There is but one subject before the International Typo- 
graphical Union — the establishment of the principle of not 
more than eight hours for all members of the organization. 
All other problems, all other questions, all other propositions 
are incident to the great economic advancement that we are 
attempting, and which has met with success in many instances. 
Achieving the eight-hour day, betterments will follow natur- 
ally. Higher wages, if we are to accept the history of other 
organizations enjoying the eight-hour day, are sure to succeed 
its general introduction. Nor is there ground for claim that 
the employer will be unduly burdened when he can purchase 
from his employe only eight hours' time. Again we can ap- 
peal to other trades for substantiation of this claim. There is 
more building today than at any previous period, aye, and bet- 
ter building. More people find a livelihood in the structural 

810 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

line, both as employer and employed. Modern edifices, com- 
pared with the product of the ten-hour day, are as the wooden 
brigantine to the modern battleship, where again the eight- 
hour day has scored a recent triumph. More cigars are made 
and consumed today under the eight-hour rule in the cigar trade 
than formerly under the ten and twelve-hour requirement. In 
our own craft larger and better newspapers are produced, with 
a workday of eight hours and less, than when the endurance 
of the individual marked the daily limit of his toil. Wherever 
the eight-hour day has been introduced in the book and job 
trade it has proved satisfactory to employer and employe, de- 
spite recent artificial objection to it in one or two instances, 
created in order to bolster up the crumbling contention of the 
nine-hour advocates. Of the total membership of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, more than twenty-five thousand 
work eight hours or less per day. We do not want the eight- 
hour day by reason of charity — or philanthropy. We do not 
want it in order that our physical or mental well-being may 
be improved. We refuse to abandon our eight-hour demand 
because we may under present conditions be more fortunately 
situated than other artisans. We want the eight-hour work- 
day because we are convinced that it suffices for the work there 
is to do, the work that is to be done, the demand of society for 
the product of the press. We propose to sell to the employer 
eight hours of the twenty-four, and we will do as we please 
with the remaining sixteen. 

The Will of the Membership — The referendum approved, 
by a most decisive majority, the eight-hour plan submitted by 
the St. Louis convention. Another and most decided step was 
taken toward the eight-hour day for our book and job printers. 
And this despite the fact that effort was made, through print- 
ing trade publications and otherwise, to influence the book and 
job men to vote against the St. Louis method. In one large city 
several employers issued a circular to their employes, intimating 
that direful things would happen if the printers attempted to 
secure an eight-hour day. But the eight-hour proposition was 
affirmed, nevertheless, by a majority that even its most enthu- 
siastic supporters did not hope for. The plan became effective 
on January 1, 1905, and provided that an assessment of one- 
half of one per cent "on all moneys earned be levied upon the 
membership of the International Typographical Union for 

811 



History of The Typographical Union 

the purpose of a defense fund." On January I, 1906, "the 
eight-hour day shall become effective in all union establish- 
ments under the jurisdiction of the International Typographical 
Union." In each instance where the eight-hour day is refused 
"work shall cease." In taking favorable action, the member- 
ship also declared its "entire willingness to negotiate with the 
United Typothetae for an agreement under which the eight- 
hour day will become operative," and so instructed its eight- 
hour committee. Harmony, and not war, is desired. But we 
must have the eight-hour day. 

And We Must Organize — While the membership has de- 
clared and denned its position, and given to the eight-hour 
movement new life and impetus, the problem is not solved by 
any means. We have much work to do, and we must apply 
ourselves to our task with zeal and determination. Every quali- 
fied journeyman that can be reached must be brought within the 
union fold. Money is valuable, but thorough organization is 
better. We must protect the union against the unaffiliated, and 
the surest way is through the process of elimination. Why do 
we find it necessary to create a defense fund? Why are strikes 
prolonged and defeat met with? Because of the non-unionist. 
Then in every jurisdiction a movement should be carried on 
until every journeyman printer possesses a union card. If on 
January I, 1906, we control the situation through thorough 
organization, there will be little need of a defense fund, and 
there will be only rare instances of suspension of work. It is 
International law that "any subordinate union may consider a 
place within a radius of fifty miles of its location, in which 
place no union exists, as within its jurisdiction, for the pur- 
pose of admitting non-unionists in such place to its membership." 
How many unions control the territory within a radius of fifty 
miles? And yet this can be accomplished. There is no reason 
why we should not have every printer on our membership rolls, 
especially so in cities in which unions are now in existence. 
This is a most important question. It should, have considera- 
tion at every union meeting between now and January 1, 1906. 
Do not wait until the eleventh hour. 

A Tribute to Perfect Organization — In "Official Circular 
No. 9" the United Typothetae of America discusses at consid- 
erable length the campaign we are making for the eight-hour 
day. Figures are juggled and preposterous statements abound. 
For instance, it is asserted that in connection with cities in 

812 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

which the eight-hour day has been arranged for or is in effect 
"it is also worthy of note that a great majority of these points 
are away from the great manufacturing centers of population, 
and are in most cases outside of any large competitive area." 
It is in the following quotation, however, that the truth is told, 
the tribute paid to militant unionism, and the cue given to our 
unions. The circular says : "Again, the local conditions and 
the position of these various points should be considered. It 
is undoubtedly a fact that the majority of the cities and towns 
enumerated are ones in which not only the printing trade, but 
every other trade in that particular point, is strongly union." 
Is it any wonder that we urge organization? It means the 
eight-hour day and peace. 

So That It May Be Understood — Thousands of eight-hour cir- 
culars have been distributed throughout the jurisdiction. Hundreds 
of eight-hour letters are now in the possession of officers and mem- 
bers. The St. Louis convention said: 

We endorse without reservation the work and methods of the International 
eight-hour committee. We believe in this connection that the committee has 
thoroughly covered the ground and has put into effect every method that thus 
far has given promise of advancement to the eight-hour cause. 

In order that the attitude of the associated employers may be 
understood, the eight-hour circulars should be carefully digested. 
On this point the convention declared : 

We regret that the eight-hour day in book and job rooms is not a ques- 
tion at the present time for adjudication between the International Typo- 
graphical Union and the United Typothetae of America, but in view of the 
action taken by the United Typothetae of America in convention as- 
sembled in St. Louis, in which it is asserted "That the United Typothetae 
of America declares it is opposed to any reduction of the fifty-four-hour week" 
and "that the United Typothetae of America will resist any attempt on the 
part of the International Typographical Union to reduce the present hours 
of labor," no other conclusion is possible. That an agreement on peaceful 
lines is not now possible is solely the fault of the associated employers, and 
this contention is borne out by the action of their last convention. Further, we 
dispute the statement of the typothetae that a reduction in the hours of 
labor would be disastrous to the employe. We maintain that the eight-hour 
day is the logical workday, that it is sufficient for the needs of the trade, 
and we give emphatic endorsement to the doctrine that the introduction of 
labor-saving machinery is not for the benefit of the employer alone, but should 
also result in better working conditions for the employe in the way of re- 
duction in the hours of toil and increased remuneration. 

As the Federation of Labor Sees It — President Gompers, in 
his report to the American Federation of Labor convention at 
San Francisco, took occasion to say: 

The American Federation of Labor has been of incalculable benefit to a 
large number of international unions and local unions in the introduction 

813 



History of The Typographical Union 

and enforcement of the eight-hour workday, as attested by the large number 
of our fellows who now work under that rule. Inasmuch as the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union has taken the initiative of its own accord in the 
matter of introducing and enforcing the eight-hour workday, I submit for 
your consideration and recommend that this movement of the International 
Typographical Union receive the sincere and hearty endorsement and co-op- 
eration of this convention of the American Federation of Labor, and of 
every union member as well as every wage earner and those who sympathize 
with practical, evolutionary, economic progress. 

It is not now known whether there will be any contest against the eight- 
hour day; whether any antagonistic action will be taken by the employers to 
the men. We do know, however, that at the last convention of the employ- 
ing printers of the United States, organized under the name of the typoth- 
etae, a resolution was adopted declaring against that movement. In any 
event, it seems clear to me that every action should be taken by this con- 
vention and by our organizations generally, not only to pledge the support of 
the American Federation of Labor and its affiliated unions to the International 
Typographical Union in its effort to enforce the eight-hour day, but that a 
special committee be appointed by this convention to give the subject-matter 
consideration; that the committee should consult with the officers and rep- 
resentatives of the International Typographical Union during the convention 
and report thereto before adjournment; that either that committee or an- 
other committee be authorized to be appointed for the purpose of co-operat- 
ing with the executive council of the American Federation of Labor and the 
officers of the Typographical Union, so that the best possible aid can be ren- 
dered to our fellow workers in the great movement that they have under- 
taken and in which they have the hopes, wishes, prayers and co-operation 
of every one interested in the welfare of the human family and the progress 
and civilization of our people. 

Of course, in the effort to help one particular organization, especially in 
the laudable purpose it has mapped out for itself to achieve, we are not 
circumscribed or limited in our effort to help any and all of our fellow work- 
men who are in a position to make any effort for the advancement or pro- 
motion of their interests. We shall, therefore, welcome not only the initia- 
tive of our fellow unionists to obtain improved conditions, and particularly 
the improved conditions that come from a shorter workday, but we shall be 
glad to help in. the initiation of any movement that will contribute in any 
way toward the protection, the promotion of the conditions and interests of 
our fellow workmen, and to render them every assistance within our power. 

The Employers Organize Opposition — Under the auspices 
of the United Typothetae of America, mass meetings of employ- 
ing printers have been held in St. Paul, intended to cover the 
northwest; Kansas City, intended to cover the southwest; At- 
lanta, for the southeast; Boston, for the New England states, 
and Philadelphia for the central states. At these meetings our 
eight-hour campaign is the sole topic for discussion, and reso- 
lutions are adopted pledging the attendants to oppose the in- 
troduction of the eight-hour day. As far as your president is 
aware, the main argument at the meetings is that the eight- 
hour day is impractical and that it will ruin the printing busi- 
ness. 



814 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

We do not coincide with this view, and we believe that the 
eight-hour day would stimulate the printing business, and in 
the end would be of value to the employer as well as to the 
employe. 

In my department in the official organ I have covered all 
of the employers' meetings at some length, and a full review of 
the proceedings is not necessary at this time. Suffice it to say 
that the meetings have had an effect contrary to that expected, 
neither overawing our membership nor weakening in any way 
the eight-hour sentiment, but arousing our unions to the neces- 
sity for preparation and aggressive organizing campaigns have 
resulted. 

It is also worthy of note that in some instances the attend- 
ants at these meetings have returned to their home cities and 
signed eight-hour contracts with our local unions. The execu- 
tive committee of the United Typothetae of America, at 'a 
meeting in Kansas City on April 11, the day succeeding the 
mass meeting of employers in that city, changed the arrange- 
ments for the 1905 typothetae convention, and in this respect 
nullified the action taken at the St. Louis typothetae session 
last year. The 1905 convention will be held in Niagara Falls, 
N. Y., the week of September 4. The St. Louis selection w 7 as 
Atlantic City, N. J., in June. Do the employers hope, or have 
they been led to believe, that some action may be taken by our 
convention that will prevent the eight-hour day from becom- 
ing effective on January 1 ? The changed date for the typoth- 
etae convention emphasizes the importance of our Toronto 
gathering, and it is believed that it will give small comfort 
to the associations of employers who have announced their op- 
position to our eight-hour day. 

What the Small Employer Can Expect — What has the small 
employer to gain if he affiliates with an organization composed 
of capitalists who control nearly all the profitable patronage, 
and are reaching out for the little that remains to the printer 
conducting a modest business? Perhaps the following, from 
the letter of my correspondent, who attended the St. Paul mass 
meeting, may answer the question : "While the guests were 
assembling for the banquet and business meeting, several mem- 
bers of the typothetae from South Dakota decided to hold a 
little business meeting of their own. There were various ob- 
jections to a violation of rules by South Dakota Typothetae 

815 



History of The Typographical Union 

members, regarding the giving of knives, fountain pens, sub- 
scriptions to newspapers, and other presents, in order to gain 
the good will of county officials and thus aid in landing work. 
It was decided that the giving of presents must be stopped. 
A motion was made to have the prices of county printing of a 
certain kind advanced one class. A member suggested that it 
would be necessary to advance with considerable caution. He 
stated that the law requires the county officials to advertise for 
bids for all county printing, and, while the law was a dead let- 
ter at the present time, an incautious putting on of the screws 
might cause some one to squeal and the law to be revived. 
Another member brought up the question of furnishing sup- 
plies, and moved that no supplies, legal blanks, etc., be fur- 
nished to country printers at less than list prices, thus com- 
pelling the country printer, if he desires to handle them, to 
charge more for them than they are being furnished for by 
typothetae members. A substitute motion prevailed, however, 
to the effect that no county supplies whatever be furnished to 
country printers. It would.be a good thing if country printers 
were made aware of this fact, in view of the effort that is being 
made by the United Typothetae of America to get the coun- 
try printer to help that organization in this fight against the 
eight-hour day." 

There Are Two Objects — The organization of the employ- 
ing printers is not the only object of these mass meetings, held 
at "central points. It is realized by those in charge of the em- 
ployers' campaign that in the ranks of all unions there is an 
element that always looks with apprehension on every forward 
movement. When storm clouds appear, it is this element that 
begins the cry for "peace at any price." Then there is the 
obstructionist and the member whose activity is measured by 
the strength and continuity of the criticism of others that is his 
chief characteristic. To overawe the timid and supply the 
critic with fresh ammunition is the main object of these "mass 
meetings." Only when our membership, by a majority of more 
than fourteen thousand votes, gave voice to the almost unani- 
mous demand for a shorter workday in the book and job trade 
did the employers realize the strength and determination be- 
hind the eight-hour movement, and only then was it decided 
that mass meetings were required. The further action of the 
federation convention in San Francisco, pledging us monetary 

816 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

support if necessary, again alarmed the typothetae. They 
saw that the negative position taken at their last convention 
was not having the expected effect, and they know that the de- 
mand of twenty-three thousand of their employes cannot be 
smothered with resolutions. Then was the "mass meeting" 
idea brought to the front. It is for the timid member and pro- 
fessional critic that these mass meetings are held, and behind 
them is the hope that our ranks may be broken and thus our 
object defeated. The answer rests with those who have all 
to gain — our members. 

The Six-City Conference — In April there was a conference 
at International headquarters between representatives of six of 
the largest unions of the central west — Chicago, St. Louis, 
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit and Indianapolis — and the ex- 
ecutive council of the International Typographical Union. 
This conference was for the purpose of formulating a plan of 
action on the eight-hour question which could be followed con- 
certedly by the unions named, all of whose wage scales have 
expired or will expire prior to January 1, 1906. The follow- 
ing plan of procedure was outlined : 

We greatly regret the hostile activity of the United Typothetae of 
America and other associations of employing printers in calling meetings for 
the purpose of arousing opposition to and denunciation of the eight-hour 
workday, and we fear that if this antagonistic course is continued the friendly 
relations now existing between the employers' organizations and the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union will be disrupted. We believe that the dignity 
and business interests of the organizations of the printing trade will be best 
served by conference and conciliation. 

We reaffirm our belief in the justice of the position of the International 
Typographical Union on the eight-hour question, and we suggest the appoint- 
ment of a committee by the United Typothetae of America to meet and act 
with our International officers, and we believe that if such a conference is 
held it can adjust the points that are at present in contention. 

Pending a possible meeting of the representatives of the associations re- 
ferred to herein, we are convinced that it is incumbent upon the unions here 
represented to place present conditions before the membership of these unions, 
so that a course of action may be agreed to that will safeguard the common 
cause. We submit, therefore, the following recommendations: 

That in the event of the typothetae or other employing printer associations 
locking out the members of any union here represented, or taking any other 
action precipitating a conflict on the eight-hour question prior to January i, 
1906, and prior to the effort at International conciliation alluded to herein, 
we can only consider such action as a violation of contract relations, and of a 
character unwarranted and without basis in common fairness, and as calling 
for a general suspension of work in the book and job trade. 

That all new agreements must be presented to the executive council for 
approval previous to submission to employers' associations, so that nothing 
contained in these agreements will jeopardize the interests represented in the 
shorter workday movement. 

817 



History of The Typographical Union 

We again urge on the United Typothetae of America the desirability of a 
conference with the officers of the International Typographical Union, and 
we express it as our opinion that if the typothetae declines to participate in 
such a conference, it will be held solely responsible for any friction, suspen- 
sion of work, or monetary loss which may occur on and after January i, 
1906. 

The foregoing was submitted to all the unions represented at 
the conference, and was ratified by them. 

The Detroit Conference — This conference came as a result 
of the six-city conference and scale negotiations in Chicago 
and St. Louis. Representatives of the Chicago, St. Louis, In- 
dianapolis and Detroit Typothetae recently met in the first- 
named city and agreed upon a uniform three-year contract, with 
the exception of the rate of wages, said form of contract speci- 
fying that the nine-hour day should prevail during the life of 
the agreement. The typothetae representatives also asked that 
a conference be held between representatives of the unions and 
the typothetae in certain cities, for the purpose of considering the 
points at issue — especially the shorter workday — and endeavor- 
ing to reach an amicable adjustment, it being understood that 
the executive officers of the International Typographical Union 
and United Typothetae would be in attendance. The repre- 
sentatives of the unions readily agreed to this, and the con- 
ference was arranged to take place in Indianapolis on Friday 
and Saturday, May 26-2J, the place of meeting being later 
changed to Detroit, owing to the disinclination of the execu- 
tive officers of the United Typothetae to meet in Indianapolis. 

The meeting was attended by representatives from Chicago, 
St. Louis, Indianapolis and Detroit Typothetae — the typothetae 
of Cincinnati and Cleveland failing to attend, though invited 
to do so — and representatives of Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, 
Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Cleveland typographical unions. 
The executive council of the International Typographical 
Union and the executive officers of the United Typothetae at- 
tended in an advisory capacity. 

The better part of two days was spent in endeavoring to 
arrive at an amicable adjustment of the eight-hour question, 
but without avail. On Saturday the joint committee of two 
from each local organization represented — appointed the pre- 
vious day — reported its inability to agree, and its report was 
accepted by the conference. 

The committee's report showed that the union representatives 
introduced and urged several conciliatory propositions, but that 

818 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

they were met on each occasion by an utter refusal on the part 
of the typothetae members to consider aught except absolute 
surrender on the part of the union so far as the shorter work- 
day is concerned. 

After some discussion the following resolution, offered by the 
union representatives, was adopted just prior to adjournment: 

It is the sense of this body that the officers of the International Typo- 
graphical Union and the officers of the United Typothetae of America get 
together some time between now and January i, 1906, in an endeavor to 
arrive at an amicable adjustment of this difference. 

At a meeting of the union representatives after the closing 
of the conference the following resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : 

We, the undersigned representatives of Indianapolis Typographical 
Union No. 1, Cincinnati Typographical Union No. 3, St. Louis Typographical 
Union No. 8, Chicago Typographical Union No. 16, Detroit Typographical 
Union No. 18 and Cleveland Typographical Union No. 53, having met in con- 
ference in the city of Detroit with representatives of the typothetae in our 
different cities, in an effort to adjust the eight (8) hour question, and having 
made several fair and reasonable propositions, all of which have been re- 
jected by the typothetae, 

Now, therefore, take the first opportunity after the adjournment of the 
joint conference, to reaffirm our allegiance to and support for the eight (8) 
hour movement, and the plan outlined by the International Typographical 
Union for putting the eight (8) hour day into effect. 

The executive council of the International Typographical 
Union has been, and is now, ready and willing to meet the 
executive officers of the United Typothetae for the purpose of 
endeavoring to reach an amicable adjustment of the eight- 
hour question, but all overtures to that end have so far failed 
to elicit a favorable response from officials of the United 
Typothetae. 

President Ellis' Address — On the morning of the sec- 
ond day of the Toronto convention, President Lynch 
announced that George H. Ellis, president of the United 
Typothetae of America, and William Green, chairman of 
the executive committee, were in waiting and ready to 
address the convention. There being no objection, the 
gentlemen were escorted to the platform. The president 
of the United Typothetae of America then addressed the 
convention as follows : 

I wish to thank your executive council for the invitation to 

819 



History of The Typographical Union 

speak to you this morning on behalf of the United Typothetae 
of America, to present as best I may the employer's side of the 
eight-hour question. 

Before doing so I wish to say a personal word. In the last 
number of the Typographical Journal is a report of a meeting 
of employing printers, held a short time since in Milwaukee, at 
which I am credited with the following: 

Mr. Ellis said it was a crime against the constitution to make a con- 
tract with organized labor. It was detrimental to the willing non-union 
workers, and tended to deprive them of making a living. That he hoped 
they would never be under obligation to sign any agreement in the future. 

This is absolutely and unequivocally false, and such mean- 
ing could not be twisted out of anything that I said. To those 
of you who know me I hardly need to say that I not only said 
no such thing, but that I hold no such views. 

I wish also to correct another misstatement. It has been 
repeatedly stated in print and in various public meetings that 
the officers of the United Typothetae of America have refused 
to confer with your officers on the eight-hour question. This 
is not true. The officers of the United Typothetse of America 
have not received, directly or indirectly, any request for a con- 
ference until within the last week, since the meeting of the 
United Typothetae of America in St. Louis in June of last year. 
At that time a conference was held, and the result of the dis- 
cussion in our convention, as embodied in its preamble and reso- 
lutions, was reported to your committee. It is true that the 
stand taken by the United Typothetae of America in these 
resolutions was so decided as to lead your president to remark 
that he supposed there was no use in further conference, but I 
think those resolutions have not been fully understood, and I 
would like to read them here. 

Whereas the International Typographical Union has asked the United 
Typothetae of America to declare its position upon the proposed eight-hour 
day; and 

Whereas under existing conditions any attempt to reduce the hours of 
labor in the printing trade would be disastrous to the emolover and employe 
alike; 

Be it resolved, That the United Typothetse of America declares that it 
is opposed to any reduction of the fifty-four-hour week; and 

Be it further resolved, That the United Typothetse of America will re- 
sist any attempt on the part of the International Typographical Union to re- 
duce the present hours of labor. 

That the typothetae is not opposed to conferences is, I think, 
fully proved by the action of the local typothetae of Chicago, 

820 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

St. Louis, Indianapolis and Detroit, who themselves proposed 
the so-called Detroit conference, at which, beside the local 
committee, your executive council and the committee of the 
United Typothetae of America were present. 

As president of the United Typothetae of America it has 
been my duty, with other members of the executive committee, 
to attend the meetings of employing printers held to consider 
this question during the past few months in different parts of 
the country ; not, as has been frequently stated, to stir up oppo- 
sition to the ultimatum of the International Typographical 
Union, but to learn the sentiment of the employing printers on 
this question, and of course to assist in organizing such oppo- 
sition if it existed ; and almost without exception we found the 
conviction expressed that it would be ruinous to undertake to 
put the printing offices on an eight-hour basis in the immediate 
future. 

This is not guess work on the part of the employers, for 
they had an experience with the reduction from ten hours to 
nine. This reduction, as many of you will remember, was ad- 
vocated by members of the Boston Typothetae, to which I 
happened to belong, for several years before it was brought 
about by the Syracuse conference ; and yet today, not only is 
every member of the Boston Typothetae opposed to this further 
reduction of hours, but every man will stand out against it, 
and while they now have no less sympathy with their employes, 
and would be glad to meet their wishes if possible, they are 
convinced through experience that the reduction is not so sim- 
ple a matter as appears on the surface ; that its effects are far 
reaching. 

The theory that about as much would be accomplished in 
nine hours as in ten was a delusion. Not only is no more 
work done per hour, but the better work which it was prophe- 
sied would result has not been forthcoming, while the reduction 
was not merely one hour in ten, but the actual working time on 
a ten-hour basis, being not more than nine and one-half hours 
on the average, with the shorter day the whole hour comes off 
the working time. 

The claim that the introduction of machinery into the 
composing room makes the shorter workday possible is falla< 
cious. Not only is it impossible to do a large part of the work 
coming to the general office today on machines, but even on 

821 



History of The Typographical Union 

such work as can be done on them it must be remembered that 
the work of operatives on machines is but a part of the neces- 
sary cost of the completed composition ; proofreading, make-up 
and general expenses are not reduced by them, while everv de- 
partment of the business will be affected. 

The claim that the nine-hour day is excessive on sanitary 
grounds is hardly worthy of consideration ; the phvsical condi- 
tion of our employes is sufficient answer to that. 

The decrease in hours and increase in wages since 1898 
amount on the average to at least an increase of 33 1-3 per cent 
in wages per hour, and the increased cost of a further reduction 
to eight hours will result in an additional increased labor cost 
of from 18 to 25 per cent, depending upon conditions and 
locality. For it should be remembered that this reduction must 
be followed either by increasing the size and cost of the plant, 
with attendant increase in rents, etc., or the work must be 
done on overtime and at overtime prices — elements too often 
overlooked in the computation. 

7 'he building trades, so often cited as on eight hours, form 
no basis of comparison, as the invested capital per employe is 
but a small percentage of that in the printing business, and 
their work must be done on the premises, while much printing 
can be done anywhere ; and such an increase in cost as is con- 
templated, which must inevitably be borne by the customer will 
result in driving no inconsiderable work out of the country. 
This is no idle dream, it is a cold fact as stated by reputable 
publishers in the city of New York. The increase in cost will 
inevitably result in a reduction of the total amount of work 
to be done, for the large purchasers of printing are counting 
the cost as never before, and competition is not alone between 
men, but between methods as well, and any considerable in- 
crease in cost will change the current which has been for some 
years so largely in the direction of catalogue work and other 
printing, into other channels. 

Comparison is sometimes made between the working hours 
in newspaper and in book and job offices. I do not need in 
this assembly to call attention to the difference in conditions. 
In the newspaper offices the demand is for the greatest possible 
output in the shortest possible time, and the nervous strain to 
which a newspaper man is subjected when compared to that of 
the book and job man is, I believe, even now disproportionate 

822 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

to the difference in working time. Then the work must be 
done, not only in a specified time, but in a specified place, and 
is not in any sense a subject of competition. 

Gentlemen, if you carry out your program and insist on 
eight hours or a strike next January, sorry as we shall all be 
(and we shall be sorry, as we always are at any differences 
between employers and employes), there is no alternative for 
us. We must meet you in a fight which will mean much to both 
of us, but in which we are fighting with our all at stake, and 
we must fight to win. 

This is not a matter of principle, but a practical question 
of dollars and cents. In our convention, in the many meet- 
ings of employing printers throughout the country and during 
the year in constant interviews and correspondence with the 
employing printers of the country, I find there is an almost 
unanimous feeling that it is impossible for them to increase 
the price of their product to their customers ; and under these 
circumstances it means, should they accept the eight-hour day, 
certain ruin. 

By your demand, you are presenting to the employing 
printers of the country the two horns of a dilemma: Either to 
accept the eight-hour day and face certain ruin, or to fight your 
demand to the very limit of their resources. I recognize that 
both your officers and many of your rank and file honestly dif- 
fer with the belief of the employing printers that the eight- 
hour day would bring to them ruin. Yet you must accept their 
honesty of mind in believing the contrary, and give due weight 
to their experience in the conduct of their business. 

The situation then narrows itself down to the following: 
If you insist upon the eight-hour day, the printers of America 
must fight you. We have no idea that in every place we will 
be successful, but we are confident that in the majority of cases 
we will win, and that the present relationship between your 
union and the United Typothetae of America will be broken 
up — a relationship which has been to the benefit of both par- 
ties — and that, from now on, throughout this country most of 
the large book and job offices will operate in disregard of your 
organization, if not in hostile opposition to it. 

The insistence on the eight-hour day on January I, 1906, 
will result in a disastrous warfare; and the object of my 
presence here today is to assure you, gentlemen, in spite of the 

823 



History of The Typographical Union 

many reports to the contrary, that the employing printers of the 
United States are sincere in their opposition to this movement 
and will resist it to the last ditch. 

One thing more : It has been stated that if there is a strike, 
we, the employers, will be held responsible. We deny this 
responsibility. Employing printers as a class were never more 
anxious for co-operation with their employes than now. Never 
did they realize more fully that their interests are largely 
identical, that prosperity for one means prosperity for both — 
look back over the past few years and see how fairly your de- 
mands have been met — but when their business sense and ex- 
perience tell them that you are asking what cannot be granted, 
they must refuse at any cost. 

I sincerely hope that your more mature judgment will re- 
scind a resolution, which, if acceded to by your employers, will 
mean ruin to many of them and no financial advantage to 
yourselves. 

Report of the Committee on Eight-Hour Day — - Fol- 
lowing is submitted the complete report of the conven- 
tion's eight-hour day committee. The report is given in 
full because of its importance as an official document, 
containing invaluable information concerning the pre- 
liminary campaign leading up to the real eight-hour 
struggle : 

Toronto, Ont., August 17, 1905. 
To the Officers and Delegates of the Fifty-First Session of the International 

Typographical Union: 

Ladies and Gentlemen — Your committee on the eight-hour day begs leave 
to submit the following report: 

In the first instance the committee is of the opinion that, owing to the 
near approach of the date upon which it has been determined by our refer- 
endum that the eight-hour day shall be inaugurated, a review of the history 
of the eight-hour movement is desirable, in order that the delegates to this 
convention may thoroughly understand the steps that have been taken, and 
that they be familiar with all phases of the subject. The committee has been 
to some labor to prepare this data, and it is of the opinion that the report it 
herewith submits will be of value, not only to this convention, but to the 
membership at large. 

At the forty-eighth session of the International Typographical Union, 
held in Cincinnati, August 11-17, 1902, the following was adopted: 

"That the executive council of the International Typographical Union 
and the first vice-president are directed to act as a committee for the purpose 
of devising and putting into effect plans for the establishment of an eight- 
hour day throughout the jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union 
at as early a date as practicable. 

824 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

"That local unions be required to act in conjunction with the said com- 
mittee in furthering its plans, and that they be enjoined from making con- 
tracts extending beyond October i, 1905, which require their members to 
work more than eight hours per day. 

"That the said committee bring the matter before the national typothetae, 
to the end that the eight-hour day may be put into operation without friction. 

"That should the committee deem it necessary to add to its numbers, it 
shall be empowered to do so." 

The report of the president to the Cincinnati session, treating of the 
eight-hour day in book and job rooms, said: 

"Various methods have been suggested whereby the eight-hour day can 
generally be put into effect in book and job rooms, and all of these have 
merit. One of these suggestions which particularly appeals to our members 
as feasible, and also- just to the employers, is that the working time shall be 
reduced fifteen minutes each year for four years, or until the eight-hour day 
is an accomplished fact. * * * That the eight-hour day will eventually 
be established as the maximum for our entire membership goes without chal- 
lenge. We trust that it may come peaceably, but in any event, come it must." 

The Cincinnati convention also directed that "Local unions, in forming 
new scales, make an effort to secure the eight-hour day." 

In circular No. 1, the International eight-hour committee made the follow- 
ing recommendations: 

"1. That in the making of new scales or contracts local unions endeavor 
to incorporate the suggestion contained in the president's annual report, and 
made a part of this circular — that the working time in book and job rooms 
be reduced fifteen minutes each year for four years. This suggestion to apply 
in case agreements, embracing better terms, cannot be negotiated. 

"2. That an eight-hour committee of not less than five members shall 
be appointed at once. 

"3. Every movement, to be successful, must be properly financed. It is 
recommended, therefore, that local unions and eight-hour committees give 
consideration to the establishment of an eight-hour fund. If needed, it is 
vital that the money shall be on hand." 

Circular No. 2 again made reference to the request that local eight-hour 
committees should be appointed, and asked for the names of members making 
up these committees. It was again pointed out that — 

"Every movement to be successful must be properly financed. It is 
recommended, therefore, that local unions and eight-hour committees give 
consideration to the establishment of an eight-hour fund. If needed, it ia 
vital that the money shall be on hand." 

The instructions enacted by the Cincinnati convention were printed in 
black type at the beginning of circular No. 2: 

"That the local unions be required to act in conjunction with the said 
committee in furthering its plans, and that they be enjoined from making 
contracts extending beyond October 1, 1905, which require their members to 
work more than eight hours per day." 

Circular No. 3 informed the membership that since the eight-hour day 
agitation was launched many locals have provided in contracts for the grad- 
ual shortening of the hours, and the inauguration of the eight-hour day on 
October 1, 1905. Continuing, this circular said: 

"In the making of new contracts in your jurisdiction, effort should be 
put forth to secure the eight-hour day at once if possible; if not, the gradual 
reduction of the hours, or the eight-hour day on a specified date not later 
than October 1, 1905. * * * Local eight-hour committees must be guided 
largely by local conditions. In a sense the achievement of the shorter work- 
day is a local question. If the opportunity presents itself, make the most of it. 
Hold frequent committee meetings and discuss ways and means to achieve the 



825 



History of The Typographical Union 

desired end. That which may seem an impossibility now, will become a 
reality through energetic, constant and intelligent effort." 

Circular No. 4 asked for local data. 

Circular No. 5 gave certain statistical information that was gathered as 
a result of the local data asked for in circular No. 4. The report of the 
eight-hour committee at the Washington convention, which was adopted by 
that gathering, is also made a part of circular No. 5. The proposition re- 
ceiving the sanction of the committee was as follows: 

"Whereas many unions have secured agreements with employers for the 
inauguration of an eight-hour workday in the book and job offices; therefore, 

"Be it resolved, That subordinate unions, in entering into such agree- 
ments, are instructed to secure the eight-hour workday in preference to the 
forty-eight-hour week, or any plan that permits of the time gained being de- 
ducted from any one day, to the end that the spirit of the shorter workday 
movement may be observed, and more work distributed among the book and 
job men not regularly employed." 

It was also adopted: 

"That the committee on eight-hour day be instructed to notify local 
unions which have not already obtained the eight-hour day or made contracts 
binding them to its provisional institution, that it is the sense of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union that they make effort on January 1, 1905, to 
obtain the eight-hour day according to plans deemed most expedient by such 
local unions in their several localities." 

Continuing, the committee said: 

"Your committee congratulates the president and the executive council 
on the large number of unions that have secured, or partially secured, the 
eight-hour day during the past year through their efforts, and urges upon all 
local unions and eight-hour committees to put forth the greatest efforts during 
the coming year. 

"From the data furnished the committee we find that a large number of 
local unions failed to report their status on the eight-hour day after blanks 
had been sent them requesting such information, and your committee re- 
spectfully urges all local unions to take a more active interest and lend greater 
support to the executive officers. 

"Your committee recommends and urges all delegates in attendance at 
this convention, on return to their respective unions, to incorporate in their 
reports a statement of the progress of the eight-hour day during the past 
year, and to use their best endeavors to have their local committee 'wake up,' 
and those not having such committee to immediately appoint one, for it is 
only by persistent effort and keeping constantly at it that we can hope to 
achieve* the desired aim." 

Circular No. 6 stated that frequently a local committee wrote the Inter- 
national committee that the local union which it represented was situated in a 
jurisdiction too large or too small for an immediate attempt for the eight-hour 
day. Attention was called to the fact that a large union, San Francisco Typo- 
graphical Union No. 21, and a small union, Paducah Typographical Union No. 
134, had arranged for and enforced the eight-hour day. It was pointed out 
that— 

"The result achieved by these two unions, and by more than eighty other 
typographical unions, can be brought about by every typographical union that 
does not at present enforce the eight-hour day in its book and job rooms." 

Circular No. 7 gave that portion of the report of President Lynch to the 
St. Louis convention dealing with the eight-hour campaign and the progress 
that had been made, together with excerpts from the reports of officers to 
the convention of the United Typothetse of America, previously held in the 
city of St. Louis, Mo. 

826 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

We quote herewith the following resolutions adopted by the United 
Typothetae at its St. Louis convention, together with the letter of trans- 
mission to our representatives: 

"St. Louis, June 23, 1904. 
"Messrs. Lynch, Bramwood and Miller, Committee from International Typo- 
graphical Union: 

"Gentlemen — In accordance with your request, expressed in the con- 
ference yesterday, that we should obtain from the convention a statement of 
its attitude upon the proposed eight-hour day, we placed the matter before 
the convention, and also the telegram addressed to you from Indianapolis, 
and beg to submit in reply thereto the following resolutions, which were 
passed unanimously: 

"Whereas the International Typographical Union has asked the United 
Typothetae of America to declare its position upon the proposed eight-hour 
day; and 

"Whereas under existing conditions any attempt to reduce the hours of 
labor in the printing trade would be disastrous to the employer and employe 
alike; 

"Be it resolved, That the United Typothetae of America declares that it 
is opposed to any reduction of the fifty-four-hour week; and 

"Be it further resolved, That the United Typothetae of America will resist 
any attempt on the part of the International Typographical Union to reduce 
the present hours of labor. 

"Your? very truly, 

"William Green, 
"George H. Ellis, 
"Harry P. Pears, 
"Thomas E. Donnelly, 

"F. C. NuNEMACHER." 

It was pointed out in the report of the president that — 
"The recently oft-repeated assertion that the eight-hour day in book and 
job rooms is a question for adjudication between the International Typo- 
graphical Union and the United Typothetae of America was put to the test in 
St. Louis on June 22 and 23. The annual convention of the typothetae was 
held in the Exposition City the week of the 20th. Prior to this gathering, 
the International president addressed a letter to the typothetae secretary recit- 
ing the action taken by our Cincinnati convention on the eight-hour proposi- 
tion, and continuing: 'It has been frequently intimated by local associations 
of the typothetae that the eight-hour day was an issue that should be adjusted 
between the International Typographical Union and the United Typothetae of 
America, and that these local associations were willing to accept and put 
into effect any conclusion that might be arrived at by the higher bodies. So 
often, indeed, has this intimation been made, and in several instances accepted 
by our local unions that the eight-hour committee for the International Typo- 
graphical Union is prepared and anxious to demonstrate the effectiveness of 
the suggestion. Therefore, our eight-hour committee, or a majority of that 
committee, will be in St. Louis during your eighteenth annual convention, 
which, I understand, will be held during the week commencing Monday, June 
20, 1904, in the convention hall of the Century building, Ninth and Olive 
streets. Our committee will at that time, or at such time during the week 
as may be designated by your convention, be pleased to meet a committee 
representing your association, for the purpose of discussing the eight-hour day, 
and, if possible, arriving at a conclusion that may be submitted to the United 
Typothetae of America and the International Typographical Union for con- 
sideration and possible ratification.' 

"In accordance with our request, the typothetae convention instructed a 



827 



History of The Typographical Union 

committee to meet with our International representatives, and conferences 
were held on June 22 and 23. At the first meeting the employers asked us 
to make a proposition for the inauguration of the shorter workday, which they 
would present to their convention. This was declined, our committee request- 
ing that before any discussion as to detail the typothetae should declare its 
position on the shorter workday proposition. If this attitude was favorable, 
we said the two committees could then take up and endeavor to reach an 
agreement as to the date on which the reduction or partial reduction in hours 
should take place. On the other hand, if the attitude of the United Typothetae 
was unfavorable to a curtailment of the present working time, then we wanted 
to know that, and in such a way that there would remain no room for mis- 
understanding. In other words, if the employer should give us a negative 
reply, we wanted it on the main question, and not on a proposition from us 
for the inauguration of the shorter workday on a certain date which might 
leave local associations free to assert that the United Typothetae had not 
declared itself against the eight-hour day, but only against its initiation on the 
date which our committee had named. This was finally agreed to, and on the 
23 rd we were given a copy of the resolutions adopted by the typothetae con- 
vention, squarely setting forth the position of the United Typothetae of America 
on the request made by the International Typographical Union for an agree- 
ment under which the eight-hour day would become effective in book and job 
rooms. It was just the answer we expected, and we were in no wise dis- 
appointed. Indeed, we believed that we had reason for congratulating our- 
selves in that the atmosphere had been thoroughly cleared, and henceforth we 
would know exactly where we stood. There can be no further shifting of the 
problem to other shoulders by either local unions or local employers. It is a 
clean-cut, well-defined, pressing condition." 

We continue to quote from the report of the president to the St. Louis 
convention, as we believe that that report, taken in connection with the reso- 
lutions adopted by the St. Louis convention of the United Typothetae of 
America, makes ridiculous some recent statements by the typothetae, and also 
clearly sets forth the attitude of that association toward the eight-hour day at 
the time our St. Louis convention met. 

"Recently I made reference in my Journal notes to 'Circular No. 6,' is- 
sued from the headquarters of the United Typothetae of America, and which 
contained this statement: 'The efforts of the International Typographical 
Union to inaugurate a shorter workday have been met by the earnest oppo-* 
sition of the United Typothetae of America, and every effort possible is being 
made to advise cities where agitation is carried on to turn a deaf ear to any 
such suggestion, and, if necessary, fight it.' On this the following comment 
was made: 'Some of our members have inclined to the belief that confer- 
ences should be sought with the officers of the United Typothetae of America 
relative to the eight-hour day, and the above quotation may bring about a 
change in this regard. The typothetae intends to oppose the eight-hour day 
just so long as opposition is feasible. When the employing book and job 
printers become convinced that we are determined in our efforts to secure the 
shorter workday, then will it be possible to confer with prospect for success. 
The agitation for the nine-hour day extended over many years before it crys- 
tallized and had result. Success came when the membership was aroused.' 

"Under the caption 'Some Additional Evidence,' the following was also 
printed in my department: 'In an address delivered at New Haven, Janu- 
ary 19, before the Connecticut State Typothetae, by the secretary of the 
United Typothetae of America, that official is reported to have said: 'The 
length of the workday is not of so much importance as the returns received. 
We are endeavoring to suppress all agitation started by the International 
Typographical Union. If the hours are reduced the expenses of the business 
are added to by 15 per cent. There is a movement in Congress to frame an 

828 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

eight-hour day, which is a dangerous one. We are opposing it because it is 
unwise, and we are petitioning our members to have their senators oppose 
the bill. We are also antagonizing the anti-injunction bill. We stand for 
the "open" office, although we agree that the union men are the best work- 
men that we can secure.' Could there be a clearer outline of the attitude 
of the associated employing printers toward the agitation for a shorter work- 
day? Yet we are told to confer with the United Typothetae of America! Yes, 
when we have aroused the union printers of the country, when we have 
imbued them with eight-hour enthusiasm, when we have solidified and crys- 
tallized the eight-hour demand, when there is no room for doubt as to our 
attitude, then we will confer. And then will a conference be successful. 
Nevertheless the agitation for the conference continued. It has been held. 
We have the result. And we repeat, 'When the employing book and job 
printers become convinced that we are determined in our efforts to secure 
the shorter workday, then will it be possible to confer with prospect for suc- 
cess.' " 

The president, in referring to the Syracuse agreement, said, in his re- 
port to the St. Louis convention: 

"In some localities employers insist that we are bound by the nine-hour 
agreement. On this point, a typothetae circular says: 'It must not be for- 
gotten that the United Typothetae of America has an agreement with the 
International Typographical Union as well as other unions connected with the 
printing trades for a fifty-four-hour week, entered into at Syracuse in 1898, 
and that the terms of this agreement never have been changed, and must re- 
main in force until formal notice of withdrawal of request for an alteration 
of its requirements have been submitted to the United Typothetae of America.' 

"A reading of the 1898 agreement referred to will demonstrate conclu- 
sively the lack of basis for the statement made in the official circular. It 
only specified the dates on which the nine and one-half and nine-hour day 
became effective." 

The number of unions having the eight-hour day, those having arranged 
for the same, the unions then working less than nine hours but having sent 
in no data for the shorter workday, and unions then working less than nine 
hours having the eight-hour day arranged for, were given in circular No. 7. 

Circular No. 8 set forth the action taken by the St. Louis convention, 
and which was then before the referendum for its consideration. 

Circular No. 9 again touched on the St. Louis plan, which had received 
a majority in the referendum of 14,085. 

Your committee reproduces herewith entirely the report of the eight-hour 
committee to the St. Louis convention, which was later submitted to the ref- 
erendum, and, as has been pointed out, adopted by that body. 

"Your committee on the eight-hour day has carefully considered that 
portion of the report of President Lynch captioned 'The Eight-Hour Day,' 
and which we are informed is intended as the report of the International 
eight-hour committee, and has also had in review the circulars thus far issued 
by the International eight-hour committee, seven in number. We have also 
had before us President Lynch, who has explained fully and in detail the 
various steps taken by the committee, the work performed and the general 
object in view. 

"After a careful review of the eight-hour movement and the documents 
indicated, we desire to report to the convention as follows: 

"First — We endorse without reservation the work and methods of the 
International eight-hour committee. We believe in this connection that the 
committee has thoroughly covered the ground and has put into effect every 
method that thus far has given promise of advancement to the eight-hour 
cause. 

"Second — We believe with President Lynch that 'The eight-hour-day sub- 



829 



History of The Typographical Union 

ject will not grow old until the inauguration of the eight-hour day is in itself 
an event of the past rather than something that must yet be brought about.' 

"Third — We regret that the eight-hour day in book and job rooms is not 
a question at the present time for adjudication between the International 
Typographical Union and the United Typothetae of America, but in view of 
the action taken by the United Typothetae of America in convention assem- 
bled at St. Louis, in which it is asserted 'That the United Typothetae of 
America declares it is opposed to any reduction of the fifty-four-hour week,' 
and 'that the United Typothetae of America will resist any attempt on the 
part of the International Typographical Union to reduce the present hours 
of labor,' no other conclusion is possible. That an agreement on peaceable 
lines is not now possible is solely the fault of the associated employers, and 
this contention is borne out by the action of their last convention. Further, 
we dispute the statement of the typothetae that a reduction in the hours of 
labor would be disastrous to the employer. We maintain that the eight-hour 
day is the logical workday, that it is sufficient for the needs of the trade, 
and we give emphatic endorsement to the doctrine that the introduction of 
labor-saving machinery is not for the benefit of the employer alone, but should 
also result in better working conditions for the employe in the way of re. 
duction in the hours of toil and increased remuneration. 

"Fourth — The claim advanced by the typothetae that it has an agree* 
ment with the International Typographical Union for a fifty-four-hour week 
which precludes any attempt on the part of our organization for a shorter 
workday or week, is not borne out by the terms of the Syracuse agreement, 
and we believe it is made at this time simply in furtherance of the intention 
to construct as many obstacles to the eight-hour day as is possible. 

"Fifth — We congratulate the International eight-hour committee on the 
large number of unions that have thus far succeeded in inaugurating the 
eight-hour day, or that have made arrangements under which the eight-hour 
day will shortly come into effect. In view of the fact that it took more 
than twenty years to bring about the nine-hour day, we have especial cause 
for jubilation over the progress that has thus far been made toward the 
logical and inevitable eight-hour workday. 

"Sixth — We endorse the statement made by President Lynch, and we 
desire to impress it on the delegates to this convention and through them on 
the membership at large, that when the employing book and job printers be- 
come convinced that we are determined in our efforts to secure the shorter 
workday, then it will be possible to confer with the United Typothetae of 
America with prospect for success. 

"After weighing carefully the various plans and methods that have been 
suggested to the convention the adoption of the following preamble and reso- 
lution, which, when referred to the referendum and adopted by it, will place 
the International Typographical Union squarely on record on the eight-hour- 
day proposition, and indicate beyond question the date on which the eight- 
hour day shall become effective in all union establishments: 

"Whereas in the movement for an eight-hour day for the book and job 
members of the Typographical Union, authorized by our Cincinnati convention, 
the International eight-hour committee has sought an agreement with the 
United Typothetae of America under which the eight-hour day could be 
made effective on a mutually satisfactory plan, and with the minimum, em- 
barrassment to the interest of our employers; and 

"Whereas the overtures for peace thus made were refused and declined, 
and replied to with a threat, combined with a practical declaration of war 
should any effort be made to achieve the shorter workday, as witness the 
language of the resolution adopted by the late typothetae convention; and 

"Whereas we reaffirm and again demand the eight-hour day for our book 
and job members; 

8 3 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

"Whereas your committee having carefully considered Propositions Nos. 
35, 61, 62, 63, 98, 103 and 129, submit in lieu thereof, the following: 

"Resolved, That we again declare our entire willingness to negotiate with 
the United Typothetae for an agreement under which the eight-hour day will 
become operative, and so instruct our eight-hour committee. 

"Resolved, That an assessment of one-half of one (i) per cent on all 
moneys earned be levied upon the membership of the International Typo- 
graphical Union for the purpose of a defense fund. Such fund to be held 
and expended by the subordinate union, except in those cases where no trou- 
ble is experienced in putting in operation the eight-hour day, and in such 
unions one-half of the assessment to be subject to call of the International 
officers for use in the furtherance of the eight-hour day as deemed in their 
judgment necessary. 

"Resolved, That on January i, 1906, the eight-hour day shall become ef- 
fective in all union establishments under the jurisdiction of the International 
Typographical Union, where existing contracts do not prevent, and in each 
instance where the eight-hour day is refused, work shall cease. 

"In conclusion, your committee desires to urge upon this convention, and 
the membership at large, the advisability and necessity of adopting the reso- 
lutions herein set forth, and preparing in every way possible for effective 
action if resistance to the eight-hour day develops on or prior to January 1, 
1906." 

At the convention of the American Federation of Labor, held in San 
Francisco in November, 1904, President Gompers, in his report to the gath- 
ering, took occasion to say: 

"The American Federation of Labor has been of incalculable benefit to a 
large number of international unions and local union's in the intro- 
duction and enforcement of the eight-hour workday, as attested by 
the large number of our fellows who are now under that rule. Inasmuch as 
the International Typographical Union has taken the initiative of its own ac- 
cord in the matter of introducing and enforcing the eight-hour workday, I 
submit for your consideration and recommend that this movement of the 
International Typographical Union receive the sincere and hearty endorse- 
ment and co-operation of this convention of the American Federation of 
Labor, and of every union member, as well as every wage earner and those 
who sympathize with practical, evolutionary, economic progress. 

"It is not now known whether there will be any contest against the eight- 
hour day; whether any antagonistic action will be taken by the employers to 
the men. Wo do know, however, that at the last convention of the employing 
printers of the United States, organized under the name of the typothetae, a 
resolution was adopted declaring against that movement. In any event, it 
seems clear to me that every action should be taken by this convention and 
by our organization generally, not only to pledge the support of the American 
Federation of Labor and its affiliated unions to the International Typographical 
Union in its effort to enforce the eight-hour day, but that a special committee 
be appointed by this convention to give the subject matter consideration; that 
the committee should consult with the officers and representatives of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union during the convention and report thereto before 
adjournment; that either that committee or another committee be authorized 
to be appointed for the purpose of co-operating with the executive council 
of the American Federation of Labor and the officers of the International 
Typographical Union, so that the best possible aid can be rendered to our 
fellow workers in the great movement that they have undertaken, and in which 
they have the hopes, wishes, prayers and co-operation of every one interested 
in the welfare of the human family and the progress and civilization of our 
people. 

"Of course, in the effort to help one particular organization, especially in 



831 



History of The Typographical Union 

the laudable purposq it has mapped out for itself to achieve, we are not cir- 
cumscribed or limited in our effort to help any and all of our fellow workmen 
who are in a position to make any effort for the advancement or promotion 
of their interests. We shall, therefore, welcome not only' the initiative 
of our fellow unionists to obtain improved conditions, and particularly 
the improved conditions that come from a shorter workday, but we shall be glad 
to help in the initiation of any movement that will contribute in any way 
toward the protection, the promotion of the conditions and interests of our 
fellow workmen, and to render them every assistance within our power." 

Your committee finds that the special committee to which was referred 
that part of the report of the president of the American Federation of Labor, 
treating of our eight-hour movement, made the following report, adopted 
unanimously by the convention and quoted in full in the report of the Inter- 
national president to this convention, and again quoted in full in this 
report: 

"We have had before us the president of the International Typographical 
Union, and we find that the movement for the eight-hour day for the book 
and job printers of the United States and Canada was inaugurated at the 
Cincinnati convention of the International Typographical Unon, held in 1902, 
that it was further considered at the Washington convention, held in 1903, 
and that at the St. Louis convention, held in August of this year, it was 
decided that the eight-hour day should be enforced on January 1, 1906, and 
that for the financial support of this movement an assessment of one-half of 
one per cent should be levied on the earnings of all the members of the 
International Typographical Union. 

"Thia plan w 4 as submitted to a referendum vote, as provided by the laws 
of the International Typographical Union, and President Lynch informs your 
committee that the proposition received a majority of more than fourteen 
thousand votes. Therefore the assessment will become effective on January 1, 
1905, and on January 1, 1906, effort will be made to put the eight-hour day 
into effect. 

"We aie also informed that there is an association of commercial printers 
entitled the United Typothetae of America, the employers' association. That 
the officers of the International Typographical Union have made effort to 
secure an agreement with the United Typothetae under which the eight-hour 
day for book and job printers would become effective, and that the em- 
ployers' association has thus far refused to enter into such an agreement. We 
are furthermore informed that the United Typothetae of America is at present 
accumulating a defense fund in order that the eight-hour day enforcement may 
be combated. It is hoped by the employers to gather together at least $500,000. 
In view of the above your committee would recommend: 

"First — That the Amerisan Federation of Labor approve and endorse the 
movement under way by the International Typographical Union for an eight- 
hour day for the book and job printers of the United States and Canada, 
and pledge to the support of this movement, both moral and financial assist- 
ance. 

"Second — That if at any time after January 1, 1906, the International 
Typographical Union desires the financial support of the American Federation 
of Labor, and if, after investigation by the executive council, such financial 
support is found necessary in order to insure victory to the printers, the execu- 
tive council shall levy the constitutional assessment on affiliated bodies, this 
assessment to continue for such length Of time as in the judgment of the 
executive council may be necessary. 

"Third — Your committee recommends that a committee of five members 
be appointed to act with the executive council in furthering the eight-hour 
day for the book and job printers. 

832 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

'And we desire to conclude this report by extending to the International 
Typographical Union the hearty well wishes of the American Federation of 
Labor for the success of the printers' eight-hour project." 

Circular No. n urged the necessity for organization work, and asserted 
that the eight-hour day could be accomplished without friction if the proper 
organization effort was put forth. 

Circular No. 12 gave the list of eight-hour unions on May 1, 1905. 

Circular No. 13 gave the list of eight-hour unions on June 1, 1905. 

Circular No. 14 sets forth the correspondence and facts in the St. Louis 
case. 

Circular No. 15 gave the eight-hour unions on July 1, 1905. 

Returning now' to the report of the president to this convention, con- 
taining also the report of the International eight-hour committee, and that 
section of the report covering the eight-hour campaign, we desire to say, in 
entire agreement with the president, that there, is but one subject before the 
International Typographical Union — the establishment of the principle of not 
more than eight hours' work for all members of the organization. We coin- 
cide with his statement: 

"All other problems, all other questions, all other propositions are in- 
cident to the great economic advancement that we are attempting, and which 
has met with success in many instances. Achieving the eight-hour day, bet- 
terments will follow naturally. Higher wages, if we are to accept the history 
of other organizations enjoying the eight-hour day are sure to succeed its 
general introduction." 

We find from the report of the president that there were issued during 
the fiscal year 10,000 copies of Eight-Hour Circular No. 8, 10,000 copies of 
Eight-Hour Circular No. 9, 35,000 copies of Eight-Hour Circular No. 10, 
20,000 copies of Eight-Hour Circular No. 11, 3,000 copies of Eight-Hour Cir- 
cular No. 12, and 18,000 circulars under the following titles: "Golden Nug- 
gets," "Boost" and "Organize!" Attached to the latter were blanks showing 
the plan used by Chicago Typographical Union] to obtain names and addresses 
of non-union printers in the jurisdiction of No. 16 and the adjacent terri- 
tory, and it is stated that this plan had been adopted by many locals. 
Total number of circulars distributed was 96,000, making 23,375 packages. 
One thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven boxes of eight-hour buttons, con- 
taining from 15 to 1,000 buttons, a total of 50,000, were also mailed to secre- 
taries and presidents of local unions, eight-hour committeemen, chairmen of 
chapels. Ten thousand eight-hour buttons of special design were furnished to 
our Canadian locals. 

Under the auspices of the United Typothetae of America, mass meetings 
of employing printers have been held in St. Paul, intended to cover the 
northwest; Kansas City, intended to cover the southwest; Atlanta, for the 
southeast; Boston, for the New England states; Philadelphia, for the central 
states, and Milwaukee, for the central northwestern states. It is stated by 
the president that 

"At these meetings our eight-hour campaign is the sole topic for discus- 
sion, and resolutions are adopted pledging the attendants to oppose the intro- 
duction of the eight-hour day. As far as your president is aware, the main 
argument at the meeting is that the eight-hour day is impractical, and that it 
will ruin the printing business." 

We agree with the president that we can not coincide with this view, and 
we are one with him in the belief that the eight-hour day will stimulate the 
printing business, and in the end will be of value to the employer as well as 
to the employe. It is significant, as stated by the president in his report, that 
in some instances the attendants at these meetings have returned to their 
home cities and signed eight-hour contracts with our local unions. 



833 



History of The Typographical Union 

There is another statement contained in the president's report that is of 
extreme importance, and its significance should be carefully sought by this 
convention: 

"The executive committee of the United Typothetae of America, at a 
meeting in Kansas City on April u, the day succeeding the mass meeting of 
employers in that city, changed the arrangements for the 1905 typothetae con- 
vention, and in this respect nullified the action taken at the St. Louis typothe- 
tae session last year. The 1905 convention will be held in Niagara Falls, N. Y., 
the week of September 4. The St. Louis selection was Atlantic City, N. J., 
in June." 

If, as the president intimates, the employers are led to believe that some 
action will be taken at this convention that will prevent the eight-hour day 
from becoming effective on January 1, then the importance of this gathering 
becomes at once doubly apparent. We trust with the president, that our 
deliberations will give small ccfmfort to the associations of employing printers, 
who have announced their opposition to our eight-hour day. 

Referring to the mass meetings of employing printers, we desire to quote 
that portion of the president's report in which he sets forth what he be- 
lieves to be the objects of these meetings: 

"The organization of employing printers is not the only object of these 
mass meetings, held at central points. It is realized by those in charge of the 
employers' campaign that in the ranks of all unions there is an element that 
always looks with apprehension on every forward movement. When storm 
clouds appear, it is this element that begins the cry 'peace alf any price.' 
Then there is the obstructionist and the member whose activity is measured 
by the strength and continuity of the criticism of others that is his chief 
characteristic. To overawe the timid and supply the critic with fresh am- 
munition is the main object of these "mass meetings." Only when our 
membership, by a majority of more than fourteeen thousand votes, gave voice 
to the almost unanimous demand for a shorter workday in the book and 
job trade did the employers realize the strength and determination behind 
the eight-hour movement, and only then was it decided that mass meetings 
were required. The further action of the federation convention in San 
Francisco, pledging us monetary support if necessary, again alarmed the 
typothetae. They saw that the negative position taken at their last conven- 
tion was not having the expected effect, and they know that the demand of 
twenty-three thousand of their employes can not be smothered with resolu- 
tions. Then was the 'mass meeting' idea brought to the front. It is for the 
timid member and the professional critic that these mass meetings are held, 
and behind them is the hope that our ranks may be broken and thus our ob- 
ject defeated. The answer rests with those who have all to gain — our mem- 
bers." 

The six-city conference, held at International headquarters in April, was 
timely and effective, and we endorse the conclusions reached by that con- 
ference. We note that the conference referred to the mass meetings of em- 
ployers alluded to in this report, and in this connection said: 

"We greatly regret the hostile activity of the United Typothetae of Amer- 
ica and. other associations of employing printers in calling meetings for the 
purpose of arousing opposition to and denunciation of the eight-hour workday, 
and we fear that if this antagonistic course is continued the friendly relations 
now existing between the employers' organization and the International Typo- 
graphical Union will be disrupted. We believe that the dignity and business 
interests of the organizations of the printing trade will be best served by con- 
ference and conciliation." 

We also considered the section of the president's report covering the 
Detroit conference, and while that conference was without immediate result, 
we note that the following was adopted just prior to adjournment: 



834 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

"It is the sense of this body that the officers of the International Union 
and the officers of the United Typothetae of America get together some time 
between now and January i, 1906, in an endeavor to arrive at an amicable 
adjustment of this difference." 

And we especially take cognizance of the concluding statement of the 
president's review of the eight-hour campaign that — 

"The executive council of the International Typographical Union has been, 
and is now, ready and willing to meet the officers of the United Typothet.-e 
for the purpose of endeavoring to reach an amicable adjustment of the eight- 
hour question, but all overtures to that end have so far failed to elicit a 
favorable response from the officials of the United Typothetae." 

We desire to report to this convention that on August 14, 1905, your 
eight-hour committee held a conference with a committee representing the 
United Typothetae of America, composed of President Ellis, of Boston, Sec- 
retary Macintyre, of New York, and Messrs. Green, of New York, Don- 
nelley, of Chicago, and Nunemacher, of Louisville, members of the executive 
board of the United Typothetae of America, and after a thorough discussion 
of the eight-hour question received the following proposition from the repre- 
sentatives of the United Typothetae: 
Mr. Max Hayes, Rossin House, City: 

"Dear Sir — As agreed at the joint committee meeting held today, I 
herewith send you the suggestions as outlined. 

"The committee from the United Typothetae of America suggests to the 
eight-hour committee from the International Typographical Union that they 
recommend to the International Typographical Union convention, now in 
session, that it vote in favor of a reconsideration of the referendum vote 
taken last fall on the eight-hour day, and authorize a new referendum vote 
to be taken with the object of rescinding the resolution to make the eight- 
hour day effective January 1, 1906; or if the convention is unwilling to vote 
affirmatively on the above, that the convention shall empower the executive 
council to call for such referendum vote if at any time between now and 
January 1, 1906, the executive council shall consider it advisable. 
"Sincerely yours, 

"John Macintyre, Secretary. 

We especially endorse the idea of thoroughly organizing the so-called 
country printers, and we urge it on the membership so that on January 1, 1906, 
the jurisdiction may be thoroughly organized and our International Union in 
condition to meet any warfare that may be forced upon it by employers re- 
sisting the general introduction of the shorter workday. 

In this matter of organization we may well take a lesson out of the book 
of the typothetae. For the past year they have strenuously made effort to 
bring within their ranks publishers of country newspapers, whom they had 
previously not only studiously ignored, but into whose job printing patronage 
they had continuously made sad inroads. They have succeeded in some in- 
stances by reducing their admission fees, but this bait has always failed with 
the country editor, who fails to understand why he should lend himself to 
pull typothetae chestnuts from the fire. However, it is our duty in this 
emergency to organize the country printers, and where they are not numer- 
ous enough in a town to obtain a charter, they can, with little persuasion and 
by generous inducements, be prevailed upon to assume membership in unions 
contiguous to their respective towns. To this end your committee would 
suggest that they be permitted to affiliate with the local unions of their choice 
nearest their towns of residence. This plan is already in successful opera- 
tion in some places, and we recommend the project to all the local unions in 
the International jurisdiction. 

From the foregoing review of the procedure and documents in the eight- 
hour oampaign it becomes at once evident that the International Typographical 



83s 



History of The Typographical Union 

Union has, from the inception of the idea, held itself in readiness to confer 
with the United Typothetae of America to the end that a peaceful settlement 
of the demand involved might be reached and that there might be the mini- 
mum disturbance of the conditions prevailing in the printing trade. It is 
also apparent that the United Typothetae on the other band has steadfastly 
opposed any reduction of the fifty-four-hour week, and has on every occasion, 
through its officers, circulars and public press, made known that opposition. 
As far as your committee is aware the typothetae has never modified the posi- 
tion taken at its St. Louis convention, and while its officers have seemingly 
been willing to confer they have avoided acceptance of opportunities for con- 
ference, and at the employers' mass meetings they have uniformly advised 
aggressive resistance and warfare if necessary in order to prevent the gen- 
eral introduction of the eight-hour workday. If, therefore, trouble does occur, 
the typothetae will be alone responsible for the rupture of present relations. 

Taking into cosideration the number of unions that have obtained or have 
arranged for the eight-hour day, the magnificent condition of the International 
treasury and of local treasuries, the gradual accumulation of a large fund 
through the one-half of one per cent assessment, the moral and financial sup- 
port accorded by the American Federation of Labor in the action taken at its 
San Francisco convention and quoted herein, the unanimous support of other 
international unions, the healthy and growing sentiment among our own mem- 
bership in favor of the eight-hour day, we believe that the International Typo- 
graphical Union could not be in better position nor could there be better 
prospect for success for the movement. 

As to the action that shall be taken by this convention, your committee 
is of the opinion that any change in the present program would of necessity 
have to be referred to the referendum. The eight-hour proposition endorsed 
by the referendum provides: 

"That on January i, 1906, the eight-hour day shall become effective in all 
union establishments in the jurisdiction of the International Typographical 
Union, where existing contracts do not prevent, and in each instance where 
the eight-hour day is refused work shall cease." 

There is no room for doubt as to the meaning of this provision. If an 
agreement between the International Typographical Union and the United 
Typothetae of America is not reached prior to January 1, 1906, and if re- 
sistance to the introduction of the shorter workday is met with on that date, 
it devolves on all the members of the International Typographical Union 
working in union establishments that decline to accede to the eight-hour day 
to at once cease work. In other words, and in order that there may be no 
misunderstanding as to the position of the International Typographical Union, 
no union printer can, after January 1, work in a union office more than 
eight hours per day, forty-eight hours per week, except in emergency and 
under overtime rates. 

We believe that this convention should clothe the International eight- 
hour committee with power to negotiate with representatives of the United 
Typothetae of America if opportunity for negotiation occurs prior to January 1, 
and we so recommend, in order that the declaration of the referendum "that 
we again declare our entire willingness to negotiate with the United Typothetae 
of America for an agreement under which the eight-hour day will become oper- 
ative, and so instruct our eight-hour committee" may not be impaired. 

We further recommend that the executive council be empowered to pro- 
tect unions, where the local or national typothetae precipitate trouble, by re- 
questing unions in contiguous territory to order strikes whenever the council 
may deem necessary for the protection of the unions involved. 

We find that it is the apparent intention in some localities where job 
offices are owned by publishers of newspapers to grant the eight-hour day in 



836 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

the newspaper department but not in the job department; therefore your 
committee would recommend that, where a newspaper and job office is being 
conducted at present by the same individual, firm or corporation, on a nine- 
hour basis, no settlement for the eight-hour day shall be made that does not 
provide that it shall become effective in both departments. 

We urge the delegates attending this convention on their return to their 
unions to at once bring this report before these bodies; to urge upon their 
unions the value of organization work by the appointment of special com- 
mittees to forward such purpose whenever necessary, and also ask these 
unions to provide, if action has not already been taken, for the collection of 
a fund, in addition to that accruing under the one-half of one per cent, so 
that on January i every gap may be closed and ammunition gathered with 
which to conduct warfare, if warfare is necessary. 

Your committee, after thoroughly considering all of the facts recited in 
this report, after carefully scrutinizing all of the documents issued in con- 
nection with the eight-hour campaign, after interviewing the International 
officers and delegates to this convention, after in every way familiarizing it- 
self with the vast subject submitted to it for consideration, finds not a single 
flaw in the methods and policy that have thus far been pursued by the In- 
ternational eight-hour committee, and we recommend that the continuance of 
the campaign and the further steps that are to be taken in order to secure 
the shorter workday be again committed to the International committee, with 
assurances of the full confidence of the delegates to the fifty-first session of 
the International Typographical Union. 

Your committee would also recommend that the secretary-treasurer be 
instructed to incorporate in the book of laws the propositions providing for 
the establishment of the eight-hour day on January i, 1906. 

Concluding the report, your committee desires to reiterate the declaration 
of the International president that — 

"We do not want the eight-hour day by reason of charity or philanthropy. 
We do not want it in order that our physical or mental well-being may be 
improved. We refuse to abandon our eight-hour demand because we may 
under present conditions be more fortunately situated than other artisans. 
We want the eight-hour workday because we are convinced that it suffices 
for the work there is to do, the work that is to be done, the demand of so- 
ciety for the product of the press. We propose to sell to the employer eight 
hours out of twenty-four, and we will do as we please with the remaining 
sixteen." Yours for eight hours, fraternally, 

"Max S. Hayes, Chairman. 
"Elmer Throssell, Secretary, 
"H. L. White, 
"John P. Kennedy, Sr., 
"George Crammond." 

Address of Samuel Gompers — President Lynch then 
introduced Samuel Gompers, president of the American 
Federation of Labor. Mr. Gompers congratulated the 
International Typographical Union on its prosperous 
outlook, and referred to the coming eight-hour struggle. 
He complimented the organization on the masterly com- 
prehensiveness of the report of the eight-hour committee, 
and said if not appreciated today it would be by those. 

837 



History of The Typographical Union 

who came after us. He had watched with interest the 
growth of the International Typographical Union, and 
believed the trade should be in possession of the enjoy- 
ments of the shorter day. He referred to the address of 
President Ellis, of the United Typothetae, and criticised 
some of the statements made therein. One of them was 
that the increased labor cost of introducing the nine-hour 
day was 33 per cent, and the increase in the eight-hour 
day would be 18 to 25 per cent. Mr. Ellis had asked the 
convention to recede from its eight-hour position because 
of the increased labor cost to the employer, and the 
threatened financial ruin, with no possible advantage to 
the printers. The introduction of the eight-hour day had 
never ruined any industry. It would be ruinous to the 
International Typographical Union to change its attitude 
on the shorter day. The principle — the thesis of shorter 
hours — had been justified by the results in different indus- 
tries. He pledged his personal and official support. "God 
speed the movement — the uplifting of the fellowman to an 
appreciation of his rights and duties/' 

Address of Max Hayes — On the morning of the fifth 
day, President Lynch announced the report of the com- 
mittee on eight-hour day as the first business in order 
and said the report was before the convention for 
consideration. 

Delegate Cahill (St. Paul) moved that the report of 
the eight-hour committee be adopted and the secretary- 
treasurer be authorized to have it issued in pamphlet form 
and distributed to members of subordinate unions. 

Delegate Hayes (Cleveland), chairman of the eight- 
hour committee, reviewed at length the history of the 
eight-hour movement and discussed the address made 
before the convention by President Ellis of the United 
Typothetae. 
# Delegate Donnell (Cincinnati) moved that Delegate 

838 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

Hayes prepare a synopsis of his address and that it be 
made part of the records in connection with the eight- 
hour committee's report. The motion was adopted and the 
address of Delegate Hayes follows : 

While the delegates are undoubtedly anxious to finish the 
work of this convention, considerable of which remains to be 
transacted, yet I believe that we should give further consid- 
eration to some facts that of necessity could not be incorporated 
in the committee's report, especially as the address of Presi- 
dent Ellis, of the United Typothetae of America, has been 
made a part of the record and might influence unthinking and 
careless members and cause them to become lukewarm toward 
the progressive movement in which we are enlisted. 

The salient features of President Ellis' address, directed 
against the eight-hour day, were his cries of impracticability, 
and calamity and general ruination for the printing business 
if the shorter workday is enforced. His position is that of 
making assertions without presenting evidence to establish the 
facts. Not an iota of testimony, not a scrap of data, has been 
furnished to substantiate the statements made. The employ- 
ing printers gave expression to similar sentiments when it was 
proposed to reduce the working hours from ten to nine per day. 
Yet that reform has been accomplished, and who will charge 
that it has proved impractical and that devastation and ruin 
has been spread through the printing trade? Neither is the 
assumption that production will be restricted based on sound 
reasoning, as governmental statistics and our own knowledge 
of printing affairs demonstrate the fact that production was 
greatly stimulated when the working time was reduced from ten 
or more hours to nine hours per day. It is fallacious to assert 
that the output of printing will be reduced when avenues of 
employment are opened to two or three thousand idle printers, 
which is the mission of the International Typographical Union 
at present. On the contrary, those workers will become larger 
consumers, and thus benefit the whole of society. 

This eight-hour movement is not a new one. J. Thorold 
Rogers tells us in his celebrated historical work, "Six Centuries 
of Work and Wages," that the eight-hour day prevailed in the 
last part of the fifteenth and the early part of the sixteenth 
centuries. That period is described as the golden age, and so 

839 



History of The Typographical Union 

prosperous had the people become that the privileged classes, 
fearful that their reign would be endangered, adopted coercive 
measures to keep the workers in subjection. The ruling class 
gradually lengthened the hours of toil, reduced wages and in- 
creased prices, and a long period of exploitation and suffering, 
darkness and chaos was the result. 

% It was not until 1824, that the anti-combination laws were 
repealed, after Robert Owens, the pioneer co-operator collect- 
ivism had made a proposition to the British government to 
organize the industries of the country upon a basis that would 
require the labor of the men, women and children not longer 
than eight hours per day to provide for the well-being of all. 
Gradually the working time was reduced in succeeding years 
from sixteen to fourteen and twelve, and finally to ten per 
day. In 1888 the gas workers and general laborers, unskilled 
men, by the way, at one swoop cut the hours of toil from twelve 
to eight, and since that year every trade in Great Britain has 
been benefited by the reduction of the hours of toil. 

In Australia, known universally as the eight-hour land, the 
movement for the shorter workday began in 1856. Although 
defeated in several disastrous strikes, the trade unions per- 
severed in their efforts, and, supplemented with their political 
power, made steady gains. As I pointed out the other day, the 
Australian workingmen not only strike and boycott shops, fac- 
tories and mills when necessary, but they have seceded from 
both old political parties and also strike at the ballot box and 
in the leislative halls, and it is to their everlasting credit that 
when their labor party obtained possession of the national gov- 
ernment, John Christian Watson, a journeyman printer, became 
premier for a brief time, until both old parties combined and 
ousted the labor cabinet from office. The laborites are also in 
control of a number of Australian states, and the printers -are 
among the most conspicuous of the lawmakers. 

It is singular, indeed, that the spokesman of the so-called 
open shop — the National Association of Manufacturers, of 
which the more or less notorious David M. Parry is at. the 
head, and with which the United Typothetae appears to be in 
sympathy — are unable to furnish us with any proofs of the im- 
practicability and unjustness of the eight-hour workday here 
at home, but depend upon alleged facts imported from Austra- 
lia, which are now being circulated through their press and 

840 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

which are intended to show that the eight-hour day and the 
Saturday half holiday are proving ruinous to that country. Yet 
all the governmental statistics, the British Board of Trade 
reports, as well as the accounts contained in Australian news- 
papers, demonstrate beyond the shadow of doubt that the claims 
made by certain American employers regarding industrial con- 
ditions in the antipodes are absolutely without foundation. 
These stories are circulated for a purpose — to discourage the 
workers of America from following the example of their breth- 
ren beyond the seas in combining industrially and politically. 

As Mr. Gompers pointed out yesterday, the workers of con- 
tinental Europe are making steady progress in reducing the 
working time and securing greater benefits for themselves. Per- 
haps you noticed in the St. Petersburg dispatches only recently 
that the printers of Russia were playing a leading part in the 
great strikes and demanding the eight-hour day. I know for 
a certainty that the shorter workday movement has also taken 
root in Japan, South Africa, and even in South America. Do 
the members of the typothetae believe that we, the American 
workingmen — who are sometimes flattered by being told that we 
are more intelligent than the toilers of other countries — are 
going to lag at the tail-end of the procession? Certainly the 
printers will refuse to lock arms with the Chinese in walking 
for the industrial cake. 

In our own country — on this North American continent — 
despite all obstacles, the eight-hour movement has been making 
steady progress since 1886, in which year the German- Amer- 
ican Typographia (in job offices as well as newspapers), the 
cigarmakers and a number of smaller trades established the 
eight-hour workday. Subsequently the miners, carpenters, 
plumbers, bricklayers and other trades quite generally enforced 
the eight-hour day, so that now fully a million trade unionists, 
at the most conservative estimate, and including 25,000 print- 
ers, can sing the refrain : Eight hours for work, eight hours 
for sleep, and eight hours for recreation. 

Why should we work any longer than bankers or lawyers 
or office holders or any professionals and politicians? It is 
true, paradoxical though it may seem, that the eight-hour day 
would prove beneficial to proprietors of job and book plants 
as well as employes, as stated in the committee's report. Quite 
naturally the front offices will close an hour earlier under the 

841 



History of The Typographical Union 

new system, which means one hour less figure juggling and 
business worry and one hour more real life and enjoyment for 
the employers. We are really doing Messrs. Ellis, Green, 
and the other members of the typothetae a great favor, and 
they ought to appreciate that fact, for, after all, life should 
not be a mere sordid grab for dollars. There is an ethical side 
to this question. Man has a social as well as a physical na- 
ture, and while he must preserve his animal existence, he must 
not do so at the expense of his social relations. If he becomes 
a mere drudge, our civilization is endangered, progress halts, 
retrogression begins, and slavery and chaos naturally follow. 

There is one point that I desire to make clear to the more 
obstinate gentlemen of the typothetae, and that is that the 
standard of living determines the form of our civilization. 
Mechanics and laborers will not work for less than that which 
furnishes them with subsistence, with necessities and comforts 
to which they have become accustomed. The prices of food 
products, clothing, rents, etc., have steadily increased during 
the past decade and the purchasing power of the dollars that 
we receive as wages is correspondingly lessened. Hence the 
claim of Mr. Ellis that wages have advanced 33 1-3 per cent 
is offset by the cold fact that we are also compelled to pay more 
tribute to the landlord, the beef trust, coal combine and other 
associations of capital that are squeezing the people to pay divi- 
dends on the watered stock ; and therefore I deny the correct- 
ness of the logic of Mr. Donnelley, who stated in conference in 
so many words that we were "squeezing" the employers. 

It is a truism that men are never paid according to what 
they earn, but according to the average cost of living. Now, 
as a simple matter of equity, how can the typothetae claim that 
they, the buyers of labor power, are to be the sole judge of the 
price to be paid? The sellers of coal, meat, oil, sugar, etc., 
fix their price; why should not those who dispose of their 
labor power have the same right? They do have that right, 
but it can only be maintained in a degree in this capitalistic 
competitive system through organization, because the natural 
opportunities are being monopolized by a few. Without organ- 
ization, the so-called liberties of the working people are be- 
coming a delusion, for no moneyless worker stands an equal 
chance with the millionaire captain of industry. 

Another objection that was raised in the conference between 

842 



Convention at Toronto, 1905 

the typothetae representatives and your committee was that 
the employers of the larger cities are losing ground to theii 
competitors in the smaller places, and one gentleman (Mr. 
Green, I believe) raised the point that some jobs had been 
sent from New York to England. I imagine no system will 
ever be devised that will keep a certain amount of book and 
job work in the same office forever, or even in the same country. 
The International Typographical Union is doing all in its 
power to abolish these alleged disadvantages, and for that 
reason the hours of labor will be reduced generally — printers 
in Chicago will be affected no more and no less than those in 
Podunk or any other place. As for jobs going to England, 
the hours of labor are being reduced in that country as well 
as in America and the purchasing power of the wages received 
is almost the same and it is doubtful whether the English print- 
ers turn out as great amount of work in a given time as do the 
Americans. 

In conclusion, I wish to emphasize the fact that the Inter- 
national Typographical Union and other trade unions, in 
making the reduction of the hours of labor the paramount is- 
sue, are striving to realize one of the most far-reaching and 
noblest missions ever undertaken by any organization. We are 
endeavoring to open opportunities to all the people ; not a few. 

The eight-hour day means not less wages, but more wages ; 
it means the absorption of the unemployed army of workers 
and the increasing demand for labor as well as minimizing of 
the present fierce, cut-throat competition. 

The eight-hour day means the creating of new hopes, de- 
sires and aspirations among our class — a nobler manhood and 
a happier womanhood and childhood. The eight-hour day 
means that those now employed would be less exhausted after 
a day's toil ; that mental and physical resources would be fos- 
tered and developed and life and health prolonged. 

The eight-hour day means stronger family ties, pleasant 
homes, more time for good books, to attend lectures, to culti- 
vate music, art and science, and for the study of all the glories 
lavished upon mankind by generous Mother Nature. 

The eight-hour day means that poverty would be decreased, 
sweatshops would be wiped out, drunkenness, prostitution, 
crime and misery would be greatly reduced ; it means that 
wealth would be more equitably distributed, enlightenment, 

843 



History of The Typographical Union 

dissemination, invention and discovery stimulated, and a greater 
and grander progress would bless the world than mankind has 
yet known. 

This is the glorious ideal for which the organized workers 
are struggling, and they deserve the sympathy and support of 
all true men and women. 

Delegate Kreft (Philadelphia) asked if men who came 
out of open or unfair offices would receive benefits. 

President Lynch replied that it would be the policy of 
the International Typographical Union to take care of all 
men who left work in support of the eight-hour day. 

Delegate Green (Atlanta) was glad to hear of the 
enthusiasm and success in the eight-hour movement in 
different parts of the country; but there were some dis- 
tricts that were not as sanguine of success, and such 
territory naturally looked for assistance from stronger 
sections. 

Delegate Fennessy (Los Angeles) declared that the 
strong districts would aid and assist the weaker ones ; that 
San Francisco, which had already secured the eight-hour 
day, was pledged to assist Los Angeles and adjacent 
territory in the work. 

Delegate Hughes (Providence) made a statement of 
the conditions in his vicinity, and the difficulty that might 
be encountered in enforcing the eight-hour day. 

Delegate McCahill (Columbus) detailed the favorable 
conditions in his territory. 

President Lynch stated that Delegate Cahill's motion 
to adopt the report of the eight-hour committee, and 
instructing the secretary-treasurer to issue the same in 
pamphlet form for distribution, was before the con- 
vention. 

The motion was adopted unanimously by a rising vote, 
amid scenes of unprecedented enthusiasm. 

Officers, 1 906- 1 go 7 — At the election held in May, 

844 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

1906, officers were selected for the two-year term begin- 
ning November 1, 1906, as follows: President, James M. 
Lynch, Syracuse; first vice-president, John W. Hays, 
Minneapolis ; second vice-president, Hugo Miller, Indian- 
apolis; third vice-president, Daniel L. Corcoran, New 
York city; secretary-treasurer, J. W. Bramwood, Denver. 
Delegates to American Federation of Labor — James M. 
Lynch (president), Syracuse; Michael Colbert, Chicago; 
Frank Morrison, Chicago; Frank Foster, Boston; Hugh 
Stevenson, Toronto. Trustees Union Printers Home — 
James M. Lynch, Syracuse; J. W. Bramwood, Denver; 
Thomas McCaffery, Colorado Springs; L. C. Shepard, 
Grand Rapids, Mich.; W. J. White, San Francisco; 
Thomas F. Crowley, Cincinnati ; T. D. Fennessy, Los 
Angeles. Agent — George P. Nichols, Baltimore. 

Convention at Colorado Springs 

[1906] — The fifty-second session of the International 
Typographical Union convened in Temple Theater, Colo- 
rado Springs, Colo., August 13, 1906. The convention 
was called to order by Charles Deacon, superintendent 
Union Printers Home and chairman of the committee on 
arrangements of Colorado Springs Union No. 82. The 
Rev. Crayton S. Brooks, of the First Christian Church, 
offered prayer. President Snider, of Colorado Springs 
Union, in a few appropriate remarks, extended the hearty 
welcome of his union to the delegates and visitors and 
promised to make their visit to the Springs a memorable 
one. The welcome of the city of Colorado Springs was 
extended in a felicitous speech by Mayor Henry C. Hall. 
Other greetings were offered by R. L. Holland, of the 
board of county commissioners ; O. B. Wilcox, of the 
chamber of commerce, and E. W. Kent, of the real estate 
exchange. A letter was read from Clarence P. Dodge, 

845 



History of The Typographical Union 

representing the newspaper publishers of the city, regret- 
ting his inability to express in person his appreciation of 
the loyalty of the members of the Typographical Union. 
President Snider then presented President Lynch with a 
gavel made from wood grown on the grounds of the 
Union Printers Home. President Lynch responded to the 
addresses of welcome, referring to the bond of association 
between the city of Colorado Springs and the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, as represented by the Union 
Printers Home, and continued : 

About four weeks ago it was my privilege to attend a convention held in 
an eastern city. There were present at that convention about three hundred 
attendants. The sessions of the gathering were held behind closed doors; 
nothing was permitted to escape. What a difference between the convention 
of the International Typographical Union called to order this morning and 
the convention of the United Typothetae of America, held in Buffalo recently! 
Here we have several hundred men and women who have traveled hundreds, 
yes thousands, of miles to attend this meeting, notwithstanding that, in every 
locality, for more than six months, the members of the International Typo- 
graphical Union have been paying the ten per cent assessment for the con- 
duct of our eight-hour battle. We meet here this morning, a great, large 
gathering, attended by about two hundred and fifty delegates, and many 
hundreds of visitors, transacting our business in the open, knowing that the 
cause for which we fight is just, anxious for the criticism of those who watch 
our deliberations and of the public opinion that will follow after. It is not my 
intention to make a speech this morning. I will simply content myself by 
again expressing the thanks of the gathering — of the delegates and visitors 
— for the greeting that has been extended to us this morning. We can only 
hope that the deliberations of this convention will create a favorable opinion 
on the part of the citizens of Colorado Springs — citizens who are all friends 
of the Union Printers Home, and whom we hope, when this convention ad- 
journs, will all be friends of the great International Typographical Union. 

At the conclusion of the president's response, a large 
electric banner bearing the words "Eight Hours" de- 
scended slowly from the flies at the rear of the stage, 
while the orchestra played "America," amid great en- 
thusiasm. 

After administering the obligation to the delegates, 
President Lynch announced that the first business of the 
convention would be the report of Secretary-Treasurer 
Bramwood. The secretary-treasurer announced the names 
of delegates whose credentials were in proper form, fol- 
lowed by those irregularly elected and those whose unions 

846 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

were in arrears, and recommended that the credentials of 
the irregularly elected delegates and those of the dele- 
gates from delinquent unions be referred to the creden- 
tials committee. The recommendation was concurred in 
and the chair then announced the convention officers and 
the convention committees. The president also announced 
that the presidents of local unions in jurisdictions where 
the eight-hour fight was still on would meet at the Antlers 
Hotel Monday evening. He expected they would go over 
the eight-hour situation thoroughly, together with mem- 
bers of the eight-hour committee. 

Home Library — At the Monday afternoon session, 
James Monroe Kreiter, of Columbia Typographical 
Union No. 101, was introduced, and presented to the 
Home trustees a number of books for the Home library. 
Mr. Kreiter was greeted with a warm reception and his 
address was listened to attentively and at the close was 
given applause. He spoke as follows : 

Profoundly sensible of the honor accorded me on this occasion, I believe 
that we all feel thankful to our Heavenly Father that He has permitted us to 
be in beautiful Colorado Springs today. And dwelling in that thought let me 
say that nowhere on the pebbled margins of the sea is there another such 
an institution as the Union Printers Home. 

In distant states and climes we refer to it with prideful boast and righteous 
exultation; today we behold it in all its grandeur; in all its magnificence. 

This edifice, conceived in a spirit of kindred tendencies, beautiful in its 
architecture, colossal in its eminence, grand as to its usefulness, typifies the 
benefactions of the union printer, symbolizes his benevolence, indexes his 
sweet charity, and is at once a striking imprint of his noble generosity. 

This period, then, is one of more than ordinary satisfaction to the craft 
in general, and it affords me much pleasure, Mr. President of the Board of 
Trustees of the Union Printers Home, to present through you these books 
for the Home library. They represent hundreds of volumes which were do- 
nated by our crafts-people throughout the International jurisdiction. 

The giving conveys that good feeling which always follows in the groove 
of unwonted kindness and joyous consideration and I feel, Mr. President, that 
I do these crafts-people small justice when I say that the donations were 
made with that characteristic cheerfulness which has won for the union printer 
much applause from our friends and admiration from the enemy. 

Therefore, in making the presentation in their behalf I wish to lose my 
identity in the matter, so that the fullness of praise may be the greater to 
those who not only donated a book, but who have devoted time, energy and 
thought that the book-giving project might reach its zenith in grand success. 

The small unions, as well as the larger ones, are shelved in yonder library. 
The delegate and the layman, the visitor and the chapel folk, the women of 

847 



History of The Typographical Union 

the auxiliary (God bless them), will be found side by side in keen recollection 
by those who in time to come will seek the library as a place of recreation 
and of rest. 

The touch of generous appreciation on the part of eminent authors and 
men prominent in federal and state affairs also finds life upon the shelves. 
This manifest evidence of consideration on the part of these great men was 
gathered solely through the untiring efforts of Mr. B. Frank Swigart, one ot 
our St. Louis members. 

That all these books will in time to come be a source of joy and interest 
to the residents of the Home is the sincere wish of the donors, and the se- 
lections, I am sure, were made with a view that the intellectuality of the oc- 
cupants would be satisfied and perusal might gladden the hearts of the 
readers. 

And now, my gracious crafts-people, kind, generous, benevolent, mag- 
nanimous, as you are, I want to express my estimate and the high regard I 
have for the union printer. How best shall I say it? Let it be: His loyalty 
to his obligation is steel-like in firmness; and his heart is not only ox-like 
in proportion, but it is beautifully womanlike in tenderness. 

I thank you for your pleasing attention. 

President Lynch responded for the Home trustees, and 
the convention ordered that Mr. Kreiter's remarks be 
incorporated in the minutes. 

officers' reports 

President's Address — A convincing, buoyant, confi- 
dent tone characterized the report of President Lynch to 
the fifty-second session of the International Typograph- 
ical Union. The president said that his presentation of 
events covered one of the most important periods in the 
union's history. The fate of the International body for a 
time had hung in the balance, not in the sense that the 
organization could have been crushed out, but that defeat 
at any important point in the eight-hour combat would 
have meant a backward step, the effect of which might 
require years to eradicate. Plunging in a great industrial 
struggle without the full period of preparation that it was 
hoped might elapse, forced for a time to try every re- 
source in order to gather the money with which to carry 
on the battle, the membership had emerged from the con- 
flict with a shorter workday securely established and the 
hope for complete victory with a safe basis on which to 
rest. Attention was directed to the declaration in the 

848 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

president's report to the Toronto convention that there 
was but one subject before the Typographical Union — 
the establishment of the principle of not more than eight 
hours' work for all members of the organization ; that all 
other problems, all other questions, all other propositions, 
were incidental to the great economic advancement that 
was being attempted and which had met with success in 
many instances. 

There appeared among the other reports a presentation 
from the eight-hour committee. For this the president 
asked a careful reading by all members of the Interna- 
tional Union. The membership was asked to read the 
report adopted by the Toronto convention, then the report 
of the International committee submitted to the Colorado 
Springs convention, which would enable the reader to 
have a clear idea of the history of the eight-hour move- 
ment. These reports would show that every one of the 
important steps that had been taken in the crusade had 
been necessary for the preservation of the eight-hour day. 
It would also demonstrate that the struggle was an un- 
avoidable one and that before it was entered into, every 
possible avenue that gave promise of peace was fully 
explored and every possible suggestion made in order to 
avert industrial warfare. The United Typothetae of 
America was determined to have a struggle, and if it had 
not been over the question of shorter hours, then it would 
have occurred over the effort that would have undoubt- 
edly been made by the typothetae to establish the so-called 
"open'' shop. 

The president was thoroughly optimistic over the 
future of the International Union, declaring that it was a 
bright one. In this connection, he said : 

While the ordinary affairs of the International body have been subordi- 
nated to a great extent to the eight-hour-day demand, yet we have made sub- 
stantial progress nevertheless in all directions. The conditions of newspaper 
workers have been improved, and wages have been materially increased in 

849 



History of The Typographical Union 

many instances. With agreements in effect with nearly all of the important 
newspapers of the North American continent, with forty thousand members 
now on an eight-hour basis, and with reasonable prospect for complete vic- 
tory for the eight-hour day in all instances where strikes are now on, the 
outlook for the future of the International Union is exceedingly bright. No 
other trade union on the North American continent has received so much 
advertising as has our own. Its aims and objects are fully understood by 
practically all of the printers who are following the art for a livelihood. He 
must indeed be isolated who has not been approached by a representative of 
the United Typothetae of America or an organizer or member of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union and urged to take a position on one side or the 
other of the great struggle through which we are passing. Naturally, when 
the battle is over, the work of organization will be much easier, and I con- 
fidently predict that when peace again reigns in our branch of the printing 
industry, shortly thereafter the International Typographical Union will num- 
ber many thousands more than at any previous period. Of a surety, peace 
will reign in the book and job branch, for the opinion is justified that before 
the employers in the commercial field again deliberately seek warfare with 
the International Union, they will exhaust every remedy that gives promise 
of satisfactory adjustment without forcing the workers to resort to the strike. 
The contest has truly been a fight for peace. The newspaper workers strug- 
gled for years before obtaining a position that brings with it the considera- 
tion they now receive from the publishers of the great newspapers of the 
country. The book and job members have concentrated within a few months a 
struggle that for the newspaper members extended ever the earlier life of 
the International body. With harmony in both branches, and with conditions 
such as our members have a right to demand and expect, we can then turn 
our energies into other fields and devote time and study to betterments that 
are not altogether associated with working conditions. In short, the oppor- 
tunity will present itself to make of the International Typographical Union 
the model and ideal trade organization, furnishing for its members full and 
complete protection, both in the industrial and social field. 

Acknowledgment was made of aid in the shorter 
workday struggle afforded by the American Federation 
of Labor and affiliated organizations. The declarations 
of the officers and convention of the American Federation 
of Labor were quoted at length. It was declared that not 
alone had the union received monetary aid from other 
unions throughout the American Federation of Labor, 
but it had received valuable assistance in many other 
ways. The success attending the eight-hour movement 
was largely due to the organized condition of the country 
and the president desired, on behalf of the organization, 
to formally make acknowledgment of that support. 

Injunctions — The injunction feature of the eight-hour 
conflict was reviewed at length and the effect, or, more 

850 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

properly speaking, non-effect of these writs was made 
clear. In spite of injunctions and injunction judges, the 
union had secured victories. Typothetae misrepresentation 
was given a prominent place in the president's report, and 
specific instances were cited. The position of the allied 
trades was also set forth in an extensive paragraph. 

General Conditions — As to the general situation, the 
president said : 

The report of the International eight-hour committee covers the general 
features of the eight-hour campaign, including a statement of financial receipts 
and expenditures. Financial matters are also covered minutely in the report 
of the secretary-treasurer. Your president has made effort to keep closely 
in touch with each local strike, as the business at headquarters has per- 
mitted. Visits have been made by your president to localities where the resist- 
ance by employers has been most stubborn and where it was thought his 
presence would result in the most good. A number of local unions have been 
addressed at regular and special meetings, and the membership has been en- 
lightened on every phase of the struggle. It has been the aim to dissipate 
dissatisfaction through a full and concise explanation of the progress and 
needs of the eight-hour battle. In order to accomplish this many thousands 
of miles have been traveled. Personal discomfort and labor have not been 
taken into account, and every atom of energy and strength possessed by your 
executive has been exerted in order to bring an eight-hour victory. The efforts 
of your president in this direction have been ably seconded by the officers, 
organizers and members of our local unions. The organizers' reports, appearing 
in this volume, will give much interesting eight-hour data as the reward for 
careful perusal. We have all worked for the eight-hour day. 

British Strikebreakers — The importation of British 
non-unionists to Winnipeg was given the space that such 
a menace to the aspirations of organized workers de- 
served. 

It has been asserted, in some cases proved, that many of the English 
strikebreakers were induced to cross the line into the states and act as strike- 
breakers in American cities. It is therefore of supreme importance that this 
convention, representing the printers of the United States and Canada, should 
give endorsement to the recommendation made by the deputy minister of labor, 
so that effective legislation in Great Britain may be enacted and in the future 
protect both Canadian and United States toilers from the misrepresentation 
and deceit practiced by employers in their desire to defeat strikes and pre- 
vent the realization of the aspirations of the organized wage-earners on the 
North American continent. 

Relations With Publishers — Relations with the Amer- 
ican Newspaper Publishers' Association were thoroughly 
explained by the president. As to the proposed arbitra- 

851 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion agreement that the convention was asked to endorse, 
to become effective May I, 1907, the report said: 

The new contract was formulated at the headquarters of the International 
Typographical Union after repeated conferences between the special standing 
committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association and our execu- 
tive council. It is submitted to the convention for its approval or disap- 
proval, but it is recommended for adoption by the executive council. Of course 
there is nothing to prevent the convention from amending the agreement or 
changing its essential features, but before this is attempted there should be 
most intimate knowledge of our arbitration history and familiarity with the 
present and new agreement. This can only be obtained by careful study on 
the part of the delegates. One of the objections that has been urged against 
our arbitration policy is to the third member, or chairman of the arbitration 
board. It has been pointed out, and with truth, that the third member, or 
chairman, is frequently taken from walks of life where there is little oppor- 
tunity for the gathering of that knowledge of newspaper management and 
composing-room conditions that is essential to a fair adjustment of a pro- 
posed wage scale in controversy. It has been urged that a board with equal 
representation, say two members representing the publishers and two the 
union, would be much better than the present arrangement. This method of 
arbitration is in effect in many industries at the present time, and has given 
satisfaction. In accordance with the foregoing it has been the aim of the 
executive council of the International Typographical Union to eliminate the 
third member or chairman and to secure an arbitration agreement embracing 
equal representation on arbitration boards. We are pleased to state that wc 
succeeded in this aim. The new agreement provides that where local arbi- 
tration is resorted to the local board shall consist of two representatives of 
each party to a contention. The chairman and secretary of a local board 
must be selected from the four members of the board. It is not necessary to 
have local arbitration and cases may be carried direct to the national board, 
and this course must be taken where the attempt at local arbitration is not 
completed. The National Board of Arbitration must meet on the first Tues- 
day of each month for the consideration and adjustment of matters referred 
to it. This insures a speedy settlement of all cases. The national board is 
to consist of the three members of the executive council of the International 
Typographical Union and the three members of the special standing committee 
of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association. The chairman and sec- 
retary of the national board must be selected from among the six members 
constituting the board. It will be seen that the fifth member, or arbiter, is 
eliminated locally, and the seventh member, or arbiter, is eliminated nation- 
ally. In its general scope this is the form of arbitration that has given sat- 
isfaction in England and in all instances where resorted to in this country. 
It permits of the broadest form of arbitration, and thus guarantees industrial 
peace to the parties to such a contract. Men engaged in the industry cov- 
ered by such an agreement themselves adjust their differences without the aid, 
advice or assistance of outside parties whose knowledge of the subject at best 
is but academic and theoretical. It may be asserted that these evenly-bal- 
anced tribunals may deadlock and disagree, but experience proves the con- 
trary. The arbiters approach their task with the knowledge that industrial 
peace depends on their ability to weigh impartially the evidence and facts 
making up the case presented for their consideration, and to reach a verdict 
in accordance with the circumstances and conditions. There can be no shift- 
ing of responsibility, so far as the national board is concerned, to other 
shoulders. All in all, therefore, it is the belief of our executive council that 



852 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

the new agreement presented for the consideration of the convention is an al- 
most ideal document and one that, if ratified and entered into, can be still 
further perfected as time and experience bring forth its defects. 

Home Affairs — Union Printers Home affairs and 
some attacks on the institution were given prominence by 
the president. The growing need of improved water 
service was touched upon. The president then declared 
the Home should be respected, and said : 

Inasmuch as the convention this year will be held in the Home city, there 
should be ample opportunity for the delegates and visitors to thoroughly in- 
spect the institution, and a most rigid scrutiny is desired. The Home should 
not be made the football of typographical politics. It is our one great busi- 
ness venture, aside from trade unionism per se, and in order to continue the 
success that has thus far attended its administration it must be separated 
from the assaults of the ambitious statesmen who periodically attempt to in- 
flame the membership against the officers of the institution who may be candi- 
dates for re-election. We may not be able to conduct our International elec- 
tions with freedom from the cheaper grade of politics, but we can at least 
guard the Home against periodical assaults that arouse suspicion in the minds 
of the membership and cover with opprobrium' one of our most beneficial fea- 
tures. It is significant that the instigators of these calumnies quickly drop 
them once the elections are determined. The Home is a success, and it can 
be continued as a success if its existence is properly safeguarded. 

Under date of April 6, 1906, a circular signed by the officers of the Wom- 
an's Label League of Colorado Springs, Colo., and containing certain charges 
against the board of trustees and management of the Union Printers Home, 
was mailed to the unions chartered by the International Typographical Union. 
Neither the president nor secretary-treasurer of the Home corporation were 
aware of the issuance of the circular until inquiries on the subject were made 
by local secretaries. It is significant that the concluding paragraph of the 
circular should read as follows: "We know that this matter is within the 
province of the board of trustees, and ask that in voting for said officers on 
May 16 that you elect only those who are favorable to such action." 

The records of the meeting of the board of trustees, held at the Home 
last November, show that a communication was received from the Woman's 
Label League of Colorado Springs, dealing with the purchase of union goods 
by the Home management. Other official business prevented President Lynch 
and Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood from attending the meeting in question, 
but the communication from the league was fully considered by the board, and 
its reply, setting forth the facts in the case, and signed by W. J. White as 
secretary pro tem., bears date of November 27, 1905. 

The- report contained the contents of the circular in 
question and the reply of Thomas McCaffery, of Colorado 
Springs, vice-president of the Home corporation and 
board of trustees, and the board's local representative. 

In concluding his report, the president expressed the 
hope that the convention would be of great benefit to the 

853 



History of The Typographical Union 

organization and that the union would realize all the 
bright prospects that the future appeared to hold. 

Typographic, — An active and successful year on the 
part of the German-American Typographia was reported 
by Second Vice-President Miller. The Philadelphia 
Demokrat had been reclaimed after a five-year fight. A 
German union was organized at Winnipeg. St. Paul- 
Minneapolis Union had obtained a new scale and the 
German-American local at Cleveland received an increase 
in wages. New York, Philadelphia, Toledo and St. Louis 
unions had a few members involved in the eight-hour 
fight. Mr. Miller pointed with pride to the fact that there 
was only one non-union German daily in the country. 

Mailers — Third Vice-President Mulcahy, speaking 
for the mailers, said that during the year he had been 
unable to do much organizing work in that craft owing to 
the eight-hour strike, which had seriously handicapped 
the mailers in the effort to extend their organization work 
throughout the country. He had been successful, how- 
ever, in organizing unions in Elmira, N. Y. ; Salt Lake 
City, Utah, and Memphis, Tenn. Several of the old 
unions had renewed their agreements with the publishers 
with an increase in their scale of wages, and eight hours. 

Secretary -Treasurer 's Report — Secretary - Treasurer 
Bramwood's report opened with a summary of the re- 
ceipts and expenditures of the International Union for 
the fiscal year. An accompanying table showed the finan- 
cial transactions for the year to have been larger than 
those of any previous similar period. The total r.eceipts 
were $1,119,098.78; expenditures, $984,744.54, leaving a 
balance of $134,354.24. 

Eight-Hour Assessments — Commenting upon the ex- 
penses from the defense fund and the eight-hour contest, 
the secretary-treasurer had this to say : 

The defense fund expenditures for 1906 exceeded all the previous ex- 
854 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

peases from that fund. It must be remembered in this connection that the 
money spent for defensive purposes during the year practically represents the 
expenses of the eight-hour fight paid direct from International headquarters. 
The one-half of one per cent assessment, which was collected from January 
1 to November 4, 1905,- inclusive, was retained by local unions. Reports 
filed with the secretary-treasurer show that the receipts of subordinate unions 
from this source were $150,406.18. Unions that experienced no trouble in 
enforcing the eight-hour day, and those that had it, were requested by the 
executive council to forward the International's one-half of their collections 
on this assessment to headquarters. From this source the International re- 
ceived $35,684.81, a number of locals transmitting the entire collections. Of 
the balance of the assessment, $18,075.80 remains with the unions collecting 
it. and $96,645.57 was spent by them in the furtherance of the eight-hour 
movement. 

Between November 6 and December 30, 1905, an assessment of 50 cents 
per member per week was collected by the International Union. The proposi- 
tion as voted upon by the membership provided that: , 

"Said assessment shall not apply to unions engaged in strike during the 
progress of the strike, in case such unions are collecting a local assessment, 
for strike purposes, equal to 50 cents per week per member. 

"When a strike is settled, or the local assessment discontinued or reduced 
to less than 50 cents per week per member, the International assessment, as 
above specified, shall immediately apply to the members of such unions." 

Under the exemption clause in the above proposition 
fifty subordinate unions were not required to pay the In- 
ternational assessment, as they were collecting local 
assessments equal to that levied by the International 
Union. It must be remembered that the funds collected 
by those unions were expended in the eight-hour fight. 
The exemption of these locals from the International 
assessment of necessity reduced the revenue of the parent 
body, but the 50-cent assessment netted the International 
(including the amount paid by the International Stereo- 
types and Electrotypers' Union), $132,326. It being 
apparent that the 50-cent assessment would not meet the 
demands upon the International treasury after January 1, 
1906, a proposition providing for a weekly assessment of 
10 per cent on the earnings of all members was submitted 
to the membership. Concerning the 10 per cent assess- 
ment, the report said : 

This proposition was adopted by an overwhelming majority, and the ten 
per cent assessment went into effect on January i, 1906. Up to May 31, 1906, 
the International had received therefrom (including the amount paid by the 
International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union) a total of $581,641.66. 

One clause of the assessment proposition read: 

855 



History of The Typographical Union 



"Said assessment shall apply to all unions; provided, that the executive 
council shall have power to permit local unions in jurisdictions where strikes 
are in progress to retain the amount of the assessment or any portion thereof 
and expend the same for strike purposes, when, in the judgment of the coun- 
cil, such action is necessary." 

Acting under the foregoing, the executive council allowed the following 
unions to retain all or such portion of the assessment as was needed by them, 
the retentions and expenditures on this account up to May 31, 1906, being: 



Indianapolis, Ind $6,74499 

Philadelphia, Pa 17,082 11 

Cincinnati, Ohio 15,677 02 

New York, N. Y 212,501 67 

Pittsburgh, Pa 12,879 10 

St. Louis, Mo 36,752 22 

Buffalo, N. Y 8,025 15 

Louisville, Ky 7,253 80 

Boston, Mass 47,402 86 



Rochester, N. Y. . 

Chicago, 111 

New Orleans, La. 
Detroit, Mich.... 

Mobile, Ala 

Galveston, Texas. 

Peoria, 111 

St. Paul, Minn... 
Providence, R. I. 



5,263 92 

. . . 105,323 43 

3,650 60 

... 11,263 73 

i,777 18 

2,620 75 

2,298 65 

... 6,713 89 

4,057 58 

Grand Rapids, Mich 2,228 96 



St. Joseph, Mo 2,181 80 

Minneapolis, Minn 8,167 17 

Leavenworth, Kan 35 47 

New Haven, Conn 2,858 54 

Atlanta, Ga 2,884 66 

Cleveland, Ohio 18,031 31 

Syracuse, N. Y 5,177 48 

Roanoke, Va 442 67 

Toledo, Ohio 3,372 78 

Erie, Pa 663 84 

San Bernardino, Cal 309 65 

St. John, N. B 430 26 

Richmond, Va 2,328 74 

Little Rock, Ark 1,1 59 90 

Jersey City, N. J 392 70 

Washington, D. C 30,799 95 

Newark, N. J 9,915 04 

Springfield, Ohio 1,264 63 

Des Moines, Iowa 3,932 26 

It will be observed that the assessment collected and retained by these locals 
aggregates more than that received by the International Union. The subordinate 
bodies retaining the assessment expended it in paying a local strike benefit 
(in addition to that paid by the International), transportation of men leaving 
town, picket expenses, legal expenses, printing, postage and all the sundry 
items that go to make up the cost of a great strike. A few locals defrayed 
all expenses from the International assessment retained and the local funds. 
To get the cost of the eight-hour fight to May 31, 1906, the close of the fiscal 



Kalamazoo, Mich. . . . 

Wilmington, Del 

Hartford, Conn 

Duluth, Minn 

Jacksonville, Fla 

Worcester, Mass 

San Antonio, Texas. . 

Dallas, Texas 

Los Angeles, Cal.... 

Akron, Ohio 

Fargo, N. D 

Omaha, Neb 

Winnipeg, Man 

Springfield, Mass. . . . 
Sioux Falls, S. D. . . . 

Norwood, Mass 

Niagara Falls, N. Y. 

Altoona, Pa 

Winona, Minn 

Fort Smith, Ark 

Easton, Pa 

Aurora, 111 

Watertown, N. Y 

Charlotte, N. C 

El Paso, Texas 

Rome, Ga 

Champaign, 111 

Stamford, Conn 

Princeton, N. J 

Greenville, Texas.... 

Niles, Mich 

Freeport, 111 

Huntington, W. Va. . 

Guthrie, Okla 

Morgantown, W. Va. 



813 62 

398 45 

3,544 40 

1,819 73 

1,165 °o 

1,855 26 

2,248 35 

4,198 50 

8,777 60 

724 65 

902 55 

5,814 20 

6,281 90 

2,729 67 

927 10 

120 75 

i95 29 

719 79 

1 17 60 

345 05 

566 62 

308 26 

179 40 

50 07 

i,557 13 

116 75 
100 00 

117 47 
49 86 

178 50 
122 95 
321 90 
205 95 
165 25 
185 70 



Total $651,791 



7 3 



856 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

year, the expenditures of the International must be added to those of local 
unions, as reported to headquarters: 

International defense fund expenditures $815,291 80 

Ten per cent assessment retained and expended by local unions... 651,791 73 
One-half of one per cent assessment retained and expended by local 

unions 96,645 57 

Total $r,563»7 2 9 10 

The foregoing total includes $13,358 sent to California locals as special 
assistance in their hour of need, and $7,200 used by Los Angeles Union in the 
Times fight. 

This summary does not include local funds or money derived from local 
assessments that have gone into this fight, as the expenditures from such funds 
have not been reported to the International Union. It is estimated, how- 
ever that such expenditures aggregated $200,000. 

Assistance from American Federation of Labor — A 
notable feature of the eight-hour contest was the aid fur- 
nished by the American Federation of Labor. That body 
levied an assessment of four cents per member for the 
benefit of the International Union. The secretary-treas- 
urer's report showed that $47,715.94 was derived there- 
from. 

Membership — Under the heading "Our Membership," 
the secretary-treasurer reported the issuance of forty- 
three charters during the year, the surrender and suspen- 
sion of ninety-one, showing that the International Union 
had 642 subordinate bodies on May 31, 1906, or forty- 
eight less than on May 31, 1905. The decrease in the 
average membership was commented on in part, as 
follows : 

For the first time in several years the average paying membership for the 
fiscal year shows a decrease rather than an increase. The average paying 
membership in 1905 was 46,734, while that for the year ending May 31, 1906, 
was 44,980, a decrease of i,754- There is nothing discouraging in these fig- 
ures, however, when all the circumstances are considered; in fact, the Inter- 
national Typographical Union has good cause for congratulation over the 
showing in this respect. For several months the organization has been en- 
gaged in the greatest struggle in its history; a struggle that necessitated the 
levying of an assessment of 50 cents per member per week for a period of 
eight weeks, which was increased to ten per cent of the earnings of membera 
early in January, and is still in force. Losses in membership are to be ex- 
pected on such occasions, as assessments are far from popular with the aver- 
age member, or, for that matter, with mankind in general. Contrary, however, 
to the general rule in industrial battles, the membership of the unions actively 
engaged in the conflict has remained intact, and still presents a united front to 

857 



History of The Typographical Union 

the enemy. And this is the surprising feature to those who predicted at the 
opening of the contest that the International Typographical Union would be 
rent asunder if an attempt were made to enforce the eight-hour schedule. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Four constitutional amendments were submitted to the 
referendum by the Colorado Springs convention. Three 
were carried, and one, to increase the salaries of officers, 
was defeated. The majority against this proposition was 
11,436. The total number of unions entitled to vote was 
61 1 ; total number voting, 349. Each proposition with the 
vote thereon is given below : 

First Proposition — Amend section i, article viii, of the constitution — 
"Salaries and Expenses," — by changing the figures after "For the President" 
from $1,800 to $2,400; and in the last line, after "Secretary-Treasurer," from 
$1,800 to $2,400. 

Result of vote — For, 6,401; against, 17,837; majority 
against, 1 1,436. 

Second Proposition — Amend section i and 3, article ix, of the constitu- 
tion, to read as follows: 

Article IX — Revenue and Funds. 

Section 1. The revenue of the International Typographical Union shall 
be derived as follows: From dues, which shall be forty cents per month per 
member; from charters for subordinate unions, $5 per charter; from necessary 
supplies, at prices to be fixed by law. International dues for each month shall 
be collected by subordinate unions, and shall be transmitted to the secretary- 
treasurer of the International Typographical Union before the 20th of the 
succeeding month. Unions failing to comply with this provision shall be con- 
sidered delinquent and debarred from benefits. Provided, That unions located 
so far from headquarters as to make it impossible for their dues to reach 
there within the prescribed time shall not be considered delinquent if 
their remittances bear postmark date prior to the 15th of the succeeding 
month. 

Sec. 3. The dues of the International Union shall be apportioned to the 
several funds as follows: 5 cents to the general fund; 5 cents to the 
special defense fund; 7J^ cents to the defense fund; 7^ cents to the burial 
fund, and 15 cents to the endowment fund of the Union Printers Home. 

Result of vote— For, 15,114; against 10,030; majority 
for, 5,084. 

The increase of per capita tax provided by the adoption 
of this amendment did not become effective until the 
eight-hour assessment was discontinued. 

Third Proposition — Amend section 3, article ix, of the constitution, by 
adding after the words "7 J/2 cents to the defense fund:" 

Section 3. * * * Provided, That in all cases where an assessment is 

858 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

levied for the purpose of carrying on an International strike all moneys be 
transmitted to the executive council and not be retained in any case by a 
subordinate union. * * * 

Result of vote — For, 16,594; against, 7,283; majority 
for, 9,311. 

Fourth Proposition — Amend section i, article xii, of the constitution, to 
read as follows: 

Article Xii — Obligation 

Section i. All subordinate unions shall have an article in their constitu- 
tion which shall read as follows: 

Obligation for Members — Every person admitted as a member of this 
union shall subscribe to the following obligation, which shall apply only to 
matters pertaining to the printing industry: 

I (give name) hereby solemnly and sincerely swear (or affirm) that I 
will not reveal any business or proceedings of any meeting of this or any 
subordinate union to which I may hereafter be attached, unless by order of 
the union, except to those whom I know to be members in good standing 
thereof; that I will, without equivocation or evasion, and to the best of my 
ability, abide by the constitution, by-laws and the adopted scale of prices of 
any union to which I may belong; that I will at all times support the laws, 
regulations and decisions of the International Typographical Union, and will 
carefully avoid giving aid or succor to its enemies, and use all honorable 
means within my power to secure employment for members of the Interna- 
tional Union in preference to others; that my fidelity to the union and my 
duty to the members thereof shall in no sense be interfered with by any 
allegiance that I may now or hereafter owe to any other organization, social, 
political or religious, secret or otherwise; that I will belong to no society or 
combination composed wholly or partly of printers, with the intent or pur- 
pose to interfere with the trade regulations or influence or control the legis- 
lation of this union; that I will not wrong a member, or see him or her 
wronged, if in my power to prevent. To all of which I pledge my most 
sacred honor. 

Result of vote — For, 20,668; against, 3,073; majority 
for, 17,595- 
th e SAN FRANCISCO DISASTER 

The story of the San Francisco disaster of April 18, 
1906, in so far as it concerned the Typographical Union 
as an organization, is told in the following report sub- 
mitted to the Colorado Springs convention and in the 
action of the convention on the report : 

On the morning of April 19 the associated press gave to the world a re- 
port of the terrible disaster in San Francisco and other .Pacific coast towns. 
Realizing that our members in San Francisco would, need assistance, the exec- 
utive council wired the president of No. 21 as follows: 

"Indianapolis, Ind., April 19, 1906. 
"George A. Tracy, Room 19, 533 Kearney Street, San Francisco, Cal. 

"Executive council International Typographical Union extends sincere sym- 

859 



History of The Typographical Union 

pathy to members of San Francisco Typographical Union and citizens gener- 
ally, in their hour of affliction. Let us know what we can do, financially or 
otherwise. J. W. Bramwood, Secretary." 

No answer was received to this message. The spread of the fire possibly 
prevented its delivery. On the afternoon of April 19, however, the following 
message was received from Organizer F. J. Bonnington: 

"Oakland, Cal., April 19, 1906. 
"James M. Lynch, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis. 

"Every printing office wiped out in San Francisco. Suffering among 
members inevitable. Wire authority to use International funds now on hand. 
Address here. F. J. Bonnington." 

This answer was sent: 

,,_,_„ „ ,. , - . "Indianapolis, Ind., April 19, 1906. 

F. J. Bonnington, Oakland, Cal. 

"Union authorized to use funds on hand. International will furnish more 
if necessary. Council wired Tracy this morning. James M. Lynch." 

On the morning of the 21st this dispatch was received from Organizer Bon- 
nington, it being dated at Alameda, Cal., two days earlier: 

"Alameda, Cal., April 19, 1906. 
"James M. Lynch, Claypool Building, Indianapolis. 

"Can not reach Tracy or White, but know all moneys are in ruins of 
banks. Suggest council advance funds for immediate relief of our members. 
Endeavoring to get meeting of No. 21's officers tomorrow in Oakland. Frisco's 
destruction practically complete. Wire will reach me here or Oakland. 

"F. J. Bonnington." 

The council decided to place $2,000 to the credit of Mr. Bonnington in an 

Oakland bank for the use of our San Francisco members, and answered as 

follows: 

(( _ T _ _ , , , „ , "Indianapolis, Ind., April 21, 1906. 

F. J. Bonnington, Oakland, Cal. 

"Fletcher National Bank, this city, has wired Union National Bank, of 
Oakland, to pay you $2,000 account of International Typographical Union. 
Keep us posted. You can have more money, if necessary, on receipt of wire. 

"J. W. Bramwood.'' 

Though the foregoing was duplicated to Organizer Bonnington's home ad- 
dress at Alameda, no answer was received, but on the 22d Arthur A. Hay 
wired from Los Angeles as follows: 

"Los Angeles, Cal., April 22, 1906. 
"James M, Lynch, 650 Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Ind. 

"Did you receive Bonnington's Alameda message? Tracy and Bonning- 
ton say $10,000 imperative, and requested me to send this message, as wires 
around San Francisco in bad condition. Drafts will not be honored, so send 
money in small denominations by express to Bonnington in Alameda. Have 
just returned from San Francisco. Job and newspaper offices all destroyed. 

"Arthur A. Hay." 

On receipt of this the council voted to send $10,000 more to San Fran- 
cisco. Arrangements were made to forward the money by express, the pack- 
age being made up of bills of small denominations, as requested. Mr. Hay 
was informed that the terms of his message had been complied with, and 
Organizer Bonnington was notified as follows: 

"Indianapolis, Ind., April 23, 1906. 
"Frank J. Bonnington, 1304 Grove Street, Alameda, Cal. 

"Ten thousand in small bills goes to you today by express in accordance 
with telegraphic request from Hay. Acknowledge this and previous messages. 

"James M. Lynch." 

860 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

"April 23, 1906. 
"Frank J. Bonnington, 1304 Grove Street, Alameda, Cal. 

"Look after our members of typefounders' and mailers' unions from funds 
forwarded. James M. Lynch." 

The following was received from Organizer Bonnington: 

"Oakland, Cal., April 25, 1906. 
"James M. Lynch, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Ind. 

"Your telegram and Bramwood's received. Oakland banks closed indefi- 
nitely. All money should be sent in small currency by express to Alameda; 
congestion here great. Our men being cared for best possible under circum- 
stances. F. J. Bonnington." 

In circular No. 44, issued by the International shorter workday committee on 
April 21, attention was directed to the San Francisco disaster in this manner: 

"Local unions should prepare to furnish financial relief to San Francisco 
Typographical Union No. 21. The executive council will do all within its 
power, but with every printing office in San Francisco wiped out, and the city 
practically destroyed, the needs of our afflicted members will be many. No. 
21 in its recent struggle for the continuance of the eight-hour day paid all 
expenses connected with its strike, and, after its cause was won and the general 
contest was on, did not ask the International for a dollar by way of reimburse- 
ment. On the contrary, No. 21 contributed far more than its proportion to the 
International treasury, so that the eight-hour day might be established generally. 
Now our members in San Francisco, together with the citizens generally, are 
in direst need. 

"Let us help to the extent of our ability. 

"Money may be sent to Secretary Bramwood, who will in turn forward 
same to officers of No. 21 as soon as possible." 

Subordinate unions immediately began contributing to the relief of No. 21. 
Up to May 31, 1906, donations in the sum of $6,799.75 had been received by 
your secretary-treasurer and transmitted to the officers of San Francisco Union. 

As will be seen by the report of the executive council, No. 21 was assisted 
from the defense fund to the extent of $12,658. The executive council also 
appropriated a sufficient sum to cover the per capita tax of all San Francisco 
unions until they should again be in position to pay the same, and authorized 
them to temporarily discontinue the collection of the 10 per cent assessment. 

AT OTHER POINTS 

Reports were received from Santa Rosa that a large portion of the business 
section of that city had been destroyed by the earthquake. One of our members 
died at his post of duty, and others were injured, though not seriously. Aid to 
the extent of $800 was given this union, and the burial benefit was promptly 
paid. The collection of the assessment was also discontinued temporarily. 

San Jose also reported considerable damage, and asked for temporary relief 
from the assessment, which was granted. 

Oakland Union requested and was granted permission to temporarily discon- 
tinue assessment collections. 

Palo Alto Union reported damage by earthquake, but was able to weather 
the storm without financial assistance. 

The committee on officers' reports to which was re- 
ferred that portion of the executive council's statement 
regarding the San Francisco incident recommended to the 
convention that it emphatically endorse the action of the 
council in furnishing prompt financial relief to members 

861 



History of The Typographical Union 

involved in the California disaster, it being an unusual 
situation and requiring unusual action. The convention 
concurred in this recommendation. 

On the fifth day of the convention, Delegate Tracy 
(San Francisco) secured unanimous consent to present 
the following resolution, by the San Francisco delegation : 

Whereas the city of San Francisco and vicinity, on April 18, 19 and 20, 
suffered calamities exceeding in magnitude any disaster recorded in modern 
history — calamities that rendered several hundred thousand people homeless 
and destitute for a time; and 

Whereas the moment the nature of the disaster became known, our Inter- 
national executive council telegraphed a large sum of money to our officials 
for the relief of our distressed members, and this generous donation was 
quickly followed by liberal contributions from sister unions, chapels and in- 
dividuals of all sections of the country, these contributions aggregating the 
magnificent sum of more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); and 

Whereas the unexampled generosity of our brethren of the International 
Typographical Union enabled San Francisco Typographical Union No. 21 to 
afford its hundreds of distressed members immediate and adequate relief — 
enabled it to provide for those members more liberally than probably any 
other organization in the city was able to do for its members, and 

Whereas the action of the union printers under the jurisdiction of the 
International Typographical Union affords convincing evidence that the 
strength of the bond of fraternity that exists between trade unionists is un- 
surpassed in any other form of organization, and also affords a notable illus- 
tration of the character of trade unionism; therefore 

Be it resolved, By San Francisco Typographical Union No. 21, that the 
members thereof hereby express to their brothers and sisters of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, and to individual contributors, heartfelt appre- 
ciation of their noble generosity, and assure them that their conduct in our 
hour of trial has imbued us with a feeling of gratitude that will last while 
life lasts, and has excited within us a sentiment toward them that passes 
beyond the bonds of mere fraternity and causes us to look upon them rather 
as brothers bound to us by ties of blood than by the tie of common interest 
and association. 

Resolved, That our delegation to the convention of the International Typo- 
graphical Union to be held at Colorado Springs, Colo., commencing August 
13, 1906, be instructed to present these resolutions to that body, expressing 
the sentiments that prompted them; that a copy thereof be forwarded to each 
of our sister unions, chapels and individuals that contributed to the relief of 
our distressed members, and that these resolutions be spread upon our min- 
utes. 

The following is an excerpt from the minutes of the 
Colorado Springs convention : 

Delegate Tracy (San Francisco) spoke of conditions in his city at the 
time of and immediately following the earthquake. He spoke feelingly of the 
action of the executive council offering any assistance possible, and almost 
immediately following this up by sending at one time $2,000 and a few days 
later the sum of $10,000, even before help had been asked of them. Thanks 
to the generosity of the executive council and of subordinate unions and in- 
dividual members of our organization, not one member of No. 21 has suf- 

862 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

fered for food, clothing, or shelter. More than $25,000 had been received 
from these sources, and every cent of this sum will be accounted for, and 
not one cent will be charged up for administrative purposes. Mr. Tracy also 
took occasion to thank the Order of Elks for the help they had given to 
members of his union. The speaker said that, speaking from the bottom of 
his heart, he was proud to belong to the International Typographical Union, 
proud to be under an executive council which had offered assistance to a 
stricken subordinate union before assistance had been asked. The Interna- 
tional Typographical Union had done more to alleviate suffering in San Fran- 
cisco than any other labor organization in this country. Mr. Tracy closed by 
saying that in behalf of San Francisco Typographical Union he thanked not 
only the executive council, not only the local unions, but the individual mem- 
bers of the organization, for so nobly responding to the call of the distressed. 

Delegate McCullough (Omaha) seconded the resolu- 
tions of the San Francisco delegation. 

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY 

Report of International Eight-Hour Committee — In 
order that the reader may follow the history of the eight- 
hour struggle, the report of the International eight-hour 
committee made to the Colorado Springs convention is 
reproduced herewith. 

In its report the International committee refers directly 
to the report made at the Toronto convention by the 
convention's eight-hour committee and that document was 
included as a part of the International committee's report 
to the Colorado Springs convention. Inasmuch as that 
matter was given proper attention under the summary of 
the Toronto convention it will not be included here. Fol- 
lowing is the report of the International eight-hour 
committee : 

To the Officers and Members of the International Typographical Union. 

Ladies and Gentlemen : Attached to this report is the report of the con- 
vention eight-hour committee at Toronto. Prior to a consideration of the 
report we herewith submit, we bespeak careful reading of the findings of the 
committee at the Toronto convention, so that full and complete understanding 
may be had of the history of our eight-hour movement. Among other things, 
the report of the committee adopted by the convention contained the following: 

"We believe that this convention should clothe the International eight- 
hour committee with power to negotiate with representatives of the United 
Typothetae of America if an opportunity for negotiation occurs prior to Jan- 
uary 1, and we so recommend. In order that the declaration of the referendum, 
'That we again declare our entire willingness to negotiate with the United 
Typothetae of America for an agreement under which the eight-hour day will 

863 



History of The Typographical Union 

become operative, and so instruct our eight-hour committee,' may not be im- 
paired." 

On September 7, 1905, President Lynch and Vice-President Hays, acting 
under instructions from the International eight-hour committee, despite lack 
of invitation, and pursuant to the action of the Toronto convention quoted 
hereinbefore, attended the convention of the United Typothetae of America at 
Niagara Falls and attempted to get a hearing on the eight-hour-day proposi- 
tion from the assembled employers. The reception given President Lynch and 
Vice-President Hays was in striking contrast to the reception and hearing 
given President Ellis and Chairman Green, of the typothetae, by our Toronto 
convention. Instead of being at once invited to address the convention, our 
representatives were only allowed to meet the typothetae executive committee, 
and were not informed that the convention had formally opened the way for a 
hearing until the typothetae had acted; negatively on the eight-hour proposition 
submitted by the union representatives. After conferring for some time, the 
executive committee informed the International Typographical Union repre- 
sentatives that the only proposition the committee would make or that the 
committee believed would be acceptable to the convention was for a three- 
year contract, based on a fifty-four-hour week and an open-shop provision. 
As a counter proposition the International representatives submitted this: 
"That if the convention is in a receptive mood, that is, if the convention de- 
sires to approach the question with the intention of adjusting it so as to 
eventually reach the eight-hour day, we are here to negotiate on that basis." 
The word "eventually" was used advisedly, and only after full consideration. 
It was believed that the proposition allowed the widest field of choice to the 
typothetae, and that it also showed beyond question that the International 
Typographical Union was willing to go to the limit in order to preserve in- 
dustrial peace. The proposal was taken before the typothetae convention, and 
its position is set forth in the following letter, handed to the International 
president by the chairman of the typothetae executive committee: 

"Convention United Typothetae of America. 

"Niagara Falls, N. Y., September 7, 1905. 
"Messrs. Lynch and Hays, Representing the Eight-Hour Committee of the 
International Typographical Union. 

"Gentlemen: Concerning the following proposition, presented by you this 
morning: 'That if the convention is in a receptive mood, that is, if the con- 
vention desires to approach the question with the intention of adjusting it so 
as to eventually reach the eight-hour day, we are here to negotiate on that 
basis.' 

"The convention instructs the committee to inform you that it is unable 
to consider any agreement leading toward the eight-hour day. 

"Very truly yours, 

"William Green, Chairman." 
After the above action was communicated to the International president, he 
was informed by the typothetae chairman that the latter had been subjected 
to some criticism because the president had not been invited to address the 
convention. He was informed that an opportunity to address the convention, 
prior to its action, would have been taken advantage of. "It would have ac- 
complished nothing," said the executive committee chairman. 

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACTS. 

Immediately following the burning of its bridges by the United Typoth- 
etae of America, the executive council met and canvassed the situation in all 
its phases. It was realized that those in control of the destinies of the typoth- 
etae intended to maintain the hostile attitude first announced at the St. Louis 
convention of the United Typothetae, held in June, 1904, and it was believed 



864 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

that the militant element in that society was spoiling for a fight, and in- 
tended to have one on some other issue if the eight-hour excuse did not suf- 
fice. Strikes had been invited by the typothetae in San Antonio, Detroit and 
Chicago, and it was not deemed wise that these unions should longer bear the 
brunt of the eight-hour battle. Accordingly, all local unions, except where 
contracts were in effect, were on September 8 and 9 instructed by wire to im- 
mediately demand eight-hour agreements, effective January 1, 1906, and in 
each instance where refusal was met with our members to cease work. The 
order was complied with, and the results have been set forth in bulletins is- 
sued from headquarters. 

THE SPIRIT OF THE NIAGARA FALLS GATHERING. 

The Niagara Falls Cataract- Journal of September 7 had the following: 
"Secrecy marked the executive sessions of the United Typothetae meeting in 
the Cataract Hotel today. The officers of the association had tightened their 
buckles, as it were, to meet the eight-hour law proposed to them by the Inter- 
national Typographical Union in Toronto some time ago, when there was a 
convention of the printers' representatives in the Canadian city. President 
Lynch and Vice-President Hays, of the International Typographical Union, 
and President Higgins, of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' 
Union, attended a conference of the typothetae today to discuss the question 
of an eight-hour day. The employing printers seemed determined to hold out 
against the movement instituted at the Toronto convention of the typos last 
month. Even on the street, when delegates of the typothetae met today they 
greeted each other with 'Open shop, friend, open shop. Come and have an 
open drink with me from an open-faced bartender. Come.' Determination 
was written in their faces, as they firmly believed that should the hours of 
labor be reduced, and the pay remain the same, the cost of production would 
be considerably greater. The meetings of the typothetae were all of an execu- 
tive nature, and it was seen that no unauthorized person gained admittance, 
not excepting delegates who were not deemed sufficiently close-mouthed to 
keep a secret. The latter sought and found refuge in the large convention 
hall, wnere the committee on distribution of topics were holding a semi-open 
session." The Niagara Falls Gazette of September 8 added this testimony: 
"A 'fight to the finish' is the slogan of the employing printers. This stand 
was taken yesterday in reference to the attitude of the International Typo- 
graphical Union on the eight-hour question. President Lynch and Vice-Pres- 
ident Hays, of the International Typographical Union, were in the city yes- 
terday. An invitation had been extended them to appear before the typothetae 
and address the delegates on the eight-hour question. They did not appear 
before the convention, for the reason that they received no formal invita- 
tion. They were, however, closeted with the members of the executive com- 
mittee for a short time yesterday. Following the conference President Lynch 
informed the Gazette reporter that they had asked for a consideration of the 
eight-hour proposition, the members of the committee being asked, if they 
would not stand for the eight-hour system at the present time, when would 
they stand for it? The executive committee absolutely refused to stand for 
the eight hours at any time. Upon receiving this ultimatum President Lynch 
and Vice-President Hays retired from the conference." Both the Cataract- 
Journal and the Gazette were members of the United Typothetae at the time 
the convention was in session, and it is fair to presume their quoted utter- 
ances are authoritative. Both papers are now fighting the eight-hour issue, and, 
as their appearance well demonstrates, are the product of non-unionists. 

DETROIT, SAN ANTONIO, CHICAGO 

On Wednesday, August 10, non-unionists were put to work in several 
offices in Detroit, and as a result the members of Typographical Union No. 



865 



History of The Typographical Union 

1 8 employed in twenty-five offices were called out, and the eight-hour fight 
was on in Detroit. 

On Tuesday, August 15, non-unionists were employed in three offices in 
San Antonio, and the members of No. 172 employed in these offices declined 
to remain at work, and the eight-hour contest was on in San Antonio. 

On Saturday, August 26, non-unionists were put to work in R. R. Don- 
nelley & Sons', Rand, McNally & Co.'s, and several other offices in Chicago, 
and the members of No. 16 employed in these offices promptly accepted the 
gage of battle. The eight-hour fight was on in Chicago. 

In each instance the issue was made by the proprietors, and the steps 
taken by them were with the deliberate intention of bringing on a conflict. 
Inasmuch as the International Typographical Union provided that the eight- 
hour day should become effective on January 1, 1906, the International officers, 
in every instance where a local union desired to enforce the eight-hour day 
by strike prior to the date set for its general introduction, had declined sanc- 
tion and assistance, and prevailed on the union to forego its intention. It 
was the idea of the International officers that if peace could be maintained 
opportunity might be afforded for a satisfactory adjustment of the eight-hour 
contention. After the action taken by the United Typothetae at Niagara Falls, 
set forth above, it was realized that immediate action was necessary if our 
unions in San Antonio, Detroit and Chicago were to be preserved, and the 
eight-hour movement continued. It was apparent that if the unfair em- 
ployers in the three cities, with the active assistance of members of the 
typothetae in other localities, could win — and the chances favored victory for 
them, if they had only the three unions to contend with — that v/ith the ad- 
vantage thus gained other unions could and would be opposed, and over- 
whelming and crushing defeat would be our portion. Therefore, the general 
strike was immediately ordered, and nearly four months in advance of the 
date originally set — January 1. 

AID FROM THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR 

The San Francisco convention of the American Federation of Labor, in 
considering the eight-hour movement of the International Typographical 
Union, adopted the report of a special committee on the subject, which, among 
other things, contained the following: 

"That if at any time after January 1, 1906, the International Typographical 
Union desires the financial support of the American Federation of Labor, and 
if after investigation by the executive council such financial support is found 
necessary in order to insure victory to the printers, the executive council shall 
levy the constitutional assessment on affiliated bodies, this assessment to con- 
tinue for such length of time as in the judgment of the executive council may 
be necessary." 

Knowing that the funds on hand would not suffice to finance the eight- 
hour movement until such time as the referendum could act on an assessment 
proposition, the executive council determined to appeal to the American Fed- 
eration of Labor to accord the financial aid promised by the San Francisco 
convention prior to the date set in the foregoing quotation. The following 
correspondence explains further: 

"Indianapolis, Ind., October 19, 1905. 
"Mr. Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor, Washington, 

D. C. 

"Dear Mr. Gompers: We desire at this time to draw to your attention 
the action taken by the San Francisco convention of the American Federation 
of Labor, relative to the movement for the eight-hour day by the book ana 
job printers of the United States and Canada. The federation adopted the 
following provisions: 

866 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

" 'First. That the American Federation of Labor approve and endorse 
the movement under way by the International Typographical Union for an 
eight-hour day for the book and job printers of the United States and Canada, 
and pledge to the support of this movement both moral and financial assist- 
ance. 

" 'Second. That if at any time after January i, 1906, the International 
Typographical Union desires the financial support of the American Federa- 
tion of Labor, and if after investigation by the executive council such finan- 
cial support is found necessary in order to insure victory to the printers, 
the executive council shall levy the constitutional assessment on affiliated 
bodies, this assessment to continue for such length of time as in the judgment 
of the executive council may be necessary. 

" 'Third. Your committee recommends that a committee of five members 
be appointed to act with the executive council in furthering the eight-hour day 
for the book and job printers.' 

"You are somewhat familiar with the campaign the Interantional Typo- 
graphical Union has conducted thus far, and we will, therefore, be as brief 
as possible in covering recent events leading to the general strike that we 
now have on. 

"At our Toronto convention, held in August, and before which you ap- 
peared at our invitation in advocacy of the eight-hour movement, there was 
present a committee representing the United Typothetae of America. This 
committee met the convention eight-hour committee, and, notwithstanding that 
effort was made to reach an agreement by our committee, the typothetae abso- 
lutely refused to concede anything. Later the president of the United Typoth- 
etae appeared before our convention and, in effect, reiterated the position 
taken by the committee representing his association. . 

"A few days prior to our convention the Detroit Typothetae precipitated an 
eight-hour conflict by employing non-union men, and a general strike occurred 
in the typothetae offices in that city. 

"Immediately following our convention the Chicago Typothetae precip- 
itated the conflict in that city. In San Antonio, Texas, the same tactics were 
followed. Notwithstanding these hostile measures on the part of the em- 
ployers, our executive council decided to make one more effort to secure a 
settlement, and, accordingly, the president, and vice-president of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union attended the convention of the United Typothetae 
of America, held in Niagara Falls early in September. We enclose herewith 
circular containing facsimile of letter handed to our International representa- 
tives by the chairman of the executive committee of the United Typothetae of 
America, and setting forth the action taken by the Niagara Falls convention. 

"Realizing that if the eight-hour movement was to be preserved and the 
eight-hour day made effective in our branch of the printing trade, immediate 
action was necessary, and, further, for the protection of our unions in De- 
troit, San Antonio and Chicago, the executive council on September 8, 9, and 
thereafter, ordered the eight-hour demand to be made in jurisdictions where 
contracts did not prevent, and, where refusal was met with, work to cease. 
You were notified of this policy by wire on September 11. 

"Since the general strike was ordered we have secured eight-hour contracts 
in many cities, and we also have eight-hour contracts with firms in cities 
in which strikes are now on. Since the inception of the difficulty we have 
had and now have out upwards of 3,000 men, and this has been a great 
drain on the resources of the International Typographical Union. 

"While, for more than a year, we have been collecting an assessment with 
which to finance the eight-hour fight, yet, in view of the apparent intention 
of the typothetae to resist the enforcement of the eight-hour day in all cities 
where the typothetae is organized, and the consequent encouragement and in- 
ducement to resist to employers in other cities, we have been able to realize 



867 



History of The Typographical Union 

on but a small portion of this assessment, as our unions require it for their 
local use. 

"We are now appealing to our membership, and we are proposing an as- 
sessment of so cents per member per week. We have no doubt but that this 
assessment will be voted by the membership. 

"We, of course, need money, and we need it badly, and assistance from 
the federation, to be effective, must come now. While the San Francisco 
convention provided that 'If at any time after January i, 1906,' we desired 
financial support, the subject would be taken up by the executive council of 
the American Federation of Labor, yet the action of the United Typothetse 
of America in precipitating the contest prior to January 1 makes action by 
the federation necessary at this time; and our request, therefore, is not in 
violation of the spirit and intent of the action of the San Francisco con- 
vention. 

"We have spent many thousands of dollars in this struggle, and we are 
preparing to spend additional thousands. We are not seeking aid from other 
unions without also ourselves furnishing the major portion of the money 
that is necessary to finance the contest. We are met with the opposition of 
the manufacturers' associations and citizens' alliances, and we are convinced 
that these associations are supplying the main portion of the money with 
which the United Typothetse of America is opposing our eight-hour demand. 

"We believe, therefore, taking into consideration the facts recited here- 
tofore, that we are entirely within both the law and good ethics in requesting 
financial support from the American Federation of Labor at this time. 

"Asking that you bring this matter to the attention of the executive coun- 
cil at once, and that you also appoint the committee provided for in the 
third .proposition adopted by the last American Federation of Labor conven- 
tion, we beg to remain, Fraternally, 

"James M. Lynch, 
"Hugo Miller, 
"J. W. Bramwood, 
"Executive Council International Typographical Union." 

To the above the following reply was received: 

[Telegram] 

"Washington, D. C, October 21, 1905- 
"James M. Lynch, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Ind 

"Letter and telegram received. Is it not possible for you to come to 
Washington for conference? It is of utmost importance. Were it possible I 
would not hesitate a moment to come to Indianapolis. Please wire answer. 

"Samuel Gompers." 
[Telegram] "October ^ ^ 

"Samuel Gompers, 423-425 G Street, N. W., Washington, L>. C. 

"Will leave Monday afternoon for Washington. Must be here Monday 
to keep in touch with Philadelphia. Answer if satisfactory. 

"James M. Lynch." 
[Telegram] 

"Washington, D. C., October 22, 1905. 
"James M. Lynch, Indianapolis, Ind. 

"Just received your telegram. That time will do. In fact any time con- 
forming to your early convenience will be agreeable. My only purpose is to 
be helpful. Wire in advance. Samuel Gompers/' 

[Telegram] ,._ , 

1 s "October 24, 1905. 

"Samuel Gompers, 423-425 G Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 

"Leave here this afternoon. Will arrive tomorrow afternoon 1 o'clock via 

868 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

Pennsylvania and go direct to federation headquarters. Want to leave 7 
o'clock tomorrow evening for Indianapolis. James M. Lynch." 

THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE 

Conference was had in Washington with President Gompers and Secretary 
Morrison, and these gentlemen said a proposition would at once be placed be- 
fore the American Federation of Labor executive council" for an assessment, 
the proceeds to be used to aid the International Typographical Union in 
establishing the eight-hour day. Some anxiety was experienced by your of- 
ficers, caused by the unavoidable delay in gathering the votes of the Federa- 
tion officials, and the appended telegrams explain: 

[Telegram] ,.„ . 

November 2, 1905. 

"Frank Morrison, Secretary American Federation of Labor, 423-425 G Street, 
N. W., Washington, D. C. 

"Waiting to hear result of council's action. Most important that propo- 
sition shall be endorsed so we can proceed this week. 

"James M. Lynch." 
[Telegram] 

"Washington, D. C, November 2, 1905. 
"James M. Lynch, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Ind. 

"Secretary Morrison showed me your telegram to him; replying would 
say in all likelihood I shall be in position to give you definite answer to- 
morrow. • "Gompers." 

[Telegram] 

"Washington, D. C, November 3, 1905. 
"James M. Lynch, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis. 

"Application for financial assistance in support of International Typo- 
graphical Union eight-hour strike approved by executive council. An assess- 
ment of 1 cent per member for four weeks has been levied. 

"Samuel Gompers." 

The assessment circular issued by the president and secretary of the 
American Federation of Labor is also reproduced: 

"Washington, D. C., November 3, 1905. 
"To all National and International Unions Affiliated to the American Federation 

of Labor. 

"Dear Sirs and Brothers: The International Typographical Union has 
been compelled to make its fight for the establishment of the eight-hour day 
fully four months in advance of the time contemplated. This was due to the 
plan of the employing printers' association, which undertook to make war 
upon several local unions, hoping to defeat the International Typographical 
Union by these tactics. A large number of establishments have already yielded 
the eight-hour day, but there are thousands of printers still on strike, and it 
may be necessary for them to continue so for a considerable period of time. 
An assessment has been levied upon its membership by the International Typo- 
graphical Union, and another in addition has just been enforced. The strike 
involves an immense expenditure of money, because of the continent-wide con- 
test and the large number involved. 

"At the San Francisco convention the American Federation of Labor, 
true to its policy, pledged full sympathy and assistance, both moral and finan- 
cial, to the International Typographical Union in its effort to enforce the 
eight-hour workday. The executive council, conscious of the unanimous senti- 
ment of the men of our movement, has decided to carry into effect the ex- 
pressed, as well as the unexpressed, wish of our fellow unionists, to render 
the International Typographical Union every support within its power. 



869 



History of The Typographical Union 

"Therefore, the executive council, in compliance with article x of the 
constitution of the American Federation of Labor, has decided and hereby 
notifies you that it has levied an assessment upon all affiliated organizations 
of i cent per member for four consecutive weeks, or in all 4 cents per member. 
'The International Typographical Union is doing its full share, not only 
in making th© contest for the eight-hour day, but in the assessment of its 
members, so that success may come to them in the movement. Its officers 
feel, however, that the members of the trade union movement desire and 
intend something more than mere expressions of sympathy, and have there- 
fore applied to the American Federation of Labor for such financial assist- 
ance, which we all propose to render as already stated herein. 

"It is urged that all organizations which are in a position to do so will 
forward at once the assessment levied. Those which may not be in so for- 
tunate a position will do so at the earliest possible moment. If it be incon- 
venient to transmit the assessment at once, it might be found convenient to 
send it in two installments, one following as closely as possible upon the 
other. 

"It might not be amiss to call attention to the fact that the 3-cent assess- 
ment levied by the San Francisco convention secured for the textile workers 
of Fall River not only an honorable adjustment of their last strike, but an 
increase of 9 per cent in their wages just now, and we feel that as prompt 
compliance as possible in the payment of this present assessment levied will 
materially help the International Typographical Union to victoriously enforce 
the eight-hour day. 

"Forward all payments to Secretary Frank Morrison, 423-425 G Street, 
N. W., Washington, D. C. 

"With fraternal greetings, 

"By order of the executive council of the American Federation of Labor, 
"Attest: Samuel Gompers, President. 

"Frank Morrison, Secretary." 

"article x 

"Section i. The executive council shall have power to declare a levy of 
1 cent per member per week on all affiliated unions for a period not exceed- 
ing ten weeks in any one year, to assist in the support of an affiliated organ- 
ization engaged in a protracted strike or lockout. 

"Sec. 2. Any union, international, national, or local, failing to pay within 
sixty days the levies declared in accordance with section 1 shall be deprived 
of representation in convention of the American Federation of Labor and in 
city central bodies affiliated with the American Federation of Labor." 

On the strength of the receipts that were assured by the American Fed- 
eration of Labor assessment, and also acting on the belief that the 50-cent 
assessment proposition, then before the referendum, would be endorsed by 
the membership, the president and secretary-treasurer of the International Typo- 
graphical Union, on a note signed by these officials as such, borrowed $20,000 
from the Fletcher National Bank, of Indianapolis. This money, together with 
the amount in the treasury, assured the proper financing of the eight-hour 
contest until other resources were available. The committee desires to say 
here that the aid guaranteed by the American Federation of Labor was of 
great assistance, and the money was forthcoming at a time when it accom- 
plished the greatest amount of good. At no time since has there been occa- 
sion for anxiety as to the financial outlook. 

conference of presidents 
On Sunday, November 12, a meeting of presidents and other representa- 
tives of unions on strike was held at International headquarters. Those pres- 



87O 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

ent were: W. C. Hewitt, Springfield, Ohio; G. W. Dickson, Detroit, Mich.; 
W. B. Wilson, Grand Rapids, Mich.; K. S. Fisher, Omaha, Neb.; A. D. Cal- 
vert, Philadelphia, Pa.; James J. Hoban, Cleveland, Ohio; William D. Wil- 
liams, New Haven, Conn.; Wade P. Harding, Atlanta, Ga.; M. R. Pace, 
Richmond, Va.; F. N. Gould, Minneapolis, Minn.; T. F. Thomas, St. Paul, 
Minn.; C. E. Kinskey, Buffalo, N. Y.; Joseph A. Jackson, St. Louis, Mo.; 
Bert H. Bates, Rochester, N. Y. ; E. H. Ashton, Newark, N. J.; E. M. Stew- 
art, Toledo, Ohio; James Taylor, Syracuse, N. Y. ; Edgar A. Perkins and E. 
P. Barry, Indianapolis, Ind. ; E. R. Wright, Chicago, 111.; B. E. Burnham, 
St. Joseph, Mo.; James M. Lynch, Hugo Miller and J. W. Bramwood, com- 
prising the executive council. 

The gathering was for the purpose of an interchange of ideas, and it de- 
veloped into a sort of "experience" meeting. Great good was accomplished 
through a comparison of methods in the conduct of the fight. Close as the 
International officers were to the situation in the various towns, the state- 
ments of the representatives at the meeting were a pleasing revelation to them. 
Not one discordant note 'was struck in the course of the meeting, which lasted 
for eight hours. As one after another arose and described the conditions in 
his locality, the conviction grew that there could be no such word as "fail." 
Every union represented had the local situation well in hand. 

The International officers offered suggestions as to the conduct of the 
struggle in various jurisdictions, submitted statistics relative to the number 
on strike, benefits thus far paid, etc., and announced that the American Fed- 
eration of Labor had levied an assessment for the typographical union that 
would net $60,000. They also informed the meeting that the passage of the 
50-cent assessment proposition would assure a steady income for the payment 
of strike expenses. 

THE EIGHT-HOUR ASSESSMENTS 

Acting in accordance with our laws,' the executive council of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, on October 17, submitted to the referendum the 
following proposition: 

"Shall an assessment of fifty (50) cents per week per member, payable 
each week, be levied on the membership of the International Typographical 
Union, for the purpose of financing the eight-hour contest until its termination, 
under the following terms and conditions: 

"Said assessment shall not apply to unions engaged in strike during the 
progress of the strike, in case such unions are collecting a local assessment, 
for strike purposes, equal to 50 cents per week per member. 

"When a strike is settled or the local assessment discontinued or reduced 
to less than 50 cents per week per member, the International assessment, as 
above specified, shall immediately apply to the members of such unions. 

"The assessment shall take effect with the week beginning Monday, No- 
vember 6, 1905, and shall continue in the discretion of the executive council 
of the International Typographical Union, it being understood that the assess- 
ment shall be promptly discontinued when conditions warrant such a course. 

"It shall be the duty of local officials to collect this assessment at the 
end of each week and transmit the same, without delay, to the secretary- 
treasurer of the International Typographical Union." 

Circulars dealing with this subject were mailed to all members of the 
organization whose names appear on the Journal mailing list. 

The proposition was adopted by the overwhelming vote of 25,949 for to 
6,333 against. If anything were needed to show the earnestness and determi- 
nation of our members to fight the shorter workday battle to a successful 
termination, the result of this vote demonstrated it. There was never any 
doubt about the outcome of the vote — it was simply a question of how large 

871 



History of The Typographical Union 

the majority in its favor would be. The assessment took effect with the week 
beginning Monday, November 6. 

THE TEN PER CENT PROPOSITION 

As January i, 1906, approached it became more and more apparent that 
the opposing employers, under the leadership of the officers of the United 
Typothetae of America, intended to test to the limit the resources and fight- 
ing capacity of the International Typographical Union. Accordingly, our 
executive council prepared for the battle. It was seen that the money accru- 
ing from the 50-cent assessment would not be sufficient to finance a contest 
of the magnitude that was promised on the first of the year, and it deter- 
mined to submit to referendum vote a proposition for a 10 per cent assess- 
ment on the earnings of the entire membership. The proposition follows: 

"Shall an assessment of ten (10) per cent of the earnings of all mem- 
bers, payable each week, be levied on the membership of the International 
Typographical Union, for the purpose of financing the eight-hour contest until 
its termination, under the following terms and conditions: 

"Said assessment shall apply to all unions; Provided, That the executive 
council shall have power to permit local unions in jurisdictions where strikes 
are in progress to retain the amount of the assessment or any portion thereof 
and expend the same for strike purposes, when, in the judgment of the coun- 
cil, such action is necessary. 

"The assessment shall take effect with the week beginning Monday, Jan- 
uary 1, 1906, and shall continue in the discretion of the executive council of 
the International Typographical Union, it being understood that the assess- 
ment shall be promptly discontinued when conditions warrant such a course. 

"It shall be the duty of local officials to collect this assessment at the 
end of each week and transmit the same, without delay, to the secretary- 
treasurer of the International Typographical Union. 

"In case the foregoing is adopted, the assessment of 50 cents per member 
per week shall be discontinued with the week ending Saturday, December 30, 
1905." 

The proposition was endorsed by the referendum by a vote of 25,046 for to 
6,94s against. The total vote was 31,991. 

METHODS OF THE EMPLOYERS 

Every scheme that has been developed in industrial warfare by employers 
was resorted to by the eight-hour opponents in the effort to defeat our unions 
in the shorter-workday campaign. As in other strikes, the injunction was the 
favorite weapon. Affidavits were easily obtained from non-union printers, and, 
armed with these instruments, the employers' attorneys resorted to the courts, 
and in all but a few instances succeeded, in securing temporary restraining or- 
ders that were afterward made permanent. It is worthy of note that all 
kinds of crime and contemplated crime was charged against our members on 
strike, yet there has been but one single conviction for violation of the law. 
The only object in securing the injunctions has been to terrorize our members 
with threats of the application of the law under allegation of violation of 
injunction writs. But public sentiment has been against the injunction mill 
in our struggle, and the employers have not dared to put their cases to the 
test of trial. Only in Chicago was a conviction secured, and the proceed- 
ings in that injunction case excited so much indignation that the employers 
were glad to rid themselves of the opprobrium heaped upon them by failing 
to press the alleged victory that was secured and insist on the officers of No. 
16 serving their sentences in jail. The injunctions have had the contrary 
effect to that expected. In almost every instance they have nerved our mem- 



872 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

bers to renewed effort, and they have demonstrated the desperate plight in 
which the employers have found themselves. 

FAILED TO STARVE US 

At the Niagara Falls convention of the United Typothetae it was the uni- 
versal belief of the assembled delegates that the members of the International 
Typographical Union could be starved into submission. It was not thought 
for a moment that money could be secured by us with which to finance a 
general strike. The strike was expected to last for not more than six weeks. 
In fact, typothetae bulletins issued subsequent to the strike endeavored to as- 
sure typothetae members that the rank and file of the International Typograph- 
ical Union would not for many weeks consent to the payment of assessments. 
This was especially true after the passage of the 50-cent assessment, but 
when the 10 per cent assessment was endorsed by an overwhelming majority 
the hope on the part of the employers that money would not be forthcoming 
was abandoned. Our members have not been starved. There has not been 
a case of destitution reported to the International officers, nor, so far as we 
are aware, to the local officers. Every call for funds that was well founded 
has, after investigation, been met. In short, neither the injunction nor 
starvation have had the hoped-for disastrous effect in this eight-hour strike. 

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL'S WORK 

The executive council of the International Typographical Union has met 
daily since the first of the year. All applications for special monetary as- 
sistance, and the situation in the various jurisdictions where strikes are on, 
were carefully considered, and s*uch action taken as the council deemed nec- 
essary. It has been the aim of the council to conserve the funds of the In- 
ternational Typographical Union, but at no time has the council been nig- 
gardly in acting on requests from local unions for monetary or other aid. 
The effort has been to properly finance each strike. The council has also given 
continued consideration to the general situation, and has tried to take ad' 
vantage of every opportunity that promised betterment. The eight-hour com- 
mittee has issued circulars from time to time and has endeavored in every 
way, through these circulars and through the Typographical Journal, to keep 
the membership thoroughly informed as to the events in the strike. In short, 
the business of each local union, and of the International union, as concerned 
the strike and otherwise, has been given careful attention by your officers. 

THE EIGHT-HOUR CIRCULARS 

The eight-hour battle opened almost without warning to the membership. 
After it was on it was necessary to get to the members promptly information in 
relation to the conflict. This was accomplished through the medium of the 
Typographical Journal and eight-hour circulars. 

Circular No. 15 contained list of eight-hour unions, No. 16 the same, and 
No. 17 the report of the eight-hour committee at the Toronto convention. 

The first circular issued after the battle opened was No. 18, on September 
14, 1905, and gave a resume of the proceedings of the typothetae convention as 
these proceedings affected our interests, together with a facsimile of the letter 
to "Messrs. Lynch and Hays, representing the eight-hour committee of the 
International Typographical Union," from the chairman of the typothetae execu- 
tive committee. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 19 was issued on September 15, 1905, and gave the results 
achieved in the battle up to that date. It contained the admonition to "Stand 
by your union and victory is absolutely certain." Five thousand copies of this 
circular were issued. 



873 



History of The Typographical Union 

Circular No. 20 was issued on September 18, 1905, and continued the data 
as to victories secured. Five thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 21 was issued on September 20, 1905, continuing reports of 
progress, stating that "We are winning because our members are loyal and 
true." Five thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 22 bears date of September 23, 1905, and in addition to the 
continued progress reported there is explanation of the situation in each strike 
jurisdiction. Five thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 23 was issued on September 30, 1905, and contained list of 
eight-hour unions and unions conducting strikes. Explanation of conditions 
in strike jurisdictions was also given. Five thousand copies of this circular 
were issued. 

Circular No. 24, October 4, 1905, gave report of continued progress. Five 
thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 25, October 7, 1905, explained the abandonment- by the ty- 
pothetae of open opposition to the eight-hour day and the substitution of the 
cry for the "open shop." Conditions where strikes were on were also given 
in this circular. Five thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 26, October 12, 1905, warned our members of the typothetae 
injunction tactics. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 27, October 14, 1905, had the following: "The associated em- 
ployers abandoned opposition to the eight-hour day and raised the cry, 'Open 
shop,' hoping that would lead them to the promised land of low wages, long 
hours and huge profits. Now the 'open shop' has forsaken its progenitors, and 
in hysterical desperation they turn to the courts. Injunctions are the re- 
maining and only hope of the opposition, and we will beat them on that issue 
also. Stand firm, no matter from which avenue comes the attack." The cir- 
cular contained list of eight-hour unions, list of strike jurisdictions and further 
explanation of conditions in these jurisdictions. Five thousand copies of this 
circular were issued. 

Circular No. 28, October 21, 1905, was devoted mainly to the conditions in 
strike centers. Six thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 29, October 25, 1905: "The injunction mills continue to 
grind, and our courts of justice are now the tail of the employers' kite. But 
our members are not going back to the nine-hour composing rooms. That's 
what counts." Also contained reports of progress in various centers. Six 
thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 30, October 28, 1905, predicted the passage of the fifty-cent 
assessment and gave the speech of the president of the American Federation 
of Labor before our Toronto convention. This circular also contained a list 
of eight-hour unions and strike jurisdictions. Six thousand copies of this cir- 
cular were issued. 

Circular No. 31, November 1, 1905: "Notwithstanding, on two different 
occasions, we have exposed the falsehood and misrepresentation that go to make 
up the bulletins issued from the New York headquarters of the United Ty- 
pothetae, the deception continues." Examples of this deception were given. 
Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 32, November 4, 1905, devoted to conditions in strike juris- 
dictions. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 33, November 15, 1905, list of eight-hour unions and strike 
jurisdictions and extract from the report of the president of the American 
Federation of Labor to the Pittsburgh convention of the federation. Vote on 
the 50-cent assessment was also announced — 25,948 for, 6,334 against. Ten 
thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 34, November 25, 1905, result of label campaign. Also con- 
tained the report of the committee on president's report to the Pittsburgh con- 



874 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

vention of the American Federation of Labor. Ten thousand copies of this 
circular were issued. 

Circular No. 35, December 14, 1905, analyzes typothetae statements and 
shows their absurdity. This circular set forth at some length conditions in 
various strike jurisdictions. The circular contained fourteen pages, includ- 
ing list of eight-hour unions and strike jurisdictions. Thirty thousand copies 
of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 36, December 20, 1905, contained facsimile of circular letters 
issued by the National Manufacturers' Association in support of the United 
Typothetae. It also exposed a scheme on the part of the employers which was 
floated through the medium of a letter presumed to come from a member of 
one of our unions affected by the strike. Ten thousand copies of this circular 
were issued. 

Circular No. 37, December 30, 1905, predicted the passage of the ten per 
cent assessment, gave a list of the eight-hour unions and strike jurisdictions and 
gave verbatim endorsements from various sources for our eight-hour cam- 
paign. Typothetae misrepresentation was further exposed. Ten thousand copies 
of this circular were issued. 

TYPOTHETAE ATTACKS NEWSPAPERS 

Circular No. 38, January 8, 1906, gave a review of the general situation, 
exposed the typothetae misrepresentation and contained an attack by the United 
Typothetae on newspapers supposed to be friendly to our eight-hour struggle. 
There was also given a list of eight-hour unions, strike jurisdictions, together 
with an editorial from the Chicago American, Sunday, December 31. Ten 
thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 39, January 15, 1906, reproduced circular issued by the presi- 
dent of the National Manufacturers' Association, and also gave conditions in 
various strike jurisdictions, together with list of eight-hour unions and strike 
centers. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 40, January 24, 1906, general situation, conditions in strike 
centers and an answer by the president of the International Typographical 
Union to a statement appearing in the Boston Post and emanating from the 
president of the United Typothetae of America. Also list of eight-hour unions 
and strike jurisdictions. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 41, February 2, 1906, information as to Chicago injunction 
proceedings, half page reproduced from the Chicago Sunday American, Jan- 
uary 28, list of eight-hour unions and strike jurisdictions. Ten thousand copies 
of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 42, March 8, 1906: "Thirty-nine thousand members in the 
eight-hour division." Excerpt from the Los Angeles Examiner as to im- 
portant victory in that city and general situation and conditions in Winnipeg. 
Information as to the ten per cent assessment and list of eight-hour unions 
and strike jurisdictions. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 43, April 14, 1906: General review of the situation, especially 
in New York, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Akron. Ten thousand 
copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 44, April 21, 1906, news of the San Francisco disaster, con- 
ditions in Detroit, Philadelphia, Indianapolis and New York. "The label 
frightens them. The officers of the United Typothetae of America have issued 
a special bulletin calling attention to our general label campaign and urging 
unfair employers to do everything possible to minimize the effect of label agi- 
tation." Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 45, April 28, 1906: Further information as to San Francisco; 
conditions in St. Louis and the general situation. Ten thousand copies of this 
circular were issued. 



875 



History of The Typographical Union 

Circular No. 46, May 5, 1906: Sixteen pages, exhaustive review of con- 
ditions in strike jurisdictions. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 47, May 12, 1906: Conditions in Duluth, Sioux Falls, Chi- 
cago and Winnipeg. A complete report of the deputy minister of labor for 
Canada on the investigation of alleged fraudulent practices in England to in- 
duce printers to come to Canada. Ten thousand copies of this circular were 
issued. 

Circular No. 48, May 26, 1906: Conditions in Peoria, Indianapolis, Chi- 
cago and Cumberland (Md.) and International Typographical Union unfair 
list. Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

Circular No. 49, June 23, 1906: Conditions in Leavenworth, Davenport, 
Cincinnati and Wilmington (Del.) and International Typographical Union un- 
fair list. This circular contained reference to the Buffalo convention of the 
United Typothetse of America to convene on July 16, and extract from the con- 
vention call issued over the signature of the president of the United Typothetae. 
Ten thousand copies of this circular were issued. 

The foregoing includes circulars issued up to the time of the report of the 
eight-hour committee going to the delegates. It was the intention to issue 
additional circulars as circumstances warranted. 

WORK OF THE ORGANIZERS. 

The International eight-hour committee feels that its report would not 
be complete without special mention of the work performed during the strug- 
gle by the organizers for the International Typographical Union. Many of 
these organizers have been devoting their entire time to eight-hour supervision, 
together with the adjustment of scale contentions and other difficulties. The 
general eight-hour scheme of the International officers included proper super- 
vision of local contests. There have been many requests for the services of 
the organizers, and these requests have been complied with in nearly every 
instance. In some localities members of local unions have been appointed as 
representatives of the International Union, so that there would be direct super- 
vision by the International Union through a paid representative. The duty de- 
volving on these members, difficult and arduous at all times, has been cheer- 
fully performed, and ready acquiescence of organizers to all instructions issued 
from the International headquarters has contributed in no small degree to 
the success that we have achieved in our campaign for the shorter workday. 
It is true that the International has paid its representatives for services ren- 
dered, but the value of these services to the organization and the eight-hour 
cause can not be measured in dollars and cents. Loyalty, intelligence and in- 
dustry have a higher standard of measurement. A perusal of the reports of 
the organizers is recommended to those who desire intimate acquaintance with 
the details of our shorter workday movement. 

WORK AT HEADQUARTERS 

The shorter workday campaign more than trebled the routine work at 
headquarters, and in order to promptly and properly dispose of correspondence, 
bookkeeping, correction of records, issuance of circulars, etc., it was necessary 
to largely increase the office force. The added work, taken in connection with 
the increase in the office force, also required additional room. For a time in 
the earlier part of the eight-hour struggle, our offices were disconnected and 
scattered. We have now succeeded in rearranging this. The offices are well 
connected and commodious, and the arrangement of office rooms and working 
force guarantee the proper handling of the tremendous amount of work that 
is transacted daily at the International headquarters. Aside from this, we are 
now in a position, when the shorter-workday campaign is ended, to undertake 
the work of reconstruction that will be necessary. Facilities are at hand, and, 



876 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

so far as they are concerned, the International's field of action can be properly 
attended to. 

FINANCING THE STRIKE 

The manner in which the membership of the International Typographical 
Union has financed the eight-hour struggle has been at once the wonder and 
the admiration of the trade-union world. On June 1 upward of one million 
five hundred thousand dollars had been expended in the effort to make the 
eight-hour day general. As the result of this vast expenditure, about forty 
thousand members of the International Typographical Union are safely on an 
eight-hour basis. The council has acted, however, on the conviction that the 
fight should not be ended until the shorter workday was secured for all of the 
members who were compelled to relinquish their situations. It must not be 
forgotten that the men on strike secured the eight-hour day for those who 
now enjoy it. 

LOYALTY OF THE MEMBERSHIP 

More so, we believe, than in any other industrial struggle, has the mem- 
bership of the International Typographical Union been loyal to the obligation 
to the organization. Upward of twelve thousand members have at one time 
or another been on strike, and the percentage of defection has been very small 
indeed. We made the great progress that has been a feature of our eight- 
hour movement because of the loyalty of the general membership. 

FINANCES 

Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood's report contains an itemized statement of 
the receipts and expenditures of the executive council or joint defense fund. 
From this fund the expenses of the eight-hour fight have been defrayed. By ref- 
erence to the report mentioned it will be found that the International Union 
received a total of $35,684.81 from the one-half of one per cent assessment, 
$132,326 from the 50-cent assessment and $581,641.66 from the 10 per cent 
assessment. The American Federation of Labor levied an assessment on be- 
half of the International Union which netted $47,715.94. The executive coun- 
cil transferred $47,000 from the special to the regular defense fund. The 
major portion of this money, together with the receipts of the defense fund 
from per capita tax and other sources, was used in the eight-hour fight. To 
get the cost of the eight-hour fight up to May 31, the close of the fiscal year, 
the expenditures of local unions must be added to those from the International 
defense fund. A summary of these expenditures* is as follows: 

International defense fund expenditures $815,291 80 

Ten per cent assessment retained and expended by local unions.. 651,791 73 
One-half of one per cent assessment retained and expended by 

local unions 96.645 57 

Total $1,563,729 10 

The expenditures from the defense fund, as given above, include $13,358 
assistance rendered our California unions which suffered through the earth- 
quake disaster, and $7,200 used by Los Angeles Union in its fight against the 
Times. The above summary does not include local union funds or money de- 
rived from local assessments that have gone into the eight-hour fight, for the 
reason that the expenditures from such funds have not been reported to the 
International Union. It is estimated, however, that local unions have ex- 
pended at least $200,000 of their own money in the furtherance of the eight- 
hour movement. If this be added to the total given above the cost of the 
eight-hour fight to the close of the fiscal year is increased to $1,763,729.10. 

In connection with the assistance rendered California unions it must be 
remembered that San Francisco Union No. 21 defrayed all of the expenses of 
its fight for the eight-hour day without calling upon the International Union. 



877 



History of The Typographical Union 

In the statement of the executive council, given in the secretary-treasurer's 
report, appears an item of $12,137.61 representing the expenses of this com- 
mittee. This sum includes the following: 

Circulars and cards $2,494 85 

Buttons a I9 g 74 

Clerical and stenographic work 4,951 93 

Stamped envelopes 2,733 70 

Postage stamps 959 9 o 

Traveling expenses of committee 213 70 

Secret work 31 50 

Expressage 53 2 g 

Interest 100 00 

Special organization work 400 00 

Total $12,137 61 

In taking into account the expenditures in the eight-hour crusade, it must 
be remembered that the executive council disbursed only the amount appro- 
priated from the defense fund ($815,291.80), and local unions the balance. 

A detailed statement of the financial features of the eight-hour contest is 

given under the head of "The Executive Council or Joint Defense Fund," in 

the secretary-treasurer's report. _. , ,. . 

Respectfully submitted, 

James M. Lynch, 

John W. Hays, 

Hugo Miller, 

J. W. Bramwood, 

International Eight-Hour Committee. 

Report of Convention's Eight-Hour Committee — The 
convention's eight-hour committee, to which the foregoing 
report was referred, reported that it had carefully 
weighed the information submitted to it from various 
sources and recommended the following: 

A. That the time for enforcing the eight-hour day in Montreal, where 
the contract expires in October, 1906, be extended to June, 1907, the date 
when the Toronto contract expires, the committee believing that the conditions 
in Montreal warrant such a course, and that an International Typographical 
Union organizer be assigned to Montreal for purpose of strengthening that 
city, particularly the English-speaking union, No. 176. 

B. Your committee further recommends, that on and after October 1, 
all assessments collected under authority of the International Typographical 
Union be sent to that body intact, the purpose being to give the executive coun- 
cil full control of all strike moneys and disbursing the same. 

C. That the sum allowed members on the strike roll be not in excess of 
$7 for single men and $10 for married men, and that the constitutional benefit 
as it appears on the books at present, of $5 and $7, be adhered to as closely 
as possible, localities and contingencies arising, in the judgment of the execu- 
tive council, being the sole cause for an increase over the latter amount. 

Where unions desire to increase the amounts named it must be done by 
still further increasing the local dues, or assessments, such dues or assessments 
not being subject to the control of the executive council, but wholly under 
the direction of the local body collecting the same. 

D. That where men refase to work because the amount earned does not 

878 



Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 

equal the strike benefit, that they be cut off from the benefit list entirely, it 
being evident that the disposition thus shown is not in accordance with the 
true spirit of unionism and a desire to advance the out-of-work settlement. 

E. Your committee has carefully considered the assessment problem in 
all its phases presented. It believes that in some localities money is expended 
economically and equitably. In others, without due regard to the sacrifices 
made by the membership who have financed this strike. 

Your committee is firmly convinced that in the event of the assessment 
being forwarded intact to the executive council and disbursed under its direc- 
tion, as above recommended, that the assessment can be cut to 8 per cent and 
to continue at that figure until the executive council considers it advisable to 
make a still further reduction. 

F. Your committee further recommends that in cities where 90 per cent 
of the membership are employed that those cities be declared eight-hour* cities, 
the benefits cut off, the executive council rendering special assistance where 
deemed advisable, and that the assessment be continued as in other cities. 

It is fair to presume that in ordinary times fully 10 per cent of most 
unions are out of work and your committee does not believe it is assuming 
an unwarranted position when it takes the stand that a union that has 90 
per cent of its membership working today under the eight-hour day is not 
worse off than in ordinary times, when no great question is at stake. 

Your committee believes that the executive council should open communi- 
cation with English, Irish and Scotch typographical societies, with a view to 
becoming more closely connected in the matter of importation of strike-breaking 
printers. 

A heart-to-heart correspondence would undoubtedly result in our foreign 
brothers interesting themselves in this subject and giving us important relief 
from what is commonly called the English invasion. 

Your committee would further recommend that the battle cry of the mem- 
bership of the International Typographical Union, which has been so full of 
hope and good cheer the past year — 

"We propose to sell to the employer eight hours out of twenty-four, and we 
will do as we please with the remaining sixteen," be officially amended as 
follows: 

"We are selling to the employer eight hours out of twenty-four, and we 
are doing as we please with the remaining sixteen." 

George J. Knott, Chairman. 
John E. Pendergast, Secretary. 
F. W. Smith. 
Will Daly. 
T. J. Quinn. 

The various suggestions of the convention's eight-hour 
committee were considered seriatum and after prolonged 
discussion the recommendations and the entire report 
were concurred in unanimously. 

OLD AGE PENSIONS 

Delegate Coughlin (Chicago) submitted the following 
proposition, which was referred to the committee on reso- 
lutions : 

Resolved, That owing to the constantly increasing demand 



879 



History of The Typographical Union 

for young and active men in composing rooms and the gradual 
discarding of the older members of our craft, the urgent neces- 
sity for the establishment of a pension system for our superan- 
nuated and incapacitated members should be apparent to every 
one; therefore, the president of the International Typograph- 
ical Union is hereby respectfully requested to appoint a com- 
mittee of three to draw up a plan and report same to the next 
convention of the International Typographical Union. 

The committee reported the resolution to the conven- 
tion with a favorable recommendation and the same was 
concurred in. 

Hot Springs, Ark., was selected as the convention city 
for the year 1907. 

Convention at Hot Springs 

[1907] — The fifty-third convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order in the 
Eastman Hotel, Hot Springs, Ark., Monday, August 12, 
1907, by Charles M. Millar, chairman of the local com- 
mittee of arrangements, who called on the Rev. C. H. 
Kues to offer prayer. President Bumpass, of Hot Springs 
Union, welcomed the delegates and visitors on behalf of 
the *local organization, while the welcome of the city of 
Hot Springs was extended by Mayor Jodd, who granted 
the freedom of the city to the members of the Interna- 
tional Union. Ex-Mayor Belding, president of the busi- 
ness men's league, addressed the convention and extended 
the greetings of the business men of Hot Springs. Mrs. A. 
W. Bowen, of Washington, D. C, president of the Wom- 
an's International Auxiliary, delivered a brief address. 
President Lynch responded to the addresses of welcome 
and declared the convention ready for business. 

The secretary read the list of delegates entitled to seats 
in the convention, together with the names of several 
delegates irregularly elected. The latter were referred to 

880 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

the committee on credentials. The regularly elected dele- 
gates were seated and the chair named the various con- 
vention officers and committees. 

Old Age Pensions — After several minor matters had 
been disposed of, J. D. Coughlin, chairman of the old age 
pension committee, presented the following: 

To the Officers and Delegates, Fifty-Third Session, International Typographical 

Union. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: At the fifty-second convention of the International 
Typographical Union, held at Colorado Springs, August 13-18, 1906, the follow- 
ing resolution was adopted: 

"Resolved, That, owing to the constantly increasing demand for young and 
active men in composing rooms and the gradual discarding of the older mem- 
bers of our craft, the urgent necessity for the establishment of a pension sys- 
tem for our superannuated and incapacitated members should be apparent to 
every one; therefore the president of the International Typographical Union 
is hereby respectfully requested to appoint a committee of three to draw up a 
plan and report same to the next convention of the International Typographical 
Union." 

In pursuance of the above resolution, your committee appointed by President 
Lynch for the purpose of submitting a plan for the establishment of an old age 
pension system to the fifty-third convention of the International Typographical 
Union at Hot Springs, respectfully reports as follows: 

The committee has held sessions for the past several days, and has care- 
fully considered propositions and communications submitted to it by members 
of the International Typographical Union, as well as such other data as has 
been gathered together by the committee. 

The committee will continue to hold daily sessions from 9:30 a. m. to 
6 p. m. at room D, Eastman hotel, and cordially invites delegates and members 
who may have propositions or suggestions to offer to appear before said com- 
mittee. 

We ask that this report be accepted as progress. 

Respectfully submitted, 

J. D. Coughlin, 
Edward F. Drackert, 
R. M. McCullough. 

OFFICERS' REPORTS 

The report of President Lynch was a comprehensive 
document and reviewed, under appropriate headings, the 
various matters that had occupied the attention of the 
International Union for the period following the Colo- 
rado Springs convention. 

The president opened his report by calling attention to 
a statement made the previous year "that while the ordi- 
nary affairs of the International Typographical Union 

881 



History of The Typographical Union 

had been subordinated to a great extent to the eight-hour 
day, we had made substantial progress in other direc- 
tions. " The president declared this was also true of the 
period covered by his report, and then continued : 

We have put forth constant, and we hope consistent, effort to bring the 
eight-hour campaign to a successful close. That we have succeeded to a large 
degree, the results that have been placed before the membership each month in 
the official organ must be the standard by which our work will be gauged. The 
strike roll has been reduced to comparatively inconsequential proportions in 
all but a few cities. In these centers of agitation and trouble, such as Phila- 
delphia, Buffalo, Detroit, St. Paul and Louisville, we are still stubbornly op- 
posed by employers conducting what are to us unfair offices, and we are just 
as stubbornly contesting for the recognition of the eight-hour day. We have 
not abandoned the contest at any point, and vim and aggressiveness keep pace 
with the varying conditions that confront us in localities where the shorter 
workday is not as yet the general rule. As to progress in other directions 
alluded to in the opening sentence in this report, the files of the official organ 
will again bear mute but none the less emphatic testimony. Prior to and dur- 
ing the eight-hour agitation and contest, it had been repeatedly asserted by your 
president that the only substantial basis for the improvement of the condition 
of the book and job members was to be secured through the enforcement of the 
eight-hour day. We have, had abundant proof of the soundness of this statement 
in the betterments that have been gained during the past year in jurisdictions 
where the eight-hour day has been effective for a year or more. These unions 
abandoned for the time being their desire for increased compensation and 
rested their cause solely on the request for the eight-hour day. They now 
experience little difficulty in obtaining additional remuneration, with the eight- 
hour day securely established. And there will be continued improvement. 

It is not out of the bounds of reason to assert as a principle, and as an 
ultimate object, that the book and job branch of our craft must be eventually 
placed in as good a condition, both as to hours and wages, as is enjoyed by 
our newspaper workers. There never has been brought forward an adequate 
and indisputable reason why our book and job members, highly skilled in their 
branch of the trade, should not 'be adequately paid and enjoy reasonable hours. 
Of course, there has been a reason why our book and job members have not 
enjoyed adequate remuneration, and have been compelled to work a greater 
number of hours than obtain in the newspaper composing rooms, and this rea- 
son can be traced largely and irrefutably to the apathy and neglect of self- 
interest that have characterized the book and job printers. We believe that all 
this is changed now, and that at last we have aroused the book and job men 
and women to a realization of what they can accomplish, and what they are 
entitled to if they only will. The enforcing of the shorter working day in the 
commercial offices in the International jurisdiction will place the commercial 
printing business on a higher plane, will bring fair reward to our members who 
follow the commercial line for a livelihood, and will eventually stamp out and 
make impossible the cheap, huckstering and unscrupulous employer competing 
unjustly and piratically with the fair employer. 

As to lack of co-operation, it is, of course, regrettable that the employers 
as a whole did not join with our International body in bringing about a shorter 
workday, and thus make possible a subsequent effort to jointly improve the book 
and job business. We realized from the outset that a contest with the book 
and job employers would most seriously cripple and in many instances ruin the 
business of these employers, and at the same time would be vastly hurtful to 

882 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

a considerable portion of our membership. As has been repeatedly asserted, 
and as we will continue to assert to the end of the chapter — submitting proof 
in substantiation of the statement — we made every possible effort to adjust the 
eight-hour difficulty without friction between employer and employe, but every 
proposition that we advanced in pursuance of this most laudable purpose was 
met and contemptuously thrown back at us by the association of book and job 
printers terming itself the United Typothetae of America. We now trust that 
with the passing of time, that great healer of all social and industrial wounds, 
a better feeling will be established between the International Typographical 
Union and the few offices that are yet contesting us on the eight-hour battle- 
field, and that as a result of this better feeling there will come mutual co-oper- 
ation and good will, and we will both find a way to labor together so that the 
field of our common endeavor, the source from which we draw our sustenance, 
may be tilled with a common purpose, to the end that it may furnish for all of 
us a most bountiful harvest. 

Publicity Campaign — The president then referred to 
the "publicity" campaign which had been inaugurated 
early in the year, in order that the aims and methods of 
the union might have a larger audience and a wider 
hearing and consideration. In connection with this pub- 
licity campaign, the aid of the newspaper press had been 
enlisted. It was pointed out that the printers had helped 
to make the newspapers possible. Their loyalty and their 
industry helped to make profitable business ventures of 
the newspapers to a great extent. Why, then, should the 
union not ask for some recognition for the organization 
that had placed the compositors' craft on a high plane and 
that had spent millions of dollars in order to maintain 
that high standing and superior skill? The reliance 
placed on the gratitude of the daily press had been 
entirely justified by results. Hundreds of newspapers, 
many of them of large circulation, all of them of great 
influence, had accorded space in their columns and it was 
thought that hundreds of thousands of people not particu- 
larly interested in the trade union movement had become 
acquainted with the International Typographical Union 
and of many of its accomplishments. The president then 
said : 

If it meets with the approval of the convention, the publicity campaign will 
be continued, and the testimony to the need and efficiency of an organization 
like ours, not only in our craft but in all crafts, will be multiplied until every 

883 



History of The Typographical Union 

person whom it is possible to reach through the public prints will have a fair 
knowledge of the objects and aims of a great trade union. 

Label — The label campaign and the necessity for 
label advertising was gone over extensively in the presi- 
dent's report and a full history of the steps taken was set 
forth. In connection with the vast field for label exploita- 
tion open to the International Union the president said a 
great sum of money was expended annually for printed 
matter of all descriptions, the percentage going to non- 
union offices being of large proportions. A way should be 
found to diminish this percentage and to divert as much 
as possible the flow of money to the union employer from 
the non-union factory and printing office. The success 
attending the label campaign had secured opportunities 
for employment of the union's members and yet the 
results accomplished in this direction were trivial in 
comparison with what might be achieved by determined 
and intelligent label agitation. 

One-Man Shop — The small shop policy also occupied 
a portion of the president's report, it being asserted that 
much interest had been aroused in the economic standing 
of the one-man shop. It was asserted that the critics of 
the one-man institution appeared to have been misunder- 
stood ; that they did not desire to eliminate the one-man 
shop but did insist that the proprietor shall observe union 
rules in the conduct of his business. Continuing, the 
president said : 

One of the strongest objections the bona fide employer has to the union 
label is its use by the small proprietor. It is claimed, and in many cases the 
evidence is at hand, that by reason of his opportunity to work any number of 
hours soliciting and executing work, and with one or two platen presses, a few 
cases of type and the union label, the small proprietor can cut the life out of 
prices for the work that his mechanical facilities will permit him to take-. On 
the other hand, the bona fide employer is compelled to pay his solicitor, and of 
necessity the latter's work is confined to the business day. The real employer 
is also expected to pay the union scale, which carries with it union hours. 
Unless there is radical reform in the method of supervision of the small shop 
with the label, under which the proprietor will be compelled to confine his 
soliciting and mechanical execution, together with all other work necessary to 
the conduct of his business, to an eight-hour day, then there must be a reversal 
of our present attitude toward the small shop. 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

Sanitary Composing Rooms — One of the most impor- 
tant propositions touched upon by the International 
president in his report appertained to the sanitary condi- 
tions of composing rooms. "While we have been conserv- 
ative in the adjustment of disputes over wages and hours, 
we can afford to be intensely radical in insisting that 
employers give earnest consideration to the preservation 
of the health of their employes." The president said that 
in establishing the eight-hour day in the printing trade, 
the International Typographical Union had taken a long 
step toward the elimination of tuberculosis among the 
members of the organization. With the awakening that 
had taken place in the book and job branch of the Inter- 
national Union, coupled with the reduction in hours, and 
the rapidly increasing wage scales, there would undoubt- 
edly be a vast improvement from a health standpoint in 
the followers of that branch. The president then con- 
tinued : 

Few wage-earners are more vitally and none more nearly interested in the 
anti-tuberculosis crusade than the printer. For many reasons tuberculosis has 
been prevalent among the followers of the art preservative. It is believed that 
one of the principal causes can be traced to the unsanitary and crowded condi- 
tion of the composing rooms in which our members labor. In this respect the 
newspapers are the chief offenders. Preaching the doctrine of good health and 
effective agencies in the crusade against tuberculosis, the newspapers rarely 
heed the injunction to put their own houses in order. Their composing rooms 
are poorly lighted and badly ventilated and crowded with machinery and the 
appurtenaces that are necessary to the production of a daily paper. The 
machines pollute the air with the fumes from the molten metal. In many in- 
stances floors are not properly cleaned and the walls rarely receive any attention 
in this connection. Your president has often asserted that wages and hours are 
not the only subjects that should challenge the attention of the trade union. 
With the typographical unions it is believed that good results would follow a 
determined crusade for better working conditions in and more scientifically 
arranged composing rooms. That newspaper which erects a magnificent building, 
then rents the desirable portions for business offices and stows the composing 
room away in the basement or in the garret, incidentally entering into a cam- 
paign for reform in the administration of the local health board, is dangerously 
near the inconsistent. In an address to the convention of the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association, delivered several years ago, your president called 
attention to the bad conditions in many of the composing rooms of the country. 
Since that time there has been considerable improvement. Vast betterment will 
follow a crusade as outlined on the part of local unions. Fair wages and de- 
creased number of hours are of value, but the value speedily vanishes if the 
recipient is compelled to labor under conditions which eventually bring on the 

885 



History of The Typographical Union 

white plague. The pace is terrific and, with ideal surroundings, not conducive 
to health. It is well enough to grind wood into pulp and turn it out in the 
form of a newspaper, but when flesh and blood are added, then should the pro- 
test be most emphatic. 

Los Angeles Times — Referring to the Los Angeles 
Times contest, the president said that it had cost many 
thousands of dollars but that it was one of the contests 
that the International Typographical Union could not 
afford to abandon. It was one of the contests that the 
International Union must insist should receive the active 
and generous moral and financial support of the entire 
labor movement. The Los Angeles Examiner, established 
because of the fight against the Times and through direct 
request of the officers of the International and one of the 
conventions, was still in the field and prospering. This 
paper had paid in wages to the union's members at least 
five times as much money as had been expended in the 
Times fight. There were several union newspapers in the 
Los Angeles field, employing a considerable number of 
the organization's members, and the president held that 
it was the duty of the union to safeguard those interests 
in the southern California city and to do so would require 
persistent effort and a liberal expenditure of funds. 

Union Printers Home — In the opening paragraph of 
the section of the report devoted to the Union Printers 
Home, the International president said that largely 
because of the firm stand taken by the Colorado Springs 
convention and during the succeeding week by the board 
of trustees of the Home, that institution had enjoyed a 
year of peace and progress uninterrupted by petty squab- 
bles and unfounded criticism. It was earnestly recom- 
mended that this policy of protection for the Home be 
continued. If there was good ground for criticism, then 
that criticism should be made, and if a wrong condi- 
tion was unearthed, that condition should be promptly 
remedied. 

886 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

TypograpJiia — Second Vice-President Miller reported 
having been uniformly successful in obtaining better con- 
ditions for members of the German branch during the 
year. No strikes of importance had occurred and increases 
in scales had been secured in Philadelphia, New York, 
Newark, Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Louisville and 
Belleville, 111. The German Express, of Toledo, Ohio, 
had been reclaimed and a new union was formed at 
Davenport, Iowa, and shortly afterward the eight-hour 
day and an advance in scale was granted. 

Secretary Bramwood's Report — A summary of re- 
ceipts and expenditures for the fiscal year was given in 
the first table of Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood's report. 
The financial transactions for the fiscal year showed total 
receipts, $1,939,304.91 ; expenditures, $1,642,441.94, 
leaving a balance of $296,862.97. Following this was a 
table showing the amounts paid to the various subordinate 
unions for strike benefits and special assistance in estab- 
lishing the eight-hour day, also the amounts paid to 
various organizers engaged during the eight-hour 
struggle. 

Burial Fund — The claims on the burial fund had 
increased perceptibly during the year, the number of 
benefits claimed being 561 and the expenditures $39,270, 
an excess over receipts of $1,149.24. The death rate for 
the year was 1.32 of the average membership, or a 
little more than 13 per 1,000, slightly above the average 
since the establishment of the fund. The average age at 
death during the year was 46.7 years. 

Home Fund — At the Colorado Springs convention of 
the International Union a proposition was unanimously 
adopted increasing the per capita tax from 35 cents to 40 
cents per month, exclusive of the Journal subscription, and 
the dues were reapportioned to the several funds in a 
manner so as to increase the amount credited to the Union 

887 



History of The Typographical Union 

Printers Home from 10 cents to 15 cents per member, per 
month. This action was taken because the delegates were 
convinced from the official reports that the resources of 
the Home were inadequate. The amendment further 
provided that the increase in dues "shall not become 
effective until after the 10 per cent assessment has been 
discontinued. " At a subsequent date the proposition was 
enacted into law by referendum vote. 

Realizing that some means should be immediately pro- 
vided to meet the increased expenditures of the institution, 
the Colorado Springs convention also adopted a resolution 
authorizing the executive council to transfer to the credit 
of the Union Printers Home from any available funds, 
such amounts as might be needed to meet the deficiency 
until the increased apportionment was available. During 
the fiscal year the executive council had found it neces- 
sary to transfer $10,654.55 to the Home fund, this sum 
being taken from the regular defense fund. The report 
of the Home trustees contained a complete statement of 
the financial transactions connected with that institution. 

During the year charters of 108 unions were surren- 
dered or suspended, with a total membership of 1,234. 
During the same period, forty-two unions were chartered 
or reinstated, with a membership of 621, leaving a net 
decrease from this source of sixty-six unions, or a 
membership of 613. On June I, 1907, there were 576 
local unions, divided thus: English, typographical, 534; 
German, 22; mailers, 17; newswriters, 3. 

Membership — Under the heading "Our Membership," 
Secretary Bramwood said: 

For the second time in recent years the average paying membership has 
decreased instead of increased. In 1905 the average paying membership reached 
its highest point (46,734), and my report for the fiscal year ending May 31, 
1906, showed a decrease of 1,754, the average paying membership being 44.980. 
During the fiscal year ending May 31, 1907. there was a decrease of 2,623, the 
average paying membership, according to the per capita tax payments, being 
42,357- 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

In this connection, however, it is well to remember that for twenty months 
the organization has been battling for a universal eight-hour day in all branches 
of the printing trade. For all thinking men recognized at the outset that the 
future working hours of the other printing crafts depended mainly upon the 
results attained by the International Typographical Union. In conducting this 
battle it has been necessary to levy large assessments, and the decrease in 
membership is due to the cancellation and surrender of charters and the sus- 
pension or expulsion of members for failure to meet their financial obligations. 
Furthermore, no member is considered in good standing with the International 
Typographical Union unless in possession of a current working card, showing 
all dues and assessments paid to date. 

The loss entailed through the cancellation and surrender of charters is not 
a serious one. The members of these locals were anxious to remain in the 
organization if they could be relieved of the assessment, and a thorough reor- 
ganization could be readily effected at the present time if the executive council 
would cancel the indebtedness that has accrued in each instance. The fore- 
going is also true with regard to members disciplined by local unions. In the 
belief, however, that the adoption of any other policy would be a gross injustice 
to those who have been loyal to the cause and promptly met all financial obliga- 
tions, the executive body has so far held that all indebtedness up to the date of 
reorganization must be met before a new charter can be issued or a union 
reinstated. The same decision has also been repeatedly rendered in the cases 
of members suspended or expelled by local bodies on account of indebtedness. 
Moreover, little attention has been given to the organization of new unions 
during the past year, though reports presented herewith show that twenty-eight 
charters have been issued and fourteen unions reinstated. Since the reduction 
of the assessment to 2 per cent, all new locals have been required to begin 
paying the assessment immediately, and it must be apparent to all that organ- 
ization work will be greatly hampered until normal financial conditions again 
prevail. The foregoing statements are entitled to consideration in connection 
with the reduction in the average paying membership during this fiscal year. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

The Hot Springs convention adopted six constitutional 
amendments, which were submitted to the referendum. 
All received a majority favorable to adoption. The high- 
est vote cast was for the amendment to the constitution 
providing for an additional one-half of one per cent 
assessment on earnings of members for an old age pen- 
sion fund. 

A complete summary of the six propositions, together 
with the vote cast for and against each, follows : 

First proposition — Amend section 1 article i, constitution, by striking out 
the words, in lines 9 and 10, "editors (other thanmanaging editors), reporters," 
so as to read as follows: 

Article I — Jurisdiction 

Section i. This body shall be known as the International Typographical 
Union of North America. Its jurisdiction shall include all branches of the 
printing and kindred trades, other than those over which jurisdiction has been 



889 



History of The Typographical Union 

conceded by agreement. In it alone is vested power to establish subordinate 
unions of printers (printers, proofreaders who are practical printers, machine 
tenders, and all other skilled employes not otherwise herein excepted), mailers, 
typefounders and kindred trades, and its mandates must be obeyed at all times 
and under all circumstances. To the International Typographical Union ot 
North America is reserved the right to fix, regulate and determine all matters 
pertaining to fellowship in its branches of the printing and kindred trades; 
while to subordinate unions is conceded the right to make all necessary laws 
for local government which do not conflict with the laws of the International 
Union. In cases where allied trades have formed district unions the powers 
hereinafter specified shall be delegated to said trade district unions. 

Amend section 4, article i, constitution, by striking out the words, in lines 
3 and 4, "of the writers, newspaper writers' unions," the section to read as 
follows: 

Section 4. The distinctive names of the several subordinate branches shall 
be: Of the printers, typographical union; of the mailers, mailers' union; of 
the typefounders, typefounders' union, and of other allied crafts or trades, if 
such there be, the distinctive name of each branch. 

Result of vote — For, 19,856; against, 5,694; majority 
for, 14,162. 

Second proposition — Strike out figures "$20,000" in section 5, article vi, 
constitution, and insert "$50,000," the section to read as follows: 

Sec. 5. The secretary-treasurer shall attend all conventions of the Inter- 
national Union, and shall devote his entire time to the business of this union; 
he shall, in connection with the president, establish an office in the city of 
Indianapolis, which shall be the official headquarters of the International Union, 
and where all books, records, etc., shall be kept; he shall be the custodian of 
the funds of the International Union, and shall, under the direction of the 
president, deposit all funds in some responsible banks in said city; he shall 
give bond to the president, from a solvent guarantee company, in the sum of 
$50,000, previous to assuming office, which bond shall be paid for by this union 
and shall be approved by the president; he shall also be secretary of the ex- 
ecutive council, and perform such other duties as may be required by law. He 
shall be ex officio the nominee of the International Typographical Union for the 
office of secretary of the Union Printers Home. 

Result of vote — For, 22,714; against, 3,354; majority 
for, 19,160. 

Third proposition — Amend section i, article viii, constitution, "Salaries and 
Expenses," page 8, by changing figures after "for the president," from $1,800 
to $2,000. 

Result of vote — For, 13,240; against, 13,134; majority 
for, 106. 

Fourth proposition — Amend section i, article viii, constitution, "Salaries 
and Expenses," page 8, by changing figures in the last line, after "secretary- 
treasurer," from $1,800 to $2,000. 

Result of vote — For, 13,961 ; against, 12,763; majority 
for, 928. 

890 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

Fifth proposition — Amend section 7, article ix, constitution, by striking 
out "$70" in the last line and inserting in lieu thereof, "$75" so said section, 
when amended, will read as follows: 

Sec. 7. The burial fund shall be used to pay the burial expenses of mem- 
bers in good standing at time of death, and the amount of benefit in each case 
shall be $75. 

Result of vote — For, 24,391; against, 2,144; majority 
for, 22,247. 

Sixth proposition — The following are the amendments to the constitution 
and by-laws for the establishment of an old age pension: 

Add to third line, article ix, page 9, section 1, constitution, "and an addi- 
tional one-half of 1 per cent assessment on earnings of members for old age 
pension fund," the section to read as follows: 

Section i. The revenue of the International Typographical Union shall be 
derived as follows: From dues, which shall be 40 cents per month per member, 
and an additional one-half of 1 per cent assessment on earnings of members for 
old age pension fund; from charters for subordinate unions, $5 per charter; 
from necessary supplies, at prices to be fixed by law. International dues for 
each month to be collected by subordinate unions, and shall be transmitted^ to 
the secretary-treasurer of the International Typographical Union before the 
20th of the succeeding month. Unions failing to comply with this provision 
shall be considered delinquent and debarred from benefits; provided, that unions 
located so far from headquarters as to make it impossible for their dues to 
reach there within the prescribed time shall not be considered delinquent if 
their remittances bear postmark date prior to the 15th of the succeeding month. 

Add the following new section to the same article: 

Sec. 9. The old age pension fund shall be used for the purpose of main- 
taining and disbursing pensions to aged and superannuated members. 

Renumber present section 9 to 10. 

Add subhead, page 32, by-laws, "Old Age Pension Fund." 

Sec. 6. Any member of the International Typographical Union (including 
members of the typographia at the time of the consolidation with the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union) who has reached the age of 60 years and who has 
been in continuous good standing for a period of twenty years, and who finds 
it impossible to secure sustaining employment, and who has no other adequate 
means of support, may receive the sum of $4 per week, subject to the provi- 
sions hereinafter set forth. 

Sec. 7. Applications for pensions shall be made on blank forms prepared 
and furnished from International headquarters. Applicants shall set forth all 
the facts and answer fully all the questions contained in said form, which 
shall be certified to by the executive officers of the local union of which appli- 
cant is a member. Said application to be published in the Typographical 
Journal, and should no objection be made within thirty days from the date of 
said publication the member shall then be placed on pension roll. Should ob- 
jection be raised, the case shall be investigated by the executive council. 

Sec. 8. Any member earning $4 or over in any one week shall not be 
entitled to pension for that week. 

Sec. q. Secretaries of subordinate unions shall forward weekly to the 
International secretary-treasurer a true and correct list of applicants entitled 
to pensions. On receipt of such list the International secretary-treasurer shall 
transmit the amount due to the local secretary for distribution. 

Sec. 10. Any beneficiary who has knowingly testified falsely concerning 



89I 



History of The Typographical Union 

his or her qualifications as a worthy applicant for said pension shall be debarred 
from receiving pension for such time as the executive council may deem fit. 

Sec. ii. The executive council shall have the power at all times to re- 
view any pension case, and if in their opinion circumstances warrant it the 
beneficiary may be debarred from further participation in the pension fund. 

Sec. 12. In order to meet exigencies that may arise, the executive council 
is authorized and empowered to make such changes in administering the old age 
pension fund as they may deem wise after said plan has been established. 

Sec. 13. The assessment for the old age pension fund shall begin January 
1, 1908; provided, the present 2 per cent assessment for the eight-hour strike 
has been taken off on or before that date. In no event is this section to be- 
come operative until the strike assessment is discontinued. The disbursement 
of said pension to begin five months from date of levying first assessment for 
old age pension fund. 

Sec. 14. For the purpose of securing necessary data the International 
secretary-treasurer shall furnish local secretaries with blanks to be filled out 
by each member, setting forth his or her record as a member of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union. Said blanks to be returned to International secre- 
tary-treasurer for future reference. 

Result of vote — For, 17,177; against, 9,194; majority 
for, 7,983. 

THE EIGHT -HOUR CAMPAIGN 

The International eight-hour committee submitted a 
brief report to the Hot Springs convention, but it had 
been mutually agreed by members of the committee that 
the president, in his annual report, should cover the work 
of the committee for the period following the adjourn- 
ment of the Colorado Springs convention. For that rea- 
son, in order that the history may contain a complete 
synopsis of the eight-hour struggle, that portion of 
President Lynch's report is herewith reproduced and the 
formal report of the International eight-hour committee 
is omitted. President Lynch said : 

Previous reports, submitted to the Toronto and Colorado Springs conven- 
tions, fully covered the eight-hour campaign and the progress made up to the 
assembling of those gatherings. Additional history begins with the adjourn- 
ment of the fifty-second session of last year, and, in order to refresh the 
memories of the delegates and the membership generally, it will be well to 
briefly summarize the eight-hour action of the last session. It unanimously 
adopted the report of the convention eight-hour committee "by a rising vote 
amid great enthusiasm." This committee, in its report, reviewed the progress 
of the eight-hour movement from its inception in 1902 to the Colorado Springs 
meeting, and paid especial attention to the work of the International eight-hour 
committee and the conduct of the strike by the executive council. It conferred 
with the presidents of the striking unions who were in attendance at the con- 
vention, and compiled data concerning conditions as reported by the delegates. 

892 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

In short, the committee made an "exhaustive search for facts" and presented a 
most excellent report. 

This report was not presented or considered behind closed doors. It was 
unanimously adopted in open session, and by its ratification the International 
Typographical Union, with 85 per cent of its members on an eight-hour basis, 
officially announced the successful inauguration of the shorter workday among 
the book and job printers under its banner. 

By resolution the convention decided that the provisions and recommenda- 
tions in the report shall become effective October 1, 1906, unless otherwise 
provided. 

The conclusions and recommendations, embraced in the committee report, 
together wi|h the subsequent action of the executive council, are coupled and 
given below: 

CONVENTION AND COUNCIL ACTION 

The circular issued by the executive council in relation to the convention's 
action, the council's position, the reduction in the assessment and the conduct 
of the eight-hour strike after October 1, 1906, are reproduced herewith: 

„_,,,, ,. "Indianapolis, Ind., September 11, 1906. 

10 the Membership. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen: The executive council submits herewith the con- 
clusions and recommendations embraced in the report of the convention eight- 
hour committee at Colorado Springs (the report was unanimously adopted), 
together with the council's policy as to the future conduct of the eight-hour 
campaign: 

"Excerpt No. 1 — There are at present about 4,700 strikers, or members who 
are directly affected by the strike, who must be taken care of until conditions 
are such that they can be given work. The International Typographical Union 
owes that debt to the men who have stood the full force of the onslaught. It 
would be a contemptible act to throw those men to the mercy of charity, the 
typothetae or the poor-house. There may be isolated cases where it would seem 
some unworthy have been the recipients of benefits, but your committee is of 
the opinion that they are not numerous enough to outweigh the grand work so 
far accomplished in caring for the worthy. An organization that can command 
the commendation of President Ellis, of the typothetae, through its steadfast 
purpose in caring for its striking or out-of-work membership, certainly will con- 
tinue in the work it inaugurated. It is the opinion of your committee that this 
convention should in no uncertain manner, but decidedly and emphatically, 
declare a unanimous endorsement and full concurrence in the advisability of 
the continuance of an adequate assessment. 

"Council's Position — Under the foregoing, the assessment will be continued 
at a sufficient percentage to furnish money to carry out the spirit of the con- 
vention's recommendation. It is believed, however, that a material reduction 
is possible. 

"Excerpt No. 2 — Your committee has entered into an exhaustive search for 
facts as to conditions in the widely-extended jurisdiction of the International 
Typographical Union. It finds that the benefits paid range from the constitu- 
tional amount to a sum that might be best described as out of proportion to 
the commonly accepted idea of what a strike benefit should be. Some cities are 
paying an excessive strike benefit. The inequalities of the strike benefits 
throughout the jurisdiction are so apparent as to cause comment. 

"At the conference of presidents called by President Lynch the situation 
in their several jurisdictions was carefully gone over, and the testimony offered 
bears out the above assertions. 

"The conference <*>f presidents resulted in the submission of the following 
to your committee: 



893 



History of The Typographical Union 

" 'Resolved, That the chairman and secretary of the meeting of presidents 
and representatives of the presidents of unions on strike convey to the eight- 
hour committee of the International Typographical Union convention the judg- 
ment of the struck city representatives that there shall "be no cessation of the 
vigorous prosecution of the eight-hour strike until the shorter workday is estab- 
lished in every city under the jurisdiction of the International Typographical 

Union. ,. ,_ ^ r _, 

Kempton McKim, 

" 'Chairman Presidents' Meeting. 

" *T. J. Donnelly, 

" 'Secretary Presidents' Meeting.' " 

"One of fhe questions that has been considered is the excessive amount of 
overtime worked in some localities while there are members on strike, which, 
under an effort to more fully equalize the conditions, would afford relief to both 
the overtime worker and the out-of-work member. Your committee believes 
that if the overtime could be distributed in these centers it would materially 
decrease strike rolls. 

"In one city there is an accumulation of 800 hours' overtime standing 
against members, while the strikers in that town are on the benefit roll, and 
in another town there has accumulated 400 days' overtime, principally through 
inability to secure subs or extras in that city. 

"One of the peculiarities of the situation where the 400 days' overtime 
has accumulated is that when subs are available the overtime is charged, and 
when subs are not available the overtime account goes by default and is for- 
gotten. 

"Your committee acknowledges that all the strikers could not fill the posi- 
tions where the enormous quantities of overtime accumulate, but we certainly 
believe that in the event of some effort being made to move some of the 
strikers, the unmarried members particularly, to the districts congested with 
overtime, the situation can be materially relieved and the work throughout the 
country be more equally distributed. 

"Your committee has had several propositions referred to it covering 
changes in the laws, but does not believe it should be the object of this com- 
mittee to recommend any changes in any laws. 

"It does, however, believe it is within its province to suggest emergency 
changes covering the time of this strike, but not to change any strike laws on 
the books which were made to cover ordinary strikes and not the problems 
which have arisen the past year. 

"Your committee has carefully weighed the information submitted to it 
from the various sources, including presidents, delegates and officers of the 
International Typographical Union, and would respectfully recommend the fol- 
lowing: 

"A. That the time for enforcing the eight-hour day in Montreal, where 
the contract expires in October, 1906, be extended to June, 1907, the date when 
the Toronto contract expires, the committee believing that the conditions in 
Montreal warrant such a course, and that an International Typographical Union 
organizer be assigned to Montreal for the purpose of strengthening that city, 
particularly the English-speaking union, No. 176. 

"B. Your committee further recommends that on and after October 1 all 
assessments collected under authority of the International Typographical Union 
be sent to that body intact, the purpose being to give the executive council full 
control of all strike money and disbursing the same. 

"Council's Position — Beginning with the week of Monday, October 1. 1906, 
all moneys accruing from the eight-hour assessment, in all local jurisdictions, 
must be forwarded to the International secretary-treasurer* 



894 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

"Excerpt No. 3. C. That the sums allowed members on the strike roll be 
not in excess of $7 for single men and $10 for married men, and that the con- 
stitutional benefit, as it appears on the books at present, of $5 and $7, be ad- 
hered to as closely as possible, localities and contingencies arising, in the 
judgment of the executive council, being the sole cause for an increase over the 
latter amount. 

"Where unions desire to increase the amounts named, it must be done by 
still further increasing the local dues or assessments, such dues or assessments 
not being subject to the control of the executive council, but wholly under the 
direction of the local body collecting the same. 

"Council's Position. The constitutional benefit of $5 and $7 will apply 
beginning with the week of October 1, 1906. Local unions conducting strikes, 
believing that "localities and contingencies" justify additions to the constitu- 
tional benefits, should communicate with the executive council at once. In no 
instance will the executive council sanction benefits in excess of $7 and $10, 
and only in excess of $5 and $7 in those instances where strong reason and 
argument are presented. 

"Excerpt No. 4. D. That where men refuse to work because the amount 
earned does not equal the strike benefit, that they be cut off from the benefit 
list entirely, it being evident that the disposition thus shown is not in accord- 
ance with the true spirit of unionism and a desire to advance the out-of-work 
settlement. 

"Council's Position. No interpretation is necessary. The recommendation 
is plain. 

"Excerpt No. 5. E. Your committee has carefully considered the assess- 
ment problem in all its phases presented. It believes that in some localities 
money is expended economically and equitably. In others, without due regard 
to the sacrifices made by the membership who have financed this strike. 

"Your committee is firmly convinced that in the event of the assessment 
being forwarded intact to the executive council and disbursed under its direc- 
tion, as above recommended, that the assessment can be cut to 8 per cent, and 
to continue at that figure until the executive council considers it advisable to 
make a still further reduction. 

"Council's Position. Beginning with the week of October 1, and thereafter 
until further notice, the assessment will be 7 per cent of all moneys earned. 
Further reduction will be made as the situation warrants. It is the inten- 
tion of the executive council to maintain a balance in the International treas- 
ury of not less than $100,000, as, in the opinion of the council, this amount 
is necessary to safeguard the general situation. 

"Excerpt No. 6. F. Your committee further recommends that in cities 
where 90 per cent of the membership are employed that those cities be de- 
clared eight-hour cities, the benefits cut off, the executive council rendering 
special assistance where deemed advisable, and that the assessment be con- 
tinued as in other cities. 

"It is fair to presume that in ordinary times fully 10 per cent of most 
unions are out of work, and your committee does not believe it is assuming an 
unwarranted position when it takes the stand that a union that has 90 per 
cent of its membership working today under the eight-hour day is no worse 
off than in ordinary times, when no great question is at stake. 

"Council's Position. The recommendation is plain and needs no explana- 
tion. It will be enforced. 

"Excerpt No. 7. Your committee would further recommend that the battle 
cry of the membership of the International Typographical Union, which has 
been so full of hope and good cheer the past year — 

" 'We propose to sell the employer eight hours out of twenty-four, and 

895 



History of The Typographical Union 

we will do as we please with the remaining sixteen,' be officially amended as 
follows: 

" 'We are selling to the employer eight hours out of twenty-four, and 
we are doing as we please with the remaining sixteen.' 
"The foregoing is respectfully submitted. 

"James M. Lynch 
"J. W. Bramwood 
"Hugo Miller, 
"Executive Council, International Typographical Union 
The recommendation contained in section A was made effective by the 
International president. An organizer was placed in Montreal at what was 
deemed to be the most opportune time, and, as a product of the organizer's 
work and the settlement secured in Toronto, the eight-hour day became ef- 
fective in Montreal on June i. 

FURTHER ASSESSMENT REDUCTION 

Money is the lifeblood of the strike. Without money it is rarely suc- 
cessful. Present financial needs may well be accepted as the standard by 
which to measure the success attending our eight-hour movement since the 
Colorado Springs convention passed into history. If the situation had not 
warranted the action the executive council would not have made the first 
reduction in the assessment from 10 per cent to 7 per cent It has never 
been the council's policy to in any way jeopardize the success of the shorter 
workday movement by ill-considered or hasty action. Had the 10 per cent 
assessment been necessary, then, as far as the council was concerned, the 10 
per cent assessment would have been maintained. But its continuance was 
not necessary by reason of continuous success in the campaign to establish 
the eight-hour day, and the council was thus enabled to make the first ma- 
terial reduction in the assessment, the 7 per cent becoming effective on Octo- 
ber 1, 1906. 

On November 12, 1906, the executive council ordered the eight-hour as- 
sessment reduced from 7 to 5 per ceat, beginning with the week of November 
19, 1906. 

On January 29, 1907, the executive council ordered the eight-hour as- 
sessment reduced from 5 to 3 per cent, beginning with the week of February 
3, 1907. 

On March 1, 1907, the executive council ordered the eight-hour assess-, 
ment reduced from 3 to 2 per cent, beginning with the week of March 3, 
1907. 

The assessment has since March 3, 1907, remained at 2 per cent. 

TORONTO, MONTREAL, MILWAUKEE 

At a special meeting of Toronto Typographical Union, held on Saturday 
night, June 1, the agreement which had been previously entered into by Vice- 
President Hays, representing the International Typographical Union, and the 
Toronto Employing Printers and Bookbinders' Association, was ratified. This 
was a signal triumph for the allied printing trades, as all of them, including 
the printers, bookbinders, pressmen, press feeders, stereotypers, electrotypers, 
mailers and bindery women, are parties to the new contract, and this makes 
Toronto a straight eight-hour city for the next five years. While the scale 
carries with it no immediate increase in printers' wages, a substantial ad- 
vance will begin January 1, 1909, followed by a further increase on January 
1, 1 910. Toronto, Montreal and Milwaukee were three of the few remaining 
cities where the printers were still working nine hours a day under unex- 
pired contracts, and the complete success in the two Canadian cities, and the 
gratifying progress made in Milwaukee, is further evidence of the conviction 



896 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

that the eight-hour day is logical, and that it will soon be introduced in all 
printing plants throughout our jurisdiction without much opposition. 

When the Master Printers' Association of Montreal was informed of the 
peaceable arrangement at Toronto, no trouble was experienced in negotiating 
a like agreement in that city. At a joint meeting of the French and English 
typographical unions, Nos. 145 and 176, the offer made by the employing 
printers was accepted. The scale is to run for five years, and all disputes 
are to be settled by a board of arbitration. In the Montreal negotiations 
Organizer Charles S. Brown, of Toledo, Ohio, rendered valiant service to 
the two unions. Some months ago he took up the work there under exceed- 
ingly unfavorable circumstances, and the great victory for the shorter work- 
day is highly appreciated by the membership. This puts practically every 
typographical union in Canada on an eight-hour basis. 

At the expiration of nine-hour contracts between employing book and 
job printers of Milwaukee, Wis., and Typographical Union No. 23, on June 
3, it was necessary to call a strike in the offices of the members of the Mil- 
waukee Master Printers' Association, and Organizer Colbert was placed in 
charge of affairs. On the day of the strike no men responded, and 100 suc- 
ceeded in having the shorter workday granted. The first week two large 
firms capitulated, and at the end of the second week — June 17 — only sixty- 
six were on strike, with thirty shops signed up and twenty still holding out. 
The contest had reached the injunction stage by June 23, when one firm 
secured a temporary order from the United States court restraining members 
of the union from picketing, intimidating, interfering, and almost everything 
else except breathing. Of those still resisting the union's demands, the ma- 
jority are small concerns. There are 314 members of No. 23 now enjoying 
the eight-hour day. 

TWO CITIES ONLY REMAIN 

With the establishment of the eight-hour day on June 1 of this year in 
the great cities of Toronto and Montreal, and with the success that has at- 
tended the effort to establish the shorter workday in the Milwaukee jurisdic- 
tion, the nine-hour territory is materially curtailed. Only two of the larger 
cities remain, and it is believed that little opposition will be experienced when 
the time arrives to make the eight-hour day effective in Kansas City and 
Nashville. In Kansas City we have had an organizer at work for several 
months, and we hope that on October 1 that jurisdiction will be so thoroughly 
organized that even the most radical employer will see the futility of oppos- 
ing the introduction of the eight-hour day. As to Nashville, the nine-hour 
contract will run for a considerable period of time. This contract was en- 
tered into by the typographical union in Nashville over the objection and 
protest of the International president. There was not at that time, however, 
an International law or resolution that prevented the Nashville Union from 
agreeing to the five-year contract on a nine-hour basis. In justice to our 
Nashville members it must be said that they have for some time seen clearly 
the error that was made in the ratification of the five-year agreement. When 
this contract expires the eight-hour day will be in general effect, and cer- 
tainly there is no reason to apprehend that the employers will at that late 
day make a serious objection to the peaceable inauguration of the eight-hour 
day. Another tribute that must be paid to our N as hville members is, that 
notwithstanding they were bound for years by a nine-hour agreement they 
cheerfully contributed their assessments toward the magnificent fund that made 
possible the success of the International eight-hour campaign. 

THE GOAL HAS BEEN REACHED 

Even the contentious employer will acknowledge the truth of the asser- 
tion that the eight-hour day is won. It may take a few additional months 



807 



History of The Typographical Union 

or years to regain all the offices lost to the union by reason of the eight-hour 
strike that was necessary because of the unfortunate position taken by the 
employers' organization, but these offices will gradually come back to the 
fold. In this history will only repeat itself. The union embraces the com- 
petent printers, and in order to do business at a profit competent printers, 
must be employed. As the non-unionists at present working gain ability and 
confidence they will seek union membership. The tendency of the wage- 
earner is to combine. This tendency is becoming more pronounced as busi- 
ness rapacity and greed develop. Given sufficient opportunity, unrestrained by 
union regulations and combinations of workingmen, and the employer as a 
class is the best union evangelist. The non-union printer, aside from the 
pronounced blackleg whose principle is revenue only, will gravitate to the 
union because he must. 

WHAT HAVE WE GAINED 

If it is true that we have established the eight-hour day in our branch 
of the printing industry, then what have we gained? If the shorter work- 
day were universal, the condition of the country generally would be on an 
upward trend much more pronounced than now evident. The producer, not 
driven from his bed to his work and from his work to his bed, to use the 
expression recently given birth by one of the foremost of American citizens, 
would have time to think, time to formulate his policy as a unit in the gen- 
eral community, and time to put that policy into effect. With time to think 
would come the desire for greater knowledge, and with that knowledge would 
come ambition in other directions, the desire for education for the children, 
beautifying of the home, and a better home life. That man who works while 
daylight permits for a mere existence may be industrious, but as far as he 
himself is concerned that is all he is. He. may be a useful citizen to the 
community, but to himself and his own he is merely a hewer of wood and a 
drawer of water. Our children may, with honor and profit, be the carpenters, 
bricklayers, painters, pressmen, printers, etc., of the future, but we want 
them to work under better conditions and surroundings, and with better 
wages and hours, than their fathers enjoyed. If the eight-hour day will ac- 
complish this, then it is the duty of all good citizens to work for the reform. 
On the well-being and intelligence of the masses depend the progress and se- 
curity of the republic. 

BOOKBINDERS AND PRESSMEN DECLARE FOR EIGHT HOURS 

In June, 1906, in Washington and Pittsburgh respectively, the bookbinders 
and pressmen assembled in convention. Both organizations declared emphat- 
ically for the eight-hour day, and that they would move together for this 
reform last May. The conventions were enthusiastic eight-hour assemblages, 
not the slightest opposition appearing to the proposed hour reduction. Ycur 
president was before both gatherings, and set forth the progress made by the 
International Typographical Union in its eight-hour crusade. The San Fran- 
cisco convention of the pressmen, held in 1905, adopted the following: "We 
recommend that the board of directors be instructed to secure a conference 
with a committee of the national typothetae, with a view of arranging, if pos- 
sible, a workday of eight hours." This was presented to the typothetae at the 
Niagara Falls convention of 1905, and as to the result the pressmen's inter- 
national president said in his report to the 1906 convention: "At the close of 
the interview we were informed that an answer to our eight-hour resolution 
would be sent us by letter as to the exact position of the typothetae on the 
subject." This was in September, but the request of the pressmen for an 
eight-hour day was not considered until the following April, at a meeting in 
Chicago of the typothetae executive committee. Then the typothetae secretary 
wrote: "I am instructed by our national executive committee to state that 



898 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

the committee decline to take up the consideration of an eight-hour workday." 
It did seem, in view of the action taken at the Pittsburgh convention, that 
the pressmen were at last convinced that the typothetae was not in a "re- 
ceptive mood," was not conciliatory, and would concede the eight-hour day only 
when forced to do so. 

THEN THE PRESSMEN RECEDED 

Then on the eighth day of January, 1907, the International Printing 
Pressmen and Assistants' Union, acting through its board of directors, signed 
a five-year agreement with the United Typothetae of America. As far as the 
union was concerned the agreement was final, but as to the typothetae the 
agreement was subject to ratification by a special convention. The agreement 
was practically a renewal of the open-shop compact negotiated some years 
ago, and which expired on May 1 of this year. It was this agreement, it will 
be recalled, that was rejected by the executive council of the International 
Typographical Union. Tha open-shop clause, which is now clearly understood 
as such, reads: "The International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union 
shall not engage in any strike, sympathetic or otherwise, or boycott, unless 
the employer fails to live up to this contract, it being understood that the 
employer fulfils all the terms of this contract by paying the scale of wages 
and living up to the shop practices as settled by the committee, regardless of 
his employes' union affiliations;" * * * The shorter workday is disposed 
of thusly: "It is expressly agreed that until January 1, 1909, fifty-four hours 
shall constitute a week's work, and that thereafter, during the life of this 
contract, forty-eight hours, or eight hours a day, shall constitute a week's 
work; arrangements, however, can be made locally to bring the forty-eight 
hours so that a Saturday half-holiday can be enjoyed without overtime cost 
to the employer, it being distinctly understood that the employer is entitled 
to the forty-eight-hour week fifty-two weeks in the year, except where legal 
holidays intervene." 

PRESSMEN REPUDIATE THE OPEN SHOP 

The International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union was in con- 
vention at Brighton Beach June 17 to 23, and the session will for all time 
be marked as one of the most important ever held by a labor organization. 
Open shopism was repudiated. The officers who negotiated the open-shop 
agreement with the United Typothetae of America were also repudiated. With 
one exception these officers failed of re-election, notwithstanding that they 
were avowed candidiates and were earnestly supported by their friends. The 
exception escaped defeat only because of dissension in the delegation repre- 
senting the union in which his opponent held membership, several delegates 
from this union voting for the one successful administration candidate. Then 
for two days the convention discussed the typothetae agreement. It was con- 
sidered from all viewpoints, many of the delegates who advocated its ratifica- 
tion as a whole doing so only because of the danger of placing the union in 
a position to be charged with contract breaking should the agreement be re- 
pudiated. The opposition to the agreement, backed by the new administra- 
tion, was successful, and by a close vote — 102 to 92 — the convention refused 
to ratify the open-shop clause in the contract. The new board of directors 
was instructed accordingly, and also to demand nine hours' pay for an eight- 
hour day. In event the United Typothetae refuse to agree to the document 
as amended, then the proposition to put the eight-hour day into effect is to 
be placed before the referendum. The resolution adopted reads: "That said 
agreement is hereby ratified and approved, provided the 'open-shop' clause is 
stricken out and an amendment is inserted providing for nine hours' pay for 
the eight-hour day. And that in event the United Typothetae "of America 
rejects these amendments our board of directors is instructed to submit the 
question of the immediate inauguration of the eight-hour day to the referen- 

899 



History of The Typographical Union 

dum, said referendum to be taken thirty days after such rejection." The 
president of the International Typographical Union was in attendance upon 
the convention on invitation from the pressmen's international president. 

WHAT THE BOOKBINDER THINKS 

In the March number of the International Bookbinder the president of the 
International Brotherhood of Bookbinders speaks for this organization. It 
should be remembered that the pressmen and bookbinders were to "co-operate" 
in the movement for the eight-hour day, and that at the last moment the 
pressmen's officers threw the bookbinders over and signed the open-shop pact. 
We quote: "The proposed co-operative action decided upon by both conven- 
tions does not seem to have received serious consideration from him; the 
alliance was of secondary importance; his goal seems to have been a settle- 
ment with the typothetse at any price. He has succeeded. We do not be- 
grudge him the victory. So far as the bookbinders are concerned, the price 
is not suitable; we decline the bargain." As to the struggle that the printers 
have made for the eight-hour day without assistance from the allies, we again 
quote from the bookbinders' president: "As to the utility of the principle of 
joint issue within the printing trades for the eight-hour day, or any other 
general advantage, I fully agree with him and have often so expressed, but 
that the struggle of the International Typographical Union for the shorter 
workday during the last year and a half has made it more difficult for the 
other trades within the alliance 'to secure instead of easier accomplishment' 
I take issue, and can not for the life of me understand what process of logic 
would lead to such a conclusion. On the other hand, I feel, and have no 
hesitancy in saying, that the printer has cleared the way. And let me say 
further to friend Higgins, distasteful as the thought may be to him, that I am 
of the opinion that this clearing of the path by the printer is the prime factor 
in the evolving of the consideration accorded him by the United Typothetse of 
America, without which the eight-hour day would not have formed a part of 
their renewed agreement." 

The bookbinders, by referendum vote, determined to continue their eight- 
hour agitation, and make their demand on October i. We wish them the 
fullest measure of success. 

Report of Convention's Eight-Hour Committee — The 
convention's eight-hour committee, after giving full con- 
sideration to the report submitted by the International 
president and also to several propositions offered by dele- 
gates, presented the following report : 

Your committee has carefully reviewed those portions of the report of 
President Lynch referring to the progress made in the eight-hour campaign 
since the Colorado Springs convention of last year, and also the report of 
the International eight-hour committee, and your committee expresses the 
opinion that great headway has been made during the past year in the en- 
forcement of the eight-hour day in the offices that joined with the United 
Typothetae of America, in opposing, or were members of the United Typoth- 
etae of America, and opposed the establishment of the shorter workday. 

We agree with the statement made by the International president in his 
report that there never has been brought forward an adequate and indisputable 
reason why our book and job members who are skilled in their branch of the 
trade shoulrl not be adequately paid and enjoy reasonable hours. We also 
l>elieve that the apathy and neglect of self-interest that have characterized 
the book and job printers in the past is now changed, and that we have at 
least aroused these members to a realization of what they can accomplish and 

900 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

what they are entitled to if they only will. We reproduce herewith and en- 
dorse the following declaration by the International president: 

"The enforcing of the shorter working day in the commercial offices in 
the International jurisdiction will place the commercial printing business on 
a higher plane, will bring a fair reward to our members who follow the com- 
mercial line for a livelihood, and will eventually stamp out and make impos- 
sible the cheap, huckstering and unscrupulous employer competing unjustly 
and piratically with the fair employer." 

Exhaustive reports were presented by the convention eight-hour commit- 
tees to the gathering in Toronto and Colorado Springs, and it is not necessary 
that your committee should in detail allude to the incidents of the campaign 
prior to the convention of last year. We can say, however, that the battle 
for the eight-hour day, as conducted by the International eight-hour committee, 
has been along consistent lines since its inception, and that the main object — ; 
the establishment of the shorter workday — has always been kept in view. This, 
the most stupendous contest that has engaged the attention of organized labor 
since the formation of trade unions, has brought luster to the name of the 
International Typographical Union. No method has been pursued or act com- 
mitted which the organization can not endorse and for which it may not ac- 
cept the full responsibility. We have come through a great industrial battle 
with inestimable benefit to the membership of the International Typographical 
Union, and we believe that the victorious issue in this mighty conflict will ad- 
vance the universal eight-hour cause and will aid millions of toilers to eventu- 
ally secure the eight-hour day. 

Your committee heartily and unequivocally endorses the assertion of the 
International eight-hour committee made a part of its report, and which we 
quote herewith: 

"We assumed control of a great economic movement at a time when the 
International Typographical Union was at the height of its power and strength, 
both numerically and financially. We relinquish our task with the eight-hour 
day firmly established, and with a membership united and militant, and an 
organization, from a trade-union standpoint, immeasurably stronger than when 
the battle opened. Henceforth, that employer, or association of employers, 
seeking a contest with the International Typographical Union, will count 
well the cost." 

In accordance with the recommendation contained in the report of the 
International eight-hour committee your committee advises that the Inter- 
national committee be discharged, and that the work of winding up the af- 
fairs of the eight-hour movement and the necessary campaign for the regain- 
ing of the offices that have been lost during the struggle be referred to the 
executive council. We desire to especially impress on the council the neces- 
sity of giving attention to the preliminary work necessary in order to en- 
force the eight-hour day in Kansas City and Nashville. While we trust that 
we may have no difficulty in those cities, yet we should be prepared for dif- 
ficulty if it is forced upon us. The eight-hour day must be enforced in the 
cities named and in all localities where it is not now effective. 

For the pressmen and the bookbinders in their struggle for the eight-hour 
day we have the greatest sympathy and the keenest interest. We believe the 
executive council should be instructed to render all possible moral aid to the 
allies if they experience difficulty in enforcing the shorter workday. This 
is especially true as to the pressmen, who, we understand, are endeavoring 
to shake off an odious open-shop contract and to also secure the modification 
of the clause in that contract relating to the date for the enforcement of the 
eight-hour day. 

As the International president points out, the United Typothetae of Amer- 
ica will undoubtedly put forth every effort to the end that the pressmen may 
be induced to defeat the eight-hour legislation proposed by their recent con- 

QOI 



History of The Typographical Union 

vention. Intimidation, falsification and secret methods will be the weapons 
and instruments used, and our executive council should stand ready to ac- 
cord all possible aid to the officers of the pressmen in their efforts to secure 
an expression by their membership, uninfluenced by the dictation or efforts 
of the employers who are opposing the eight-hour day. If the International 
Brotherhood of Bookbinders or the International Printing Pressmen and As- 
sistants' Union should desire financial assistance from the International Typo- 
graphical Union, the executive council is hereby empowered to take such action 
as the council may deem wise and necessary, in view of the conditions which 
may then exist. And finally, to the bookbinders and pressmen we wish the 
greatest amount of success in their efforts to secure for their members the 
great boon of the shorter workday. 

As to the present assessment, your committee feels that it would not be 
safe at this time to declare it off, but we recommend that the executive coun- 
cil, at the very earliest opportunity consistent with the safeguarding of our 
interests, make such further reduction as shall be possible. 
Respectfully submitted, 

James Tole, 
W. B. Atchison, 
Joseph Maiden, 
Harry L. Young. 
William G. Murphy. 

Delegate McCullough (Omaha) moved to amend the 
report as follows : 

In recommending the discharge of the International eight-hour committee 
something more fitting than a mere vote of thanks is due to the officers who, 
in season and out of season, early and late, constantly and unflinchingly have 
labored for the success of the great eight-hour cause. Resolutions of thanks 
are at the best but a passing expression of opinion. It is not proper for this 
convention in a monetary sense to in any way express its approval of the 
work of the International committee, but we do believe that a memento or 
token of appreciation, in substantial and lasting form, and a perpetual re- 
minder of the gratitude of the entire membership of the International Typo- 
graphical Union should be devised and presented to each member of the In- 
ternational committee. To this end a committee of two members of the 
committee on eight-hour day, one of whom shall be the chairman, shall be 
charged with the task of devising a suitable tribute to be presented to each 
member of the International committee, this tribute to be coupled with suit- 
able resolutions, to be drawn up by the committee, framed and presented to 
each member of the International committee, and that the cost of this token 
and the framed resolutions be borne by the International Typographical Union. 

The amendment was adopted. The report of the 
committee was then adopted as a whole and the recom- 
mendations therein were concurred in. The International 
eight-hour committee was then discharged. 

LOS ANGELES TIMES AND PHILADELPHIA 
INQUIRER 

The story of the progress of the fight against the Los 
Angeles Times and Philadelphia Inquirer can best be told 

902 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

by reproducing the report of the convention's committee, 
which follows : xt o 

Hot Springs, Ark., August 16, 1907. 
To the Officers and Members of the International Typographical Union. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Your committee on Los Angeles Times and Phila- 
delphia Inquirer respectfully presents the following for your consideration: 

Your committee has carefully considered the Los Angeles Times contest 
in all its phases and details, and was unanimous in its determination to get 
at the facts and diligent in putting that determination into effect. To this 
end we called before us Delegates Fisk, of Seattle; Young, of Portland; 
Sawyer and Scott, of San Francisco; Ryan, of Oakland; Morse, of Pasadena, 
and Hickman, of Los Angeles. These gentlemen were questioned exhaustively 
as to their views on the Los Angeles situation. Your committee also had 
before it for several hours the International Typographical Union representa- 
tive in Los Angeles, Arthur A. Hay. Preliminary to his examination Mr. Hay 
was asked if he would answer any questions put to him, and promptly re- 
sponded that he would be pleased to do so. He was then questioned at length 
by the committee and the members of the coast delegation. After carefully 
considering all the evidence presented to it your committee is unanimous in 
the opinion that Mr. Hay has put into effect and vigorously forwarded every 
method that could possibly be devised in the prosecution of the campaign 
against the unfair Los Angeles Times. This opinion is substantiated by the 
sentiments expressed by the members of the Pacific coast delegation, each of 
whom stated that Mr. Hay had rendered excellent service. Delegate Hick- 
man, of Los Angeles, coincided with this sentiment, and also testified that the 
honesty and integrity of Mr. Hay could not be brought into question, and, 
furthermore, Mr. Hay had accomplished all that any man could accomplish. 

Your committee commends Mr. Hay for his exhaustive, painstaking and 
intelligent conduct of the battle against the most notorious, most persistent 
and most unfair enemy of trade unionism on the North American continent. 

As to the Los Angeles Times contest, your committee is unanimous in the 
belief that that contest should be carried on. Without question the Los An- 
geles Times is a hard proposition to proceed against. Firmly entrenched in 
its position, enjoying a remarkable advertising patronage, reaching a clientele 
that is peculiarly susceptible to the anti trade-union views that it expresses, 
it can be easily seen that the movement to curtail its advertising patronage 
and limit its circulation is one that must proceed slowly, and in order to be 
successful requires persistence of endeavor and undaunted courage in execu- 
tion. The International Typographical Union is in this fight, and the organ- 
ization must win its fight. Your committee believes that Arthur A. Hay 
should be continued in charge of this work, and that the fullest monetary sup- 
port and executive assistance that the International officers can accord should 
be given him in his effort to bring success to the task under his direction. In 
this connection the officers and members of our local unions on the North 
American continent can be of the greatest assistance. The Los Angeles Times 
enjoys a large foreign advertising patronage. These patrons can be reached 
if the membership will take up the battle and make of it their battle. 

Your committee also endorses and recommends to the convention for 
adoption the following resolution introduced by Delegate White, of Los An- 
geles, and endorsed by Typographical Union No. 174: 

Whereas the Los Angeles Times, having secured the unlimited financial 
backing of the National Manufacturers' Association and other kindred organ- 
izations of capital, is today not only the leading exponent of the so-called 
"open shop," but is the most unfair, unscrupulous and malignant enemy of 
organized labor in America; and, 

Whereas the Times has succeeded in practically disrupting many of the 

903 



History of The Typographical Union 

unions of Los Angeles, and, unless strenuously opposed, will eventually make 
that city thoroughly non-union, thereby creating a breeding place for strike- 
breakers of all crafts and trades; and, 

Whereas if unionism is crushed in Los Angeles it will be but a short 
time before the same methods are applied to other cities; and, 

Whereas the International Typographical Union, having spent more than 
$50,000 in an effoiA to unionize the Times, believes the struggle in Los An- 
geles has become national in its scope, vitally affectinEr all organized labor, 
and should therefore be financed and prosecuted by the great American labor 
movement through its recognized head, the American Federation of Labor; and. 

Whereas we believe that if this course is pursued it will mean not only 
the unionizing of the Los Angeles Times, but the winning of a victory that 
will be of incalculable benefit to the cause of unionism; therefore, 

Resolved, That the executive council be instructed to prepare resolutions 
to be presented to the next convention of the American Federation of Labor 
to the effect that a per capita tax of 1 cent per month be levied on all mem- 
bers of the federation, the money raised thereby to be expended by a rep- 
resentative appointed by, and under the immediate supervision of, the president 
of the American Federation of Labor; and, be it further 

Resolved, That the executive council be instructed to appoint one or 
more representatives to attend the conventions of national and international 
organizations and endeavor to get similar resolutions adopted and in every 
way to further this movement. 

As to the contest against the Philadelphia Inquirer your committee has 
interviewed the Philadelphia delegation, and endorses the request of this 
delegation that the fight be continued along lines that promise the maximum 
degree of success. Your committee can readily see that the eight-hour contest 
in Philadelphia has for the time being dwarfed the movement against the 
Philadelphia Inquirer. Your committee believes, however, that when eight- 
hour affairs in Philadelphia are in better condition and our interests have 
assumed their normal state, that the movement against the Inquirer can be 
again taken up and vigorously prosecuted to a successful conclusion. As 
with the Los Angeles Times contest, we are in the Inquirer fight, and we must 
stay in until a victory is secured. Respectfully submitted, 

George W. Ryan, 
Charles R. White, 
James P. Bowen, 
George Wilby, 
J. J. Padden, 

Delegates Riggins (Tacoma), Sawyer (San Francisco) 
and Scott (San Francisco) spoke on the report. 

Delegates Hickman (Los Angeles) and Young (Mult- 
nomah) claimed that the committee had partially misrep- 
resented them in its report. 

Delegate Tracy (San Francisco) said that Los Angeles 
Typographical Union was rent assunder by factions, the 
condition of the organization being very deplorable, and 
moved to amend the committee's report by striking out 

904 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

that part referring to factions and factional differences. 
The motion to strike out was adopted. The report of the 
committee as amended was adopted without division. 

OLD AGE PENSIONS 

In accordance with the suggestion contained in a reso- 
lution adopted by the Colorado Springs convention, the 
president appointed a committee to devise ways and means 
for the establishment of a pension system for superannu- 
ated and incapacitated members, this committee of three 
being charged by the resolution referred to with the task 
of drawing up a plan and reporting it to the Hot Springs 
convention. Referring to this matter, the president said : 

Now that a great eight-hour contest is rapidly drawing to a close, we can 
give attention to some methods and features that have hitherto been almost 
entirely neglected. It is true that the pension and insurance propositions have 
been before two conventions, but both these gatherings — that at Washington 
and in the succeeding year at St. Louis — were occupied fully with the con- 
sideration of the shorter workday movement, and were not in a position to 
give the necessary consideration and attention to the suggestion for the estab- 
lishment of relief measures. This relief program might well start with pen- 
sions for the incapacitated and superannuated. It should not, however, be per- 
mitted to rest with the establishment of such a pension. It has long been 
the opinion of your president that the International Typographical Union is 
great enough, experienced enough, and in the possession of the necessary ma- 
chinery to establish and successfully carry on out-of-work benefits, a pension 
system, and last and greatest of the three, an insurance system. The present 
burial fund feature has demonstrated that an organization such as we have 
can supply insurance at a very much less cost than insurance can now be had 
by our membership in purely insurance ventures. If we can succeed in ulti- 
mately establishing this insurance feature, coupled with the pension and out- 
of-work funds, we will have made membership in the International Typograph- 
ical Union so valuable that in case of industrial disturbance the member who 
might otherwise be weak will hesitate, for purely selfish reasons, foreign en- 
tirely to any idea of obligation to his fellow man, before he will violate his 
union obligation. This suggestion as to an insurance feature is entirely feas- 
ible, and not only is it possible, but it is believed that the time is near at 
hand when it will be imperatively necessary. The method of producing printed 
matter has changed radically within a score of years, and there is reliable 
testimony at hand to warrant the statement that the method of producing 
printed matter may change radically within the next score of years. Regardless 
of the process under which the world's printing will be produced, one fact will 
always remain, and that is that a certain number of wage-earners will gain 
a livelihood through the production of the printed word. Why not now, through 
the establishment of the three funds alluded to, initiate a movement which 
will cement together the present and future followers of the compositors' craft, 
and in this way make of our union an instrument that will always be in a 

905 



History of The Typographical Union 

position to control the printing industry, no matter what new avenue it may 
explore and follow. 

A SUCCESSFUL INSURANCE INSTANCE 

To those who favor the insurance idea, the plan put in effect by one of 
our typographical unions will be of interest: To each six-months member of 
the union in good standing there is issued by the financial secretary a benefi- 
ciary certificate, entitling the beneficiary therein named to an amount equal- 
ing $i per capita for each six-months member at the time of the death of the 
holder of the certificate. A warrant for this amount is drawn on the mortu- 
ary fund, by the board of trustees, as soon as proof of death is established. 
It is provided that there shall be collected from each six-months member of 
the union the sum of 25 cents each week for four weeks, or until the amount 
collected shall equal $1 per capita, which amount shall be set apart for the 
payment of death benefits, and shall be separate from all other funds. If 
the amount of money in the mortuary fund at the death of a member, or mem- 
bers, is not sufficient to pay all benefits, there shall be a pro rata assessment 
levied on all six-months members. In case a member dies and the beneficiary 
named in the certificate be deceased, and no other beneficiary be known to 
the union, the union shall bury the deceased member, and all funeral ex- 
penses shall be deducted from the amount called for in the certificate, and if 
a balance should remain it shall be placed to the credit of the mortuary fund. 
In order that the fund may meet all ordinary demands, enough money is kept 
in the fund to pay the next demand upon it. Members of the union who have 
had continuous membership for three years may retain their membership in 
the mortuary fund, although they leave the city, if they send their assessments 
of $1 to the secretary. Members on the retired list may retain their mem- 
bership in the mortuary fund. This plan was put into effect in 1892. Previous 
to that benefits amounting to about $75 in each case were paid out of the 
general fund. Under the present plan, the benefits received from the local 
are in addition to the benefits received from the International. The average 
number of deaths in the local union has been four a year — the highest being 
five a year and the lowest three a year. The average amount paid out by 
the local on each death was $375, though, of course, the amount paid depends 
on the number of members in the local. The present membership of this local 
is about 425. There were four deaths among the members last year. 

For the information of the delegates to the Hot Springs 
convention and especially for the information of the 
old age pension committee, the president in his report 
included the report of a committee appointed at the 
.forty-eighth convention of the International Union held 
in Cincinnati, which had investigated the pension ques- 
tion. This report was submitted to the Washington con- 
vention the following year, but was rejected by that 
convention on the ground that the time was not opportune 
for favorable action. 

The committee on benefit features to which the report 

906 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

of the old age pension committee had been submitted, 
offered a report to the convention, in part as follows : 

Hot Springs, Ark., August 16, 1907. 
To the Officers and Members of the International Typographical Union. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: The committee on benefit features, after carefully 
considering all propositions intrusted to its care presented by the delegates 
and members of the International Typographical Union, respectfully submits 
the enclosed reports and recommends that the special committee of three ap- 
pointed by President Lynch be given the privilege of the floor. 

George Boehler, 
Eugene S. Nordhaus, 
W. H. Stanley, 
H. P. Berkshire, 
H. D. Wallace. 

There being no objection, Messrs. Coughlin, Drackert and McCullough, 
of the old age pension committee, were granted the privilege of the floor to 
speak on this report and each addressed the convention at length. 

Proposition No. 143 — By International old age pension committee: 
To the Officers and Delegates Fifty-Third Session of the International Typo- 
graphical Union: 

Your committee on old age pension plan, appointed pursuant to resolution 
introduced at the Colorado Springs convention, respectfully submits the fol- 
lowing: 

From the expressed sentiment of the membership at large, gathered through 
correspondence and through the Journal, a pension for the old members of 
the craft seems to meet with general approval. 

It is therefore incumbent upon the International Typographical Union to 
devise some method for caring for our old and infirm members who, through 
their steadfast loyalty and many sacrifices to the International Typographical 
Union, have made our present organization possible — a plan that will insure 
them against abject poverty and public or private charity; a pension suitable 
to their needs. 

Such a system is in keeping with the dignity and policy of the organiza- 
tion, and we confidently believe that the referendum will heartily support a 
proposition that will ultimately bring about the desired results. 

The recent eight-hour struggle has left many old men who gave up the last 
position they would ever have for the principle and honor involved, and for 
these benefits lasting and positive to the young men, the old men have sacri- 
ficed their all, thus placing the International Union under a heavy mortgage 
to them, since, without their aid, the eight-hour struggle would not have been 
so successful. 

Considered from a purely sentimental standpoint, there is every reason 
why the members who have carried the burdens and fought the battles of the 
International Typographical Union in past years should be provided for in 
some manner by the organization they have supported and preserved, when their 
failing powers make it impossible for them to earn a competence. 

The membership must be cognizant of the fact that there are many aged 
and incapacitated members who are unable to avail themselves of the benefits of 
the Union Printers Home at Colorado Springs, because of family ties and long 
associations in their respective localities. The committee, mindful of this con- 
dition, believes that an old age pension is a solution of the question that con- 
fronts the International Typographical Union in discharging its obligation to 
such members as can not take advantage of the Home and its blessings. 

907 



History of The Typographical Union 

Aside from the sentimental features involved there are at least two other 
points in the old age pension plan that should appeal to every member: 

First. As an organizing factor its value to the International would be 
inestimable. To the printer outside the ranks it is sure to be so attractive, 
once it is established, that, instead of remaining outside, a constant menace, he 
is sure to identify himself with the union. 

Second. Because, as its basic feature, it has a provision for twenty years' 
continuous membership, lapses for any cause are sure to be reduced to a 
minimum. The fact that the International will reward the loyalty of its mem- 
bers by providing for their declining years will cause many to consider well 
before severing their connection with the organization for any of the trivial 
reasons which now influence them. 

The committee has gathered data from many sources, both in this country 
and abroad, together with propositions and communications from various mem- 
bers, and, after carefully considering the same, has evolved the following plan 
and the necessary amendments and additions to the laws to govern same. 

It is apparent to your committee that an old age pension, no matter how 
carefully wrought, or painstakingly considered, is sure to be an experiment, yet 
we submit this plan for your earnest consideration, confident that experience 
will point the way to needed changes, until it will finally rest on a satisfactory 
working basis. 

To summarize, the plan embraces the following: 

Age of eligible applicants — 60 years. 

Continuous membership in the International Typographical Union — twenty 
years. 

Number of eligible applicants in the jurisdiction (estimated) — 500. 

Amount of weekly pension — $4. 

Source of revenue for fund — one-half of 1 per cent weekly assessment on 
earnings of membership (estimated) — $168,000. 

Amount disbursed yearly (estimated) — $104,000. 

Balance for sinking fund, administering and incidental expenses — $64,000. 

Qualifications of applicants are based on twenty years' continuous member- 
ship for members 60 years of age, who earn less than $4 per week, in any one 
week, and who have no other income or means of support. 

The report of the committee was adopted and referred 
to the committee on laws. The laws committee presented 
to the convention the constitutional amendments necessary 
to make the old age pension system effective and the 
referendum enacted these laws by a large majority. The 
amended laws will be found in the synopsis of this con- 
vention under the heading "Constitutional Amendments." 

TRADE AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS 

The attention of the Colorado Springs convention was 
directed to trade and technical schools in the annual 
report of the president. It was apparent that the demand 
for these schools had increased during the year following 

908 



Convention at Hot Springs, 1907 

that convention. Unquestionably the attention of the 
public was being centered on the proposition to teach 
trades in much the same way that common school educa- 
tion is secured, and it was believed that the trade unions 
would be compelled to give attention to this new move- 
ment which, it was admitted, if properly directed, would 
be of great benefit to all crafts, but if ignored and 
frowned upon could be made an instrument for the 
disruption of conditions that the trade unions had estab- 
lished after years of effort and the tearing down of the 
wage scales that had been so patiently built up. If the boy 
or the young man could master a trade in a two- or three- 
year course in a trade school, was it reasonable to suppose 
that this boy or young man would consent to serve an 
apprenticeship of four or five years in a mill or factory? 
This was a question asked by the president in his report, 
which also said that when the wage earners considered 
the trade school idea it should be done with minds free 
from prejudice, lack of selfish interests and from a purely 
judicial standpoint. The concluding paragraph on this 
subject is taken from the president's report, as follows : 

The trade school is here. Is it not better to encourage it, and if the time 
is not at hand when this is possible, at least not combat the trade school idea, 
but make effort to influence its course of instruction so that its graduates will 
be competent and skilled mechanics, and not, as is the case with many of these 
alleged schools today, turned forth with only a knowledge of the theory of 
the trade, to work an incalculable injury to the skilled artisans who depend on 
their avocations for their daily bread? In our craft trade schools are being 
gradually established, and this is especially true, of course, of schools that 
offer facilities for securing knowledge of the operation of the various makes 
of typesetting machines. It is urged that at least some attention be given to 
the idea sought to be conveyed in this portion of your president's annual report. 

The Hot Springs convention, evidently impressed with 
the idea of supplementary trade education, authorized the 
creation of a commission to deal with the subject. Fol- 
lowing the authorization given by the convention, a 
conference was held in Chicago on Monday and Tuesday, 
December 9 and 10, 1907, between James M. Lynch, 

909 



History of The Typographical Union 

J. W. Hays, and J. W. Bramwood, representing the 
executive council of the International Typographical 
Union, and A. H. McQuilkin, of Chicago; W. B. Prescott, 
of Baltimore, and Frank M. Walker, of Houston, consti- 
tuting the commission. Supplementary education for 
apprentices and journeymen was thoroughly discussed 
and plans approved for the furtherance of this work. 
Inasmuch as this history contains a special chapter on the 
subject of supplementary trade education by former 
President Prescott, further space will not be devoted to 
the subject, but the reader is respectfully referred to Mr. 
Prescott's monograph. 

AFTER THE CONVENTION 

In the interim between the Hot Springs and Boston 
conventions, under date of April 15, 1908, a circular was 
issued to subordinate unions, requesting a referendum 
vote on the repeal of section 109 of the general laws, as 
follows : "The competent sub oldest in continuous service 
is entitled to the first vacancy." The vote on this question 
was taken in accordance with the provisions of section 3, 
article xvii, constitution, which provided for the submis- 
sion of any proposition or amendment to the membership 
when fifty subordinate unions had petitioned the executive 
council to that effect. The request had come from New 
York Typographical Union No. 6, and the requisite 
number of endorsements had been received for submission 
of the proposition. In order to facilitate matters, the vote 
on the repeal of this section was taken at the same time 
as the vote for International officers, May 20, 1908. The 
membership refused to repeal the section, the vote being 
14,643 in favor; 17,136 against. 

Officers, 1908-1909 — Officers of the International 
Typographical Union for the two-year period beginning 
November 1, 1908, were elected May 20, 1908, as follows: 

910 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

President, James M. Lynch, Syracuse; first vice-president, 
John W. Hays, Minneapolis ; second vice-president, Hugo 
Miller, Indianapolis; third vice-president, Daniel L. Cor- 
coran, New York; secretary-treasurer, J. W. Bramwood, 
Denver. Delegates to American Federation of Labor — 
James M. Lynch (president), Syracuse; Frank Morrison, 
Chicago; Max S. Hayes, Cleveland; T. W. McCullough, 
Omaha; Hugh Stevenson, Toronto. Trustees Union 
Printers Home — James M. Lynch, Syracuse; J. W. 
Bramwood, Denver; Thomas McCafTery, Colorado 
Springs; L. C. Shepard, Grand Rapids, Mich.; W. J. 
White, San Francisco ; Anna C. Wilson, Washington ; 
Thomas F. Crowley, New York; T. D. Fennessy, Los 
Angeles. Agent — George P. Nichols, Baltimore. 

Convention at Boston 

[1908] — The fifty-fourth annual session of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union convened in Daniel Sharp 
Ford Hall, Boston, Mass., on Monday, August 10, 1908. 
Delegates to the number of 270 were in attendance and a 
large part of the 1,500 ex-delegates and visitors were in 
the galleries when Norman E. McPhail, president of 
Boston Typographical Union and chairman of the local 
arrangements committee, called the convention to order. 
Rev. Daniel W. Waldron, chaplain of the Massachusetts 
house of representatives, delivered the opening prayer. 
Mayor Hibbard made an address of welcome on behalf 
of the city of Boston, and Governor Guild, who was un- 
able to be present on account of illness, was represented by 
William M. Olin, secretary of state, who spoke on behalf 
of the commonwealth. Hon. John N. Cole, speaker of the 
Massachusetts house of representatives, and publisher of 
a union newspaper, in a pleasing address, extended a 
welcome to the delegates and visitors. John H. Fahey, 
publisher of the Boston Traveler, welcomed the delegates 

911 



History of The Typographical Union 

and visitors on behalf of the local publishers' association. 
Chairman McPhail then briefly recited the relations of 
each of the speakers to the printing trade, and handed the 
gavel to President Lynch, who, after responding to the 
addresses of welcome, declared the convention ready for 
business. 

Presentation to International Eight-Hour Committee — 
At this point, James Tole, president of New York Typo- 
graphical Union No. 6, was granted the privilege of the 
floor, and as chairman of the presentation committee ap- 
pointed at the direction of the Hot Springs convention, 
called attention to the action of that body, which was as 
follows : 

In recommending the discharge of the International eight-hour committee 
something more fitting than a mere vote of thanks is due to the officers who, 
in season and out of season, early and late, constantly and unflinchingly have 
labored for the success of the great eight-hour cause. Resolutions of thanks 
are at the best but a passing expression of opinion. It is not proper for this 
convention in a monetary sense to in any way express its approval of the 
work of the International committee, but we do believe that a memento or token 
of appreciation, in substantial and lasting form, and a perpetual reminder of 
the gratitude of the entire membership of the International Typographical Union 
should be devised and presented to each member of the International com- 
mittee. To this end a committee of two members of the committee on eight- 
hour day, one of whom shall be the chairman, shall be charged with the task 
of devising a suitable tribute to be presented to each member of the Interna- 
tional committee, this tribute to be coupled with suitable resolutions, to be 
drawn up by the committee, framed and presented to each member of the In- 
ternational committee, and that the cost of this token and the framed resolu- 
tions be borne by the International Typographical Union. 

Mr. Tole then introduced Charles M. Maxwell, secre- 
tary-treasurer of No. 6, who, in an appropriate speech, 
presented President Lynch with a handsome loving cup, 
and Secretary Bramwood, First Vice-President Hays and 
Second Vice-President Miller with handsome gold 
watches and chains and diamond studded charms. The 
loving cup bore the following inscription : 

Presented to James M. Lynch, president International Typographical Union, 
by the members of the organization, as a slight token of their appreciation of 
his resourcefulness, steadfastness and fidelity as chairman of the eight-hour 
committee during that memorable contest which was unique in the history of 
trade unionism. 

Boston, August 10, 1908. 

912 . 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

The watches bore this inscription, the only change be- 
ing in the name of the officer : 

Presented to John W. Bramwood, secretary-treasurer International Typo- 
graphical Union, by the members of the organization, in appreciation of the 
services rendered by him as a member of the eight-hour committee. 

Boston, August 10, 1908. 

Each of the recipients spoke feelingly in expressing 
thanks to the membership of the International Union for 
the appreciation shown the executive officers as evidenced 
by the tokens presented. 

OFFICER S' REPORTS 

Preside7tfs Address — The report of President Lynch, 
as usual with the annual presentations made by that offi- 
cial, was written in an optimistic vein. The union had met 
with reverses, but they had been or would be remedied; 
there were obstacles to overcome, and they would be 
conquered ; there were new victories to be achieved, and 
this would be accomplished ; there were abuses to be 
corrected and the remedy would be applied. In presenting 
for the eighth time his annual report, the president said 
it was with considerable pleasure that he was able to 
again say that the year covered by the document had 
been one of continued progress and continued up-build- 
ing. As the membership was aware, the organization was 
passing through another panic period, the intensity of 
which varied in different localities, but the general burden 
of which rested heavily on all. Labor organizations usu- 
ally counted themselves fortunate, if, during these periods 
of industrial depression, they could hold their own, and 
in many trades even this result was not achieved. The 
typographical union could regard itself as peculiarly 
fortunate when it was remembered that the organization 
had not only held what had been gained, but had actually 
advanced. The weaker points had been strengthened and 
the strong unions more firmly entrenched. A spirit of 

913 



History of The Typographical Union 

confidence and reliance pervaded the members and they 
had cause to believe that there was no obstacle which 
could present itself that the International Typographical 
Union could not successfully overcome. It had taken part 
in all great economic movements; it had supported every 
proposition that impressed it as for the betterment of the 
trades. Subordinate unions in various localities had 
manifested an interest in local affairs and had made them- 
selves leaders of the labor movement in many sections. In 
brief, the International Typographical Union and its 
subordinate bodies were awake to the responsibilities and 
interests of the moment and the possibilities of the future, 
and were fulfilling their part in the measures that made 
for the onward march of the trade union movement. Con- 
tinuing, the president said : 

As to the shorter workday situation, that is now in such condition as to 
require only brief mention in this report. The eight-hour assessment was dis- 
continued on March i, 1908. In the larger cities, where contracts previously 
prevented the inauguration of the eight-hour day, we have, on the expiration 
of these agreements, been unusually successful in our efforts to secure the 
shorter day. Toronto and Montreal, Kansas City and Milwaukee are safely 
in the eight-hour column. The victory is of such importance and so complete 
as to justify a jubilation over the success that was achieved. In Nashville the 
nine-hour contract will expire the latter part of this year, and immediate steps 
will be taken to secure the eight-hour day. 

Since our last convention was held the pressmen and bookbinders have also 
gained the eight-hour day. The pressmen negotiated unsuccessfully with what 
remained of the United Typothetae of America for the shorter workday, and 
then proceeded to carry out the mandate of the 1907 convention and a 
number of strikes resulted. The United Typothetae attempted to secure an 
injunction against the International officers of the pressmen, and suc- 
ceeded in getting a temporary restraining order, which later, on the motion 
to make it permanent, was vacated. The pressmen have been so successful that 
the eight-hour day may now be said to prevail in that trade. The bookbinders, 
owing to lack of finances, were not as fortunate as the pressmen in the gen- 
eral jurisdiction, but were successful, so I am informed by their officers, in 
so great a degree that they consider the eight-hour day an established fact. In 
the other trades, the stereotypers and photo engravers have the standard work- 
day. So that now we can say that in the printing trade the eight-hour day 
prevails. The goal has been reached, and the passage of time will only more 
firmly cement and make permanent the shorter workday. While the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union bore the brunt of the battle, yet I believe that no 
member regrets that fact. We are the giant organization of the printing trades, 
and naturally the giant's share of the work falls to us. If we do that work 
well, we do not need to count the cost. 

Our Hot Springs convention directed the executive council to give all pos- 

914 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

sible moral aid to the pressmen and bookbinders in their struggle for the 
eight-hour day, and further provided: "If the International Brotherhood of 
Bookbinders or the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union 
should desire financial assistance from the International Typographical Union, 
the executive council is hereby empowered to take such action as the council 
may deem wise and necessary in view of the conditions which may then exist." 
In pursuance of the action quoted, the executive council loaned $15,000 to the 
International Brotherhood of Bookbinders. The International Printing Press- 
men and Assistants' Union did not ask us for financial assistance. 

IF THE PANIC SHOULD CONTINUE 

The permanent effect of the present industrial and financial depression on 
scales of prices is problematical, but there is no question about its present 
effect. While seeking to instil confidence in the public mind, the newspaper 
employers of the country are themselves much alarmed and especially affected 
by the financial stringency. The volume of advertising has, without question, 
shrunk tremendously. The position of the publishers was strikingly set forth 
at the meeting of the National Board of Arbitration in December, and every 
attendant at that meeting was impressed by the evident sincerity of the pub- 
lishers in explaining the effect on them of the financial adversity. We can 
not ignore this sudden development in financial circles, but we can minimize 
its effect on the business to which we all look for a livelihood. We must be 
prepared to meet it, and we should study the situation, in order that its effect 
on our wages may be nullified. We are not in any way responsible for the so- 
called panic, and we can at least maintain that our wages shall not be reduced 
with the panic as an excuse. We may not be able to increase wages for the 
time being, but we can exert every effort to the end that present conditions 
may be maintained. It may be of value to reproduce herewith a portion of 
the report of your president to the Hot Springs convention. When this report 
was submitted the wave of prosperity had just begun to subside, and its retreat 
was then almost imperceptible. The suggestions contained in the following 
quotation are especially important at this time, and, it is believed, may be 
acted upon with benefit by many of our local unions: "Whether justified 
or not, there appears to be a feeling of uneasiness permeating the business 
world as to the continuance of the prosperous times that have been uniform 
for the past ten years. It may be that unpropitious and almost unprecedented 
weather is underneath this uneasiness, and it may also eventuate that there is 
no good ground for this feeling of what may be termed lack of complete con- 
fidence. It is reasonable to suppose — and this supposition may be shared by 
the most extreme optimist — that we will not have always with us the pros- 
perity referred to, and if there is a business slump, and a great decline in 
present prices, then we can not expect to continue the upward trend of wages 
that has been so noticeable in recent years, and especially during the past year. 
Nothing may be lost, and conditions may be made reasonably permanent by 
local unions, if they will work for long-term contracts in connection with new 
scales. A contract for a three-year term, or even a five-year term, may be 
of the utmost value in the immediate future. If a business slump does occur, 
then under these contracts we will have conditions nailed down, and we can 
only be affected through a reduction in the composing room force, which would 
take place irrespective of the scale. The suggestion contained in this para- 
graph should have the careful consideration of local unions and especially of 
scale committees. The condition of business has very much to do with the 
scale of prices." 

THE WORK OF THE YEAR 

The work of the past year has been mainly along the lines of effort at 
reclamation of those offices that were lost, temporarily at least, during the 

915 



History of The Typographical Union 

eight-hour campaign. In this, as the files of the Typographical Journal will 
testify, we are meeting with results. An office secured here, and another office 
secured in another locality, and this continued week after week, represents a 
yearly total justifying all of the expense and work involved. The membership 
of the International Typographical Union at the present time is perhaps the 
best indication of results secured, and proof that the work has been effective. 
The membership today is but a trifle less than at the time the eight-hour diffi- 
culty occurred, when it was about 47,000. Today the membership is about 
46,000. The reclamation work referred to will be continued during the com- 
ing year. It has been the desire of the executive council to eliminate all ex- 
pense following the recent unpleasantness, with the exception of that involved 
in the effort to bring back into the fold the offices that have strayed away. 
Before the convention opens we will have nearly reached that desirable posi- 
tion. This means the elimination from strike rolls and benefit rolls of all the 
members affected by the eight-hour difficulty who at this time are beneficiaries 
from the International funds. No organization involved in difficulty with em- 
ployers carried its members on strike and benefit rolls as long as has the In- 
ternational Typographical Union in the eight-hour difficulty. What had been 
a right and of justice should have been done, bid fair to become an abuse. Of 
course, in our strike, a number of the older members, abiding loyally by their 
obligation to the union, were involved, and it will be impossible for these 
members in many instances to again secure employment. The pension fund was 
designed largely for the protection of these members, and beginning August 
1 they will enjoy the benefits 01 that fund. As to the other and younger mem- 
bers, the time has arrived when they must care for themselves, and the date 
chosen by the executive council for this renewed assertion of self-reliance is 
one when the least degree of hardship will occur. The industrial depression 
has to an extent affected the printing trade, but would have affected it to that 
extent whether we had gone through a strike or not, and therefore can not 
be used now as an argument for the continuance of benefits or special as- 
sistance to those who have so long been sustained by International funds. The 
outlook is a bright one. That we will secure all of the offices that were lost, 
and many that we never before controlled, is the belief of your president. 
A good share of our efforts, as much of our money as possibly can be appro- 
priated, and our very best talent, should be expended in the direction of 
strengthening the International Typographical Union at every point, securing 
all of the important offices that are without the fold, and the bringing of the 
membership to the highest possible degree of organization. We can never 
bring about a 100 per cent union. Thousands and thousands of printers are 
employed in towns and hamlets who have no opportunity or occasion to join 
a union. It may be that the extension of our benefit features will secure a 
percentage of these isolated artisans, but we can never hope to secure all of 
them. We can, however, organize every town where there are seven or more 
printers, and that we propose to do. 

AS TO AN ENLARGED COUNCIL 

For some years there has been persistent agitation for an enlarged execu- 
tive council, the method of securing this larger council taking varying chan- 
nels. This effort to increase the number of members making up the executive 
council has been renewed and will undoubtedly come before the Boston con- 
vention. If an enlarged executive council will be of greater service to and 
make for greater strength of the International Typographical Union, then it 
goes without question that the council should be enlarged. On the other hand, 
if an enlarged council simply means increased expenses and a division of re- 
sponsibility, then a change from the present method should not be endorsed. 
During the eight-hour strike, covering more than two years, the executive 



9l6 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

council met every day that the president was at headquarters. Each morning 
there was a large amount of business to transact, and it was this prompt at- 
tention to business, this centralization of authority, that contributed much to 
the winning of the eight-hour strike. Maintaining a council of five or seven 
members at Indianapolis during the period covered by the eight-hour contest 
would have meant a large outlay of money, but if such a council could accom- 
plish greater results than were evident, then the money expenditure would 
have been justified. If the council is to be enlarged it should, in the opinion 
of your president, be made up of seven members, the changes to consist of 
making the first vice-president a member of the executive council; the council 
then to consist of the president, first vice-president, second vice-president, third 
vice-president, fourth vice-president, fifth vice-president, and the secretary- 
treasurer. All of the members of this council should be practical printers and 
typographical union members. When business of interest to the allied trades 
who are members of the International Typographical Union and organized into 
trade district unions is to come before the executive council, then the vice- 
president for that particular trade should act as a member of the council. 

Amendments along the foregoing lines will be submitted to the convention 
for its consideration and action. 

When the proposition to increase the number of members making up the 
executive council was before the Hot Springs convention last year, your presi- 
dent, speaking of the proposed amendment to law, said that, "so far as the 
members of the present council were concerned, they were not opposed to an 
increase in the number of members making up the council. As an officer of 
the International Typographical Union, the president said that he would wel- 
come an increase in the membership of the council, as that would simply mean 
a further division of responsibility, but as a member of the union he was 
strongly opposed to an enlarged council. He believed in centralization of au- 
thority, because then there was greater ease in holding the officers having 
authority responsible for their acts. He was against an enlargement of the 
executive council on sectional lines, as proposed in the New Orleans proposi- 
tions. The endorsement of sectionalism would mean that there would event- 
ually spring up a northwest typographical union, a southwest typographical 
union, a southeast typographical union, a northeast typographical union and! 
Canadian typographical union. President Lynch believed that the interests of 
the members of the International Typographical Union were identical, irre- 
spective of where they were located. And he sincerely trusted that the mem- 
bership or the conventions would never endorse a sectional division of the 
International Typographical Union. He made the foregoing explanation on 
behalf of the executive council, so that the position of the members of the 
council might be known to all." 

In setting forth the failure of organized labor to secure 
legislation from congress the president reproduced the 
reports of the union's representatives at the labor confer- 
ence that was held in Washington in March, 1908, and 
attached thereto "Labor's Protest to Congress" and an 
"Address to Workers," which was promulgated at that 
time. 

Old Age Pensions — The Hot Springs convention for- 
mulated an old age pension plan which was later ratified 

917 



History of The Typographical Union 

by the referendum. This plan provided for an assessment 
of one-half of I per cent on earnings, to become effective 
on the discontinuance of the eight-hour assessment, the 
pensions to be paid five months after the discontinuance 
of the eight-hour assessment. The eight-hour assessment 
was eliminated on March I, 1908, and the pension assess- 
ment made effective on the same day. Regarding the 
pension plan, the president said : 

It is impossible, through lack of actual test, to give information as to the 
working of the pension plan. It must be in actual operation for at least one 
year before reliable data as to its application will be at hand. But the law 
itself has been under observation and criticism, and certain amendments sug- 
gest themselves. The revenue is raised under an assessment of one-half of 
1 per cent, while all other International revenue is secured under a monthly 
per capita tax, a flat rate. While it is believed that the assessment method is 
the most equable plan, yet the fact that the great majority of local unions 
collect dues at a flat monthly rate and that the International per capita is on 
the same basis, makes the assessment method for the pension fund cumbersome 
and confusing. It should be abolished, and a flat rate, say 75 cents per month, 
substituted. The rate suggested will, it is believed, cover all International 
expenditure, and if the suggestion is adopted, it should be made as the In- 
ternational per capita tax, the revenue to be applied to all purposes now cov- 
ered in article ix, constitution. 

Considerable objection has been made to what are termed the "pauper 
features" of the pension plan, and this objection is well based as far as the law 
is concerned. The executive council, however, has adopted a broad and 
liberal policy in considering pension applications. But the law should be 
amended. The words "and who has no other adequate means of support," in 
section 6, article vi, by-laws, should be stricken out. With this amendment, 
any member who has reached the age of 60 years, and who has been in con- 
tinuous good standing for a period of twenty years, and who finds it impossible 
to secure sustaining employment at his trade, will be entitled to the pension. 

Section 13, article vi, should be stricken out. It has served its purpose. 

I take this occasion to utter a word of caution to the delegates who will 
make up the Boston convention against any amendment that will increase the 
expenses incident to the pension plan other than as outlined in this section of 
the report. As far as your president is aware, no other great labor organization 
has put into effect a pension plan from an international standpoint. We must, 
for the protection of our older members, and for the honor of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, make this pension plan proposition a success. One 
year from now, after payments have been made and the bulk of the applica- 
tions are practically all in, we will be in a better position to judge what further 
amendments may be necessary and what additional expense the revenue to the 
fund can stand. To overload the proposition at the present time with liberality 
and sentiment may mean its failure, and that is an eventuality that I am sure 
every delegate and member of the International Typographical Union desires 
to avoid. 

VALUE OF CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP 

In the past it has been the policy of many members of the International 
Typographical Union going into other lines of industry to take out honorable 

9l8 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

withdrawal cards, or sever entirely their connection with the typographical 
union. Now that the pension law is operative, and in view of the fact that 
the International Typographical Union will shortly begin to pay pensions to 
members eligible under the law, it is well that a word of warning should be 
given at this time to the entire membership of the organization. Members who 
sever their connection with the International Typographical Union, either 
through dropping out or by the taking of withdrawal cards, by that action and 
at that moment terminate their continuous membership, and in order to be 
eligible to the pension fund twenty years' continuous membership from the 
date of reaffiliation will be necessary. Many members in good health, and 
able to earn a livelihood at the trade, are, as is human, prone to be careless 
as to the pension fund, basing their attitude on the insecure foundation of 
never needing the assistance that the pension will give. Notwithstanding this, 
there is not a member of the International Typographical Union today who 
may not at some future period be placed in the direst financial need, unable 
to work, or unable to obtain it because of age or infirmity, and, needing the 
pension, then find that he is ineligible on account of lapse in membership 
through suspension for non-payment of dues and assessments, the taking out 
of an honorary withdrawal card, or leaving the local union. This applies also 
to those members who go into other lines of industrial activity. The time 
may arrive when they will find it necessary to return to the compositor's art 
for a livelihood, and will reach a condition in which the pension, small as it 
may be considered by those in the full possession of strength and the ability 
to work, will be a real blessing enjoyed as a right and not as a privilege. 
The point is: Maintain your membership in good standing in the International 
Typographical Union, no matter where you are or what vocation in life you 
may be following. 

Other benefit features, particularly the insurance plan, may make continu- 
ous membership even more valuable at some future time. 

Typographic^— Second Vice-President Hugo Miller 
reported a very quiet year in Typographia circles. How- 
ever, the German-American branch was successful in 
securing a wage increase in several cities, notably in St. 
Paul, Philadelphia, Columbus (Ohio), Rochester, Buf- 
falo, St Louis and Chicago. During the year one lockout 
occurred in the jurisdiction, a book and job plant in 
Newark, N. J., and the fight was still on when the report 
was filed. Consolidations in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, 
throwing some of the German members out of work, were 
also unfortunate affairs. Mr. Miller, nevertheless, re- 
ported the Typographia in good condition financially, it 
having increased its old age pension from $4 to $6 per 
week. 

Secretary -Treasurer's Report — The report of Secre- 
tary-Treasurer Bramwood began with a summary of the 



919 



History of The Typographical Union 

receipts and expenditures of the organization for the fiscal 
year. The different funds were given in full and a table 
showing the assessments paid by the different unions to 
the old age pension fund was printed in the report. The 
total receipts for the year were $1,071,816.21 ; expendi- 
tures, $833,799.96; leaving a balance of $238,016.25. 

Home Fund — The increased per capita tax ordered by 
the Colorado Springs convention of 1906 did not take 
effect until March I, 1908, and the executive council had 
found it necessary to transfer $20,880.80 to the Home 
fund during the fiscal year, this sum having been trans- 
ferred from the defense fund. The report of the Home 
trustees showed the total expense of maintaining the 
Home for the year to have been $79,080.45. 

Burial Fund — There was a decrease of twenty -three 
in the number of burial claims filed during the year, the 
total being 538. The receipts for the fund during the 
year were $39,366.40 and the expenditures $38,650. The 
death rate for the year was 1.23 per cent of the average 
membership, or a little more than 12 per 1,000. 

Membership — Under the caption "Our Membership," 
the secretary-treasurer said : 

The per capita tax payments show an average paying membership of about 
43,000 for the first nine months of the year, and approximately 45,000 for the 
last three months covered by this report. For the year, the average member- 
ship, as indicated by the per capita tax payments, was 43,740, an increase of 
i>3%3 over the average membership for 1907. This increase in membership 
and the addition of forty-two unions to the list of locals is encouraging. The 
success of the International Union in its eight-hour movement has been given 
the widest publicity, and, as a result, locals that were lost during the progress 
of the fray are seeking reinstatement, and towns that have not heretofore 
supported locals want charters. All seem anxious to obtain the eight-hour day. 
These incidents make it only fair to presume that greater additions to the 
membership and list of unions can safely be expected. 

During the year the charters of twelve unions were 
surrendered or suspended, with a total membership of 
101. During the same period fifty-four unions were 
chartered or reinstated, with a membership of 594, leav- 
ing a net increase from this source of forty-two unions. 

920 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

On June I, 1908, there were 618 local unions, divided 
thus: English, typographical, 575; German-American, 
22; mailers, 18; newspaper writers, 3. 

Cost of Eight-Hour Struggle — From the reports of 
1906, 1907, 1908, the following figures have been taken. 
The grand total represents the cost of the eight-hour 
fight to May 31, 1908: 

Summary of Expenditures for the Three Years 
1906. 

Expenditures from International defense fund $815,291 80 

Ten per cent assessment retained and expended by 

local unions 651,791 73 

One-half of one per cent assessment retained and ex- 
pended by local unions 96,645 57 

$1,563,729 10 

1907. 

Expenditures from International defense fund $1,468,841 52 

Ten per cent assessment retained and expended by 

local unions 500,487 49 

1,969,329 01 

1908. 
Expenditures from International defense fund 630,912 53 



Grand total $4,163,970 64 

The foregoing includes $13,358 sent to California lo- 
cals in their hour of need in 1906, and $14,900 forwarded 
to Los Angeles for use in the Times fight during the three 
years indicated. This summary does not include local 
funds or moneys derived from local assessments that were 
expended in the eight-hour fight. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Five propositions were submitted to the referendum 
by the Boston convention, all of which met with approval. 
The first proposition was to repeal section 2, article i, 
constitution, which was objectionable, owing to the fact 
that the five unions of the printing trade had reached an 
agreement under which each had complete autonomy. 
The second proposition was an addition to section 2, of 
article ii, constitution, being a proviso relative to "conven- 

921 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion laws." The third amendment arranged for a consoli- 
dation of the various funds of the organization, providing 
that but three funds should be maintained — the general 
fund, old age pension fund and Home fund. The fourth 
proposition changed the manner of handling appeal cases 
by requiring that local unions should appeal direct to the 
executive council and thence to the convention. The fifth 
and last proposition was a minor matter intended to 
regulate the time that amended laws should go into effect. 
The five propositions, with the vote on each, follow : 

First proposition — Amend article i, constitution, by striking out section 2 
of that article. The section eliminated reads as follows: 

Sec. 2. The right is reserved to re-establish jurisdiction over any branch 
of the kindred trades whose affairs are conducted in such manner as to menace 
the welfare of the International Typographical Union. 

Result of vote — For, 16,822; against, 1,983; majority 
for, 14,839- 

Second proposition — Add sub-section to section 2, article ii, constitution, 
to read as follows: 

(d) The convention laws, which shall contain all laws, rules of order, 
committees, etc., relative to the convention and its deliberations. 

Result of vote- — For, 17,261; against, 1,333; majority 
for, 15,928. 

Third proposition — Amend article ix, constitution, to read as follows: 

ARTICLE IX REVENUE AND FUNDS 

Section i. The revenue of the International Typographical Union shall be 
derived as follows: From dues, which shall be 40 cents per month per mem- 
ber, and an additional one-half of 1 per cent assessment on earnings of mem- 
bers for old age pension fund; from charters for subordinate unions, $5 per 
charter; from necessary supplies, at prices to be fixed by law. International 
dues for each month shall be collected by subordinate unions, and shall be 
transmitted to the secretary-treasurer of the International Typographical Union 
before the 20th of the succeeding month. Unions failing to comply with this 
provision shall be considered delinquent and debarred from benefits; provided, 
that unions located so far from headquarters as to make it impossible for 
their dues to reach there within the prescribed time shall not be considered 
delinquent if their remittances bear postmark date prior to the 15th of the 
succeeding month. 

Sec. 2. In addition to the monthly dues provided in this article every 
member (except members of the Typographia and those domiciled at the Union 
Printers Home) shall pay the sum of 5 cents monthly as a subscription to 
the Typographical Journal, the same to be collected with the monthly dues 
and transmitted to the secretary-treasurer of the International Union, to be 
placed to the credit of the general fund. 

Sec. 3. The dues of the International Union shall be apportioned to the 

922 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

several funds as follows: 15 cents to the Union Printers Home fund, one- 
half of 1 per cent on earnings of members to the old age pension fund; the 
balance to the general fund. 

Sec. 4. The general fund shall be used to defray all expenses of the In- 
ternational Typographical Union except disbursements from the pension fund 
and the Home fund. 

Sec. 5. On the death of each member in good standing a death benefit to 
the amount of $75 shall be paid to the proper parties. 

Sec. 6. All moneys to the credit of the Union Printers Home fund shall 
be transferred to the treasurer of the Union Printers Home corporation. 

Sec. 7. The old age pension fund shall be used for the purpose of main- 
taining and disbursing pensions to aged and superannuated members. 

Sec. 8. The executive council shall have the power and authority to trans- 
fer money of this union from one fund to another whenever deemed necessary 
to maintain the integrity of this organization. 

Result of vote — For, 16,676; against, 2,225; majority 
for, 14,451. 

Fourth proposition — Amend section i, article xi, constitution, to read: 

ARTICLE XI APPEALS. 

Section i. All appeals from the decision of a subordinate union shall 
be submitted in written or printed form only, to the executive council of the 
International Typographical Union (seven complete copies of all papers to be 
supplied), and decisions rendered by that body, except in cases where allied 
crafts are organized as trade district unions. Should either party feel aggrieved 
at the decision of the executive council he shall have the right of appeal, in 
printed form only, to the succeeding convention of the International Typo- 
graphical Union, which judgment shall be final. 

Sec. 2. Appellant and respondent shall furnish copies of papers in complete 
form, on each other, and shall be entitled to submit replies to these original 
articles. In appeals to the convention, the same procedure shall be followed. 

Result of vote — For, 17,254; against, 1,603; majority 
for, 15,651. 

Fifth proposition — Amend section 5, article xvii, constitution, by adding 
the words "the by-laws and" in the first line. 

Sec. 5. The by-laws and general laws adopted by the convention of the 
International Typographical Union shall go into effect at the same time as 
laws and amendments submitted to the membership by the same convention. 

Result of vote — For, 17,661; against, 1,036; majority 
for, 16,625. 

The Priority Law — Perhaps the most interesting dis- 
cussion that took place upon the floor of the Boston con- 
vention occurred when the laws committee submitted its 
report upon several propositions dealing with section 109, 
general laws (the priority law). Several propositions, 
respectively, Nos. 89, 83, 84, 90, 132, 189 and 191, all 

9 2 3 



History of The Typographical Union 

dealing with the subject of priority, were reported unfa- 
vorably by the laws committee, with the exception of 
proposition No. 89 by the New York delegation, which 
the laws committee reported favorably. It was as follows : 
"Amend general laws by striking out section 109 and 
substitute the following: 'Section 109. Subordinate 
unions may decree that the competent substitute oldest in 
continuous service is entitled to the first vacancy.' " 

Delegate Lawton (Portland, Ore.) offered the follow- 
ing substitute : "Amend proposition No. 89 to read as 
follows: 'Section 109. Subordinate unions may decree 
that persons considered capable as substitutes by foremen 
shall be given preference in the order of their priority in 
the filling of vacancies in the regular force and in giving 
out extra work.' " 

Delegate Kleinhoffer, of the committee on laws, said 
that the propositions under discussion had been carefully 
considered and the report submitted was in response to a 
demand for local autonomy on this and other subjects. 
The majority of the committee believed such matters as 
this should be submitted to a vote of the membership. 

Delegates Cahill (New York), Nolan (Boston), Koes- 
ter (Denver), Lovy (New York), Rosenson (New 
York), Calvert (Fort Smith), Wenzel (New York), 
DeVoe (Boston), Sherouse (Tampa), Rice (Seattle), 
Ottarson (New Haven), Waterman (Washington), Car- 
roll (Providence), Miller (Toledo), Miller (Wheeling), 
Davis (Denver) and Crane (St. Louis) discussed the 
propositions. 

The substitute of Delegate Lawton (Portland, Ore.) 
was lost. 

The favorable report of the committee on proposition 
No. 89 was non-concurred in by a vote of 125 to 63. 
There being no objection, the New York proposition (No. 
89) was declared defeated by the same vote. 

924 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

All of the remaining propositions referring to priority 
were also defeated. Thus the convention refused to en- 
dorse the proposition of local option in the enforcement 
of the priority law. 

By-Laws, General Laws, etc. — In addition to the con- 
stitutional amendments, several important changes were 
made in the by-laws and general laws of the organization. 
By an amendment to the by-laws, all convention commit- 
tees were increased from five members to seven members. 
Another amendment provided that the laws committee 
shall meet in the city where the International Union is to 
convene at least five days (instead of three days) before 
the beginning of the session. A law governing the crea- 
tion of a committee on appeals was passed at the Boston 
convention. Under the provisions of the law, the presi- 
dent may appoint the appeals committee, or, if the dele- 
gates so desire, the committee may be elected. 

Section 6, article vi, by-laws, a part of the old age 
pension law, was amended by striking out "and who has 
no other adequate means of support." Though this pro- 
viso had been inserted in the law at the Hot Springs 
convention as a precautionary measure, under the opera- 
tion of the law it was found that this restriction could 
wisely be removed. 

The general law which denied subordinate unions the 
right to erase the names of charter members from their 
charters and substitute others in their places was ampli- 
fied to provide that this restriction should not operate to 
prevent a union attaching to its charter, on a separate 
sheet, a sketch of the delinquency or degeneracy of any 
person whose name appeared thereon as a charter 
member. 

Among the resolutions passed by the convention was 
one requiring that a label agent be appointed by the 
president, to work under the direction of the executive 

925 



History of The Typographical Union 

council and carry out its instructions, compensation of the 
agent to be fixed by the executive council. That the of- 
ficers, delegates and visitors to the twenty-eighth annual 
convention of the American Federation of Labor be 
invited to be the guests of the International Typograph- 
ical Union at the Union Printers Home in Colorado 
Springs for one day during the federation's convention at 
Denver, and that such sum of money as was necessary be 
appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the above 
invitation. 

NEW AGREEMENT WITH STEREOTYPERS 

For the greater portion of the time during which the 
eight-hour difficulty was on, the International Stereo- 
typers and Electrotypers' Union, under agreement with 
the International Typographical Union, paid 50 cents per 
week per member into the joint defense fund. Early in 
the year 1907 the stereotypers claimed it was impossible 
for them to continue to pay the assessment at the rate of 
50 cents per week and requested a reduction to 25 cents 
per week, which request the representatives of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union did not feel they were 
justified in acceding to. The stereotypers then declined to 
pay further, and thus matters stood for several months. 
Later negotiations were had with the view of determining 
the relations that were to exist between the two organi- 
zations and they resulted in the agreement which follows : 

Agreement Between the International Typographical Union and the 
International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union 

It is agreed that the contract heretofore existing between the International 
Typographical Union and the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' 
Union, and for certain reasons ineffective for a number of months, is hereby 
terminated, and that this action is mutually satisfactory. 

It is agreed by the executive council of the International Typographical 
Union that any indebtedness by the International Stereotypers and Electro- 
typers' Union to the International Typographical Union at the date of signing 
this agreement is hereby canceled. The executive council of the International 
Typographical Union believes that it is fully justified in taking this action, 
as a recognition of the earnest and aggressive support given the International 

926 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

Typographical Union by the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' 
Union during the eight-hour conflict. 

It is agreed that the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union 
will be bound by the arbitration agreements, covering stereotype or electrotype 
departments, already executed and in existence between the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association and the International Typographical Union, which 
will expire on May I, 1912, and all subsequent agreements, covering stereotype 
or electrotype departments, that may be executed up to the date of an agree- 
ment that may be negotiated between the International Stereotypers and Elec- 
trotypers' Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, under 
which an arbitration agreement will be made between the International Stereo- 
typers and Electrotypers' Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' As- 
sociation, and arbitration contracts covering stereotype or electrotype depart- 
ments negotiated directly between the American Newspaper Publishers' Asso- 
ciation and the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union. 

It is agreed that the International Typographical Union and the Interna- 
tional Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union will in the future, as in the 
past, work for the furthering of the interests of both organizations, and for 
the success of the trade union movement. 

Dated at Indianapolis, Ind., June 24, 1908. j AM es M. Lynch, 

J. W. Bramwood, 
Hugo Miller, 
James J. Freel, 
J. Fremont Frey, 
Aug. D. Robrahn, 
M. J. Shea, 
George W. Williams. 

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR 

The American Federation of Labor met in annual 
convention in 1907, in Norfolk, Va., November n-23, 
inclusive. A summary of the business transacted at this 
convention is contained in the annual reports of officers 
submitted to the Boston session of the International 
Union. The document is comprehensive and complete, 
and contains many interesting features not generally 
included in reports of this character. The child labor 
question, eight-hour workday, boycotts, relations with 
manufacturers, and the Los Angeles situation were among 
the subjects treated in the report. Regarding the Los 
Angeles situation, the action of the federation is sum- 
marized as follows : 

The committee on resolutions reported as follows on the resolutions rela- 
tive to the situation in Los Angeles, in which the International Typographical 
Union was and is vitally interested: "Your committee concurs in the spirit 
and intent of this resolution, and recommends that one special assessment of i 

927 



History of The Typographical Union 

cent per capita be levied to combat the work of the manufacturers' association 
in Los Angeles and other places where similar conditions exist. Your com- 
mittee further recommends that all national and international organizations 
directly interested in this situation send one or more organizers, as per the 
advice of the executive council of the American Federation of Labor, to suc- 
cessfully prosecute the work necessary to ultimately organize the workers of 
Los Angeles and other places where like conditions exist." The report of the 
committee was more satisfactory than the original resolution, in its financial 
aspect, as it provided for an arbitrary instead of a voluntary assessment. The 
American Federation of Labor very quickly arranged for the prosecution of 
the work in Los Angeles, under the direction of Arthur A. Hay, acting as a 
special organizer for the American Federation of Labor. Another organizer, 
under the terms of the committee's report, took the place of Mr. Hay as the 
direct representative of the International Typographical Union. The move- 
merit against the unfair Los Angeles Times has gone forward, with added im- 
petus and strength. 

LOS ANGELES TIMES AND PHILADELPHIA 
INQUIRER 

The report of the committee on Los Angeles Times and 
Philadelphia Inquirer contests was to the effect that the 
committee had carefully considered all propositions and 
correspondence submitted in connection with these con- 
tests. It referred to the fact that at the Hot Springs 
convention a resolution was adopted to the effect that the 
American Federation of Labor be induced to enter the 
Los Angeles field and endeavor to unionize that city. The 
federation had responded to the request of the Interna- 
tional Union and had levied an assessment of one cent on 
each of its affiliated members. The result of the action of 
the federation had been the keeping of from five to ten 
organizers of the various international unions in Los 
Angeles for the last six months of the year. During that 
short time much good had been done in strengthening 
existing unions and organizing new ones. Organizer 
Arthur A. Hay, who was in charge of the work in Los 
Angeles for the American Federation, maintained that it 
was absolutely necessary to build up the general labor 
movement in that city before effective work could be done 
toward unionizing the Times. On December I, 1907, Mr. 
Hay resigned as organizer for the International Union 
and was succeeded by T. D. Fennessy, of Los Angeles. 

928 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

In May, 1908, Mr. Fennessy resigned and was succeeded 
by W. A. McLernon. The committee offered a recom- 
mendation that the contests with the Los Angeles Times 
and Philadelphia Inquirer be continued and that the 
executive council be authorized to expend such money in 
the conduct of these movements as in its judgment was 
deemed necessary, and the convention concurred in the 
recommendation. 

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS 

At the afternoon session of the fourth day of the 
convention President Lynch announced the presence of 
Charles H. Taylor, jr., a member of the special standing 
committee of the American Newspaper Publishers' Asso- 
ciation. Mr. Taylor briefly addressed the convention and 
read a paper by H. N. Kellogg, special representative of 
the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, who 
was prevented by illness from addressing the delegates. 
The president then introduced John Mitchell, second vice- 
president of the American Federation of Labor and 
former chief executive of the United Mine Workers. Mr. 
Mitchell spoke as follows : 

In coming here, I have no constituency. My object is none other than 
that I might have the opportunity to listen to the delegates and of learning 
more about your organization. 

It would be presumption on my part to try to preach trade unionism to 
such an organization as this which has been established over fifty years. Your 
organization was born and reared at a time and in an atmosphere when it 
was not fashionable to be a member of such an organization. Men were not 
proud to proclaim that they were a member of a trade union fifty years ago, 
and it is not fulsome praise on my part to say that the International Typo- 
graphical Union has made it more than any other organization of its kind 
respectable, if not fashionable, to now be a member of a trade union organiza- 
tion. 

For more than ten years it was my proud privilege to direct the affairs of 
the United Mine Workers of America. During that time we had many fights, 
fights that shocked the conscience of the American public. But in all that 
time I never consented to the calling of a strike until every other honorable 
means of obtaining peace was exhausted. If I have the power I should not 
deprive any one of them of any weapon of defense, or one weapon of offense. 
The organization's best methods, however, were not always used. The policies 
of this organization may best promote the membership, than by the policies of 
recently organized trade unions, international and national. I would call no 
strike until both the employes and employers had exhausted every method of 

929 



History of The Typographical Union 

conciliation and arbitration. It is now my purpose to devote the few years 
of my life remaining to the promotion of industrial peace. At the present 
time, you, especially those working in the newspaper offices of the country, 
are working under the best trade agreement possible. I don't know whether 
the interests of capital and labor are identical, but capital and labor have many 
mutual interests, and they should tend to the industrial prosperity of the coun- 
try. It has been my experience to secure the best division of profits possible, 
and I believe that capital and labor should meet in conference as man to man 
of equal strength deciding as to what our individual rights and privileges 
should be. 

Let me say this, gentlemen, it is my earnest belief that a union man is 
and always shall be a better workman than a non-union man. Unionism 
should be the synonym of efficiency and good workmanship, and so it follows 
that a union employer is a better man than a non-union employer. There al- 
ways should be co-operation as far as possible, and when it comes to a ques- 
tion of division of profits more can be gained by a peaceable agreement. In 
the ten years that I directed the affairs of the miners, their wages were in- 
creased over ioo per cent and the number of working hours was reduced 25 
to 30 per cent, but I would not deprive the right of man to fight. It is the 
right of man to a closed shop, and the right of man to strike makes them all 
reasonable. 

I am glad to be here with you gentlemen today, and I congratulate the 
International Typographical Union on the steady progress it has made. Labor 
unions will come to be a still greater factor in the industrial face of the world 
in the future, and after this I shall strive in my new work. 

You, as union printers, will work out the destiny of the printing trade. 
You will make for better conditions and relations in the great printing industry 
of the country. 

AFTER THE CONVENTION 

At a meeting of the New York branch of the Printers' 
League of America, held on October 6, 1908, the report 
of President Charles Francis was submitted and ordered 
published. In view of the friendly position occupied by 
the Printers' League, in contrast with the policies pursued 
by many organizations of employers that had preceded its 
formation, the remarks of Mr. Francis, relative to rela- 
tions with unions, are herewith reproduced : 

We are .nearing the close of the second year of our existence along the 
lines laid out by the Printers' League, and during these two years our mem- 
bership in New York city has become a representative one, and in all prob- 
ability the most powerful in point of the number of employers that has ever 
existed in this vicinity. 

We began on the principle that other organizations had been a failure in 
their negotiations with the unions and had really caused disruption and un- 
told expense, which had to be borne by the customer and employer, and re- 
flected its baneful effects on the unions. Our basis of organization was wide 
open as to its membership; no one was barred from becoming a member who 
lived up to the requirements shown forth in our "plan and scope" and. after- 
ward in our constitution and by-laws. 

At the very outset we found the unions prepared to meet us with open 

930 



Convention at Boston, 1908 

arms as soon as they could really be made to believe that we came to them as 
friends and co-laborers, to work together in an unbiased manner to obtain, so 
far as possible, a fair remuneration for our mutual labors. 

It goes without saying that the methods of the typothetae, which has in 
its recent convention declared for "war" all the time, are not in consonance 
with the trend of the times. The unions are here to stay and number among 
their members probably 90 per cent of the high-class workmen. These workmen 
are beginning to learn that they are to all intents and purposes our partners in 
business, and can help themselves by helping us; this work is, however, edu- 
cational and will take time for its fulfilment. 

Our accomplishments thus far are the peaceful settlement of all questions 
arising between the employers and employes, the latter constituting the three 
principal unions with whom we have to deal. 

THE REDEMPTION OF PITTSBURGH 

From the Typographical Journal, February, 1909: 

On January 8, 1909, an agreement was entered into between the Pittsburgh 
Publishers' Association, composed of five hitherto non-union newspapers, and 
Typographical Union No. 7, by which the entire composing room forces of the 
Gazette-Times and Post, morning papers, and the Chronicle-Telegraph, Press and 
Sun, evening papers, with the exception of three foremen who are exempted 
from union membership while they hold their present positions, will hereafter 
comprise only members of the typographical union. The agreement, which was 
negotiated and signed by President Lynch, on behalf of the International Typo- 
graphical Union, and by President Merz and Secretary Lafferty, of Typograph- 
ical Union No. 7, was ratified by a unanimous vote at a meeting of the union 
held the following Sunday. 

The memorable strike occurred in Pittsburgh in December, 1899, and at- 
tempts have been made by various union representatives during the past eight 
years to effect a settlement, which were finally crowned with success. The 
Dispatch was the only paper saved to the union at the time of the strike, but 
about two years ago the Evening Leader was unionized, and since that event 
the efforts to square the remaining papers have been especially strenuous. 

For eight years the executive council has worked toward the end that has 
just been attained in Pittsburgh. All of the council's plans have been made 
effective through the agency of President Lynch and the executive officers of 
No. 7. While full meed of praise should be accorded President Merz, Secre- 
tary Lafferty and their co-workers for the magnificent result attained, yet 
former Presidents Dabney, Bradley and Leighley should also be remembered. 
These were the officials who worked with the executive council when the pros- 
pects were discouraging and obstacles and disappointments the most in evi- 
dence. As a famous admiral said in an equally famous message, "There is 
glory enough for all." 

The National Labor Tribune, of Pittsburgh, in its account of the meeting 
of No. 7, at which the proposed agreement was unanimously ratified, says: 

"The meeting Sunday was held in the Wabash building, and long before 
the hour for the starting almost every member of No. 7 was in the hall, 
probably three hundred, waiting for President Merz to call time. 

"After time was called President Lynch was asked to take the chair, which 
he did, and the way he dispatched business was a wonder. The scale agreed 
upon was read and taken up seriatim and discussed. 

"When the last section was read and President Lynch made a short speech, 
and the question was called for, and President Lynch said that all in favor 
of adoption say 'Aye,' there was such a response that it almost lifted the roof 
of the Wabash building, and all opposed 'No,' there was a silence as intense 

931 



History of The Typographical Union 

as the grave; and when he decided that it was carried unanimously, hats were 
thrown into the air, men hugged one another and a general good feeling pre- 
vailed." 

The contract is not all that President Merz, Secretary Lafferty and Presi- 
dent Lynch made effort for, but in the greater part of its provisions it is 
satisfactory, and at its expiration can be made more so. The great object 
was accomplished. Pittsburgh is a union city in the newspaper field, and 
undivided effort can now be given the job interests — and will. That the mem- 
bers of No. 7 appreciated the importance of securing an agreement with the 
so-called open office newspaper establishments, and that the contract was satis- 
factory in its essential features, is best evidenced by the unanimous vote for 
the ratification of the instrument. One of the most aggravating situations that 
has confronted the International Typographical Union has been eliminated, 
and five newspapers have been added to the union fold. 

The following communication, which was forwarded to the Journal by 
Secretary Lafferty, of Typographical Union No. 7, speaks for itself: 

"Pittsburgh, Pa., January 21, 1909. 
Mr. Thomas E. Griffin, Foreman Composing Room. 

Dear Sir: The Dispatch has accepted the contract between Typographical 
Union No. 7 and the Pittsburgh Publishers' Association, which includes the 
Gazette-Times, Pittsburgh Post, Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh Chronicle-Tele- 
graph and the Pittsburgh Sun, of date January 8, 1909, for the term of five 
years. Under this scale the rate per hour is fixed at 60 cents, seven or eight 
hours constituting a day's work. 

In accepting this contract the Dispatch Publishing Company desires to ex- 
press its thanks to Typographical Union No. 7 and the members thereof asso- 
ciated with the Dispatch for their loyalty and friendly interest in its welfare 
during the many years the Dispatch was the only union newspaper in Pitts- 
burgh and prior thereto. In recognition thereof the Dispatch Publishing Com- 
pany hereby notifies the members of Typographical Union No. 7 that, until 
further notice, the rate of 61 cents per hour, paid under scale of April 2, 
1903, will be continued. 

Hoping that the existing friendly relations between the Dispatch and its 
employes shall continue on uninterruptedly, and with kindest greetings, we 



are, very truly yours, 



The Dispatch Publishing Company, 

(C. R. Sutpin, Business Manager.) 



RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY -TREASURER 
BRAMWOOD 

Under date of February I, 1909, the executive council 
issued a circular to secretaries of all subordinate unions, 
as follows : 

Office of the Executive Council, International Typographical Union, 635-650 

Newton Claypool Building. 

Indianapolis, Ind., February 1, 1909. 
To the Membership of the International Typographical Union. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: The following documents are self-explanatory: 

"Indianapolis, Ind., February 1, 1909. 
"James M. Lynch, President International Typographical Union, Indianapolis, 
Ind. 
"Dear Mr. Lynch: I desire to present herewith my resignation as secre- 

932 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

tary-treasurer of the International Typographical Union. My health has been 
such for the past six months that I consider continuing in the office as an 
obstacle to my recovery. 

"In presenting this resignation I desire to say that I sever my official 
connection with the International Typographical Union with considerable re- 
gret, and only because health necessities demand that procedure. 

"Yours fraternally, ( . T ,,. _ 

J. W. Bramwood. 

"Indianapolis, Ind., February i, 1909. 
"John W. Hays, First Vice-President International Typographical Union. 

"Dear Sir: You are hereby appointed secretary-treasurer of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, vice J. W. Bramwood, resigned. This appoint- 
ment effective from this date. Fraternally, 

"James M. Lynch, 
"Hugo Miller, 
"Executive Council International Typographical Union." 

"Indianapolis, Ind., February 1, 1909. 
"To the Officers and Members of Subordinate Unions. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen: Make all International Typographical Union 
drafts, checks, money orders, etc., payable to John W. Hays, SeCretary-treaS- 
Urer. «T TIT T 

James M. Lynch, 
"Hugo Miller, 
"John W. Hays, 
"Executive Council International Typographical Union." 

Following the resignation of Secretary Bramwood and 
the appointment of First Vice-President Hays to fill the 
vacancy, the executive council appointed George A. 
Tracy, of San Francisco, to fill the unexpired term as first 
vice-president. 

Convention at St. Joseph 

[1909] — When the fifty-fifth convention of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union opened its first session at 
St. Joseph, Mo., Monday, August 9, 1909, the delegates 
were called to order by Ben F. Hill, chairman of the local 
arrangements committee. After an invocation by Rever- 
end Father Brady, of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mayor 
Clayton was introduced and instantly made friends with 
his audience with his oratory, inimitable stories and 
cordial words of welcome. The mayor was frequently 
applauded during his address. In closing he said : 
"When the local union conceived the idea of bringing this 
big convention to St. Joseph/their committee held its first 

933 



History of The Typographical Union 

meeting at my home. They came to my den for inspira- 
tion, and they received it. I wish I had a voice in this 
convention, so I could offer a resolution to name St. 
Joseph as the permanent meeting place of this organiza- 
tion. In the name of the citizens of St. Joseph, I bid each 
and every one of you welcome to our city, to our homes 
and to our hospitality." 

The next speaker was Louis T. Golding, publisher of 
the St. Joseph News-Press. After a kindly greeting, he 
devoted a part of his address to pointing out the many 
commendable features of the International Union 'and 
spoke of the friendly relations which had long existed 
between himself as a publisher and the organization. Mr. 
Golding was followed by George C. Crowther in an elo- 
quent address. Mr. Crowther became a member of 
Leavenworth Union No. 45 in 1866, and was later 
prominent in the councils of St. Louis Union No. 8. G. H. 
Larke, publisher of the St. Joseph Gazette, was the next 
speaker, and in a particularly pleasing manner invited 
those present to make themselves at home while in the 
city. President Burnham, of St. Joseph Union, convinced 
the gathering that every member of the local organiza- 
tion, as well as the citizens, intended to do their utmost 
to make the stay of the visitors as pleasant as possible. 

President Lynch replied to the several addresses of 
welcome and expressed appreciation both for himself and 
the assembled guests. He then declared the fifty-fifth 
session of the International Union open for business. 

After Secretary-Treasurer Hays had read the list of 
delegates, the chair announced the appointment of the 
convention officers and the various committees. 

BRIEF REVIEW OF OFFICERS' REPORTS 

President's Report — The optimism that the year be- 
fore characterized the report of the president was again 

934 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

evident in the address of that official presented to the 
convention. The president said : 

In submitting herewith my annual report, it is with pleasure and gratifi- 
cation that I point to the record of the fiscal year just closed. We have in- 
deed progressed, and the International Typographical Union is stronger at 
every point than it was one year ago. Our policies are gradually claiming the 
attention and receiving the commendation of all who are interested in the 
trade union movement, and even the hostile employers are reluctantly com- 
pelled to admit that the International Typographical Union is rapidly becoming 
a model organization. 

During the year our members have been quite generally employed, owing 
to the steady increase in patronage of union offices, although the contrary 
has been true as to the non-union offices. In the main I attribute this pros- 
perity of the union office and permanency of employment for our member- 
ship to the aggressiveness of the label campaign, so persistently conducted from 
International headquarters, and so loyally assisted and furthered by local 
unions, acting through their local label committees. 

The pension assessment shows that our membership has earned during 
the fiscal year about $40,500,000, and this is indisputable proof of the quite 
general employment of the union printers and the permanency of that em- 
ployment. 

Our pension venture has worked out better than the most optimistic pension 
supporter had hoped for. 

Our technical education proposition is rapidly ingratiating itself in the 
esteem and support of the membership. 

The Union Printers Home at Colorado Springs is in good condition, and, 
aside from its value as a refuge for our aged and incapacitated members and 
those suffering from disease, its advertising value for the organization can 
not be exaggerated. 

Our organization work goes on with gratifying results. In this respect 
we go neither too fast nor too slow. 

Sanitary conditions in composing rooms have steadily improved. 

We obtained a high place in the general campaign against the great white 
plague. 

We have been associated with all movements having for their object a 
betterment of the condition of the toilers of the country. 

The label campaign has been auspiciously inaugurated, and contains prom- 
ise of much greater results as it is gradually developed and its possibilities 
unfold. 

At the convention of the American Federation of Labor in November ot 
last year the International Typographical Union was one of the few organiza- 
tions showing a gain in membership, notwithstanding the panic conditions. 

The average membership for the year is 44,921. 

We paid per capita tax to the American Federation of Labor for the 
month of March on 48,246 members; April, 45,636 members; May, 46,966 mem- 
bers. The total membership taken from the quarterly reports on April 3 
was 47,174. 

Our finances are in a good condition, and we hope during the coming year 
to make a gain in this respect, as we do not anticipate that the calls from 
local unions will be near as heavy as they have been for the past two or three 
years. 

All in all, we can congratulate ourselves on the history of the fiscal year 
just closed, and can look forward to another year with the hope and con- 
viction that success will attend all our legitimate efforts. 

935 



History of The Typographical Union 

As set forth, the pension assessment shows that our membership has 
earned during the fiscal year ended with May 31, about forty million five 
hundred thousand dollars, or nearly nine hundred dollars average for every 
member of the organization. When the members on the pension roll and those 
domiciled in the Union Printers Home are taken from the average member- 
ship, and further deductions are made for those members who continue their 
active association with the union but who are not employed at the trade, and 
the basis of calculation is thus reduced to the members who are actively work- 
ing at the trade for a livelihood, it is believed that the average wage will be 
considerably more than nine hundred dollars per year, and that it will closely 
approach one thousand dollars per year. The total amount earned, as shown 
by the pension assessment, proves that our membership has been quite gen- 
erally employed during a year which has been severe on artisans in other 
industries. The wide control of the union in the more important composing 
rooms, the fact that the union membership embraces the most skilled artisans, 
and the additional condition that industrial peace has prevailed throughout the 
International jurisdiction, are some of the subdivisions of the story told by 
the immense sum earned by the union printers of the country. It may be 
that in some cases wages have not been advanced to as great a degree as the 
members affected believed was justified, but throughout the jurisdiction the 
figures will show that the general advance in wages and betterment of con- 
ditions have been most satisfactory. It is submitted that a condition such as 
is set forth by the earning power of the membership is one that must be con- 
served, and, if industrial peace brings such large returns both in a financial 
way and through steady employment to our members, then it should bo our 
aim to perpetuate industrial peace in every honorable way. 

I am opposed to strikes. I have always opposed the strike, and I have 
sought a settlement in every instance where trouble did occur through every 
channel that offered, before the strike was resorted to. But I am not one of 
those who would abandon the strike as the last weapon in the hands of or- 
ganized labor. Where the employers, through their associations, are fair; 
where they indicate a desire to enter into agreements under which industrial 
disputes can be adjusted in a manner that gives both the employer and em- 
ploye equal opportunities in the settlement, then I am for that policy of con- 
ciliation, arbitration, or adjustment. On the other hand, where associations 
of employers evince the disposition and manifest the tactics that were so con- 
spicuously indicated by the typothetae when in the full enjoyment of its great- 
est power, when all overtures toward peace were rejected, then I am for bat- 
tle, and a battle to a successful end for) the union, despite the sacrifices that 
may be called for and the treasure that may be expended. 

Without question, our agreement with the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association, under which industrial peace in the great newspaper composing 
rooms of the country has been the rule for the past? eight years, has contrib- 
uted materially to the earning power of our members employed in the news- 
paper branch. The general peace that has characterized employment in the 
book and job industry since the great eight-hour strike has also contributed to 
the financial prosperity of that portion of the membership. 

In brief, under our policy of conciliation and harmony, we have estab- 
lished a very favorable condition, and one that should be fostered and con- 
served through fairness and diplomatic negotiation. 

Mortuary Benefits — On the very important question 
of increased mortuary benefits, the president expressed 
himself at some length on the theory that if the organiza- 

936 




sr^ 



3T5-H., 




-\'J 




J. W. HAYS, Minneapolis 

Secretary-Treasurer International Typographical Union 

February i, 1909-19 — - 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

tion was strong enough, and if its past career and future 
prospects were reassuring enough to guarantee an insur- 
ance or mortuary benefit in a reasonable amount, then it 
was asserted that such mortuary benefit or insurance 
benefit, or whatever term might be applied to it, would 
knit together the membership and make of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union a much stronger organi- 
zation. 

Old Age Pensions — The president was opposed to any 
amendment of the pension law that would increase the 
liabilities of the International for the payment of pen- 
sions. Speaking of the balance shown in the pension fund, 
it was pointed out that the liabilities against the fund had 
not been as large as it was thought they would be, and the 
collections for the fund had exceeded the original esti- 
mates. As a result there was a very comfortable balance 
in the pension fund. This balance had caused much 
discussion and a reduction in the pension assessment had 
been advocated, also an increase in the amount of pension 
per week per member had been suggested. The president 
was opposed to both propositions. To justify this position, 
he said : 

The liabilities against the pension fund are continually increasing, and 
will continue to increase. While the balance in the pension fund appears 
to be large, that impression is more apparent than real. In any event, the 
pension policy should be guaranteed by a fairly large balance in the pension 
fund. A modification of the twenty-year continuous membership rule has been 
urged, but to my mind that would weaken one of the best features of the 
pension policy, the value that it gives to continuous membership in the In- 
ternational Typographical Union. Some of our members believe that the re- 
quired number of years of membership should be accumulative, that is, that 
twenty years' membership in the International Typographical Union, even 
though not continuous, should be sufficient for the endorsement of a pension 
application. This modification would of necessity apply to the past, and it 
is submitted that as a matter of fact the International Typographical Union 
is under no obligation to pay a pension to members who have been such for 
five years, ten years, fifteen years or twenty years, who have reached the 
age of sixty years. These members have not contributed in as great degree 
to the establishment of the fund for pension purposes. From many points of 
view, it is good policy to pay pensions to our older members, but, it is sub- 
mitted, it is no hardship on these older members, no violation of any obli- 
gation that is due them, when the twenty-year continuous membership feature 

937 



History of The Typographical Union 

is insisted upon. Those who are becoming members today, those who have 
been members for five, ten or fifteen years, will see to it that their member- 
ship is continuous, and when they become eligible for a pension they will 
have contributed something toward the maintenance of the pension policy. 
To limit the continuous membership to five or ten or fifteen years, to make 
the membership accumulative instead of continuous, will be to open the pen- 
sion fund to other inroads of a like nature, and will speedily dissipate the 
balance that now appears so large and yet that can be most expeditiously dis- 
tributed if the utmost care and vigilance are not exercised in the preservation 
of the main features of the law as it stands today. 

An increase in the amount of the pension paid per member would be an- 
other imprudent step, imprudent not only for the organization itself, but to- 
ward the individual member. It was never intended that a pension should 
be so large as to guarantee a good livelihood to any recipient, and certainly 
it should not be so augmented as to discourage thrift and industry in the 
working years of the individual. As I understood it, the pension is intended 
to furnish to a member sixty years or more of age and incapacitated for work 
at the trade an amount which will at least suffice for his actual support. This 
is exactly what the present pension law does. To increase the amount will 
be to establish paternalism in its worst sense, to undermine that self-reliance 
and determination to succeed that should characterize every worker at our 
trade, to pauperize instead of fairly assist those of our members who may 
later find it necessary, when reaching the age specified, to turn to the pension 
fund for help and succor. 

Supplemental Trade Education — On the subject of 
supplemental trade education, the president had this 
to say : 

Our movement for the better education of journeymen and apprentices in 
our trade has been quite successful. The report of the commission having 
this subject in charge goes into detail. Movements of this character are neces- 
sarity of slow growth. That the journeyman or apprentice can be taught the 
art of good printing through a correspondence course at first does not appeal 
to the average man or boy. Gradually we are overcoming this prejudice, and 
our commission has demonstrated that its correspondence course hieets all of 
the requirements. There should be a much larger number of students than we 
have, but notwithstanding we are doing very well, indeed, and it is hoped 
that as the membership of the International Typographical Union gets a better 
idea of the object the commission has in mind and as our graduated students 
demonstrate their greater efficiency in following their trade, that the increased 
knowledge and ocular demonstration will prove a much more potent lesson than 
the circulars sent out by the commission. The secretary of the commission has 
addressed several local unions and with good results. There is another feature 
to this work that should be touched upon. Our technical education proposi- 
tion has attracted attention from the press, daily, weekly and monthly publica- 
tions frequently mentioning the course in laudatory terms. Its advertising 
value must be taken into consideration, and without question this venture has 
aided in raising the International Typographical Union to a high place in the 
estimation of the general public. The attention of the delegates and of the 
entire membership is invited to the report of the commission covering its work 
for the fiscal year. 

The Label Campaign — The label campaign, under the 
supervision of the International president, was fully ex- 

938 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

plained. It was asserted that the work as conducted from 
headquarters had very forcibly demonstrated the wisdom 
of a systematic and persistent agitation for the use of the 
union label. Continuing, the president said : 

Not only have our efforts against the non-union printing of theatrical at- 
tractions been rewarded, but we have been successful beyond expectation in 
the campaign against the non-union printed matter of individuals and con- 
cerns. The results of the label campaign have been stupendous and will never 
fully be realized. Managers of summer amusement parks have signified their 
intentions, when interviewed by label committees, of having future orders for 
printing piaced with union concerns. Theater managers, at the suggestion and 
request of committees, have placed their programs in offices having the use 
of the union label. Retail grocers' associations and ministerial unions have 
taken up the question of having the union label appear on all their printed 
matter. Baseball associations have passed resolutions making the use of the 
union label compulsory on the part of the different clubs affiliated. Insurance 
companies have realized that it is easier to talk protection when their print- 
ing bears the union label. Much work has been accomplished during the past 
year, but much remains to be done. The label campaign is yet in its infancy, 
and when developed will prove of incalculable worth in diverting orders for 
printing to union offices, thus giving employment to our members when non- 
union printers are looking in vain for work. 

The assistance of the members in the label campaign 
was much to be desired, and the president emphasized this 
in the following language : 

If each member could be interested in the label campaign, and could be 
induced to contribute individually toward making it a success, the volume of 
effort would be replete with results. As we can, we are trying to interest 
more and more members. This must be proceeded with carefully and slowly, 
as is true of all union ventures, on the theory that it is better to gradually 
absorb the attention and interest of the individual rather than overburden 
him with union requests and thus paralyze or render apathetic his union in- 
terest. What is most desired is that our members will call to our attention 
printed matter of general circulation that is produced in non-union offices. 
Many publications containing the names and addresses of firms engaged in 
some particular line of industry and using large amounts of printed matter 
are issued, and if copies of these publications were sent to us they would be 
of great aid in the label campaign. This is also true of many other pam- 
phlets, leaflets, booklets, etc., and a moment's thought on the part of the 
member when these printed volumes come to his attention will show whether 
the label campaign could be advanced by sending copies to headquarters. If 
in doubt, send the copies to us and we will determine. Every piece of printed 
matter diverted from a non-union to a union office means additional emolny- 
ment for union men at fair wages, under fair hours, and to this end surely we 
can all exert ourselves. 

The endorsement of the label by the Farmers' Co- 
operative Union and the organization of a label depart- 
ment bv the American Federation of Labor were set forth. 



939 



History of The Typographical Union 

Organizing Work — Speaking of the work of organi- 
zation and referring particularly to the official duties of 
organizers, it was pointed out that the term "organizer" 
was considerable of a misnomer. 

The organizer does very little organizing. Ninety-nine per cent of his work 
embraces the negotiation of new scales, or the effort to reclaim non-union 
offices. It might be much better, and certainly much less misleading, if the 
term "organizer" were changed to "representative," or some other equally 
appropriate designation. Typographical unions to a large extent are organized 
by card men working in unorganized localities, or, when the time is ripe, 
through that desire that springs up in the human breast for closer association 
through organization in the effort to better trade conditions. At times the 
services of an organizer are necessary in order to give force and direction to 
this new-born desire, and when opportunity occurs of this character the organ- 
izer is promptly furnished. It remains true, nevertheless, that this work is 
only a small part of that allotted to the organizer, and that his main duties 
consist in the negotiation of new scales, the smoothing out of threatened diffi- 
culties and the straightening up of non-union offices. The delegates are re- 
quested to read the reports made by these painstaking and loyal officials. 

It has been the aim of the International president to retain the experi- 
enced organizers, believing that in this line of activity, as is true with almost 
every other avenue of human effort, experience educates the organizers, that 
the International Typographical Union pays for this education, and that it is a 
part of a business proposition to retain the skilled and highly trained organizers 
just so long as their services give satisfaction. In this connection it may be 
well to repeat the observation that was made in the report to the fiftieth ses- 
sion, held at St. Louis in August, 1904: "It has been my aim to retain in the 
service of our International experienced representatives. No removals have 
been made. In the development of modern industrialism the work of the peace- 
maker is of supreme importance. Experience fits him for his task, and the more 
experience the better is the organizer qualified to grapple with the varied and 
trying problems that are presented to him for solution." I can do no better 
than to add here a part of my report of last year referring to the work of the 
organizers: "In this field hundreds of thousands of dollars are saved each 
year by the organizers. These officials are rarely sent into a jurisdiction until 
all local effort at adjustment of disputes fails, and in twenty-four cases out 
of twenty-five their presence is most earnestly requested — yes, demanded — by 
the local union. Let it also be said to the credit of the organizers that in 
nine cases out of ten they succeed in making settlements that are satisfactory 
to the local unions." 

Finances — Under the caption "Finances, " the presi- 
dent said that the union was in good shape and that the 
amount of money in the treasury was far in excess of that 
usually on hand during normal times. He then continued : 

When the executive council terminated the eight-hour assessment it was 
estimated that the amount in the treasury would permit the council to carry 
the contests then on hand and to finance campaigns for the reclamation of 
unfair offices, until the local unions were in a position to assume these finan- 
cial burdens. The condition of the treasury today fully justifies the position 

940 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

of the executive council at the time of the elimination of the assessment. We 
have been enabled to assist local unions in a monetary way, gradually reducing 
the amount of this special assistance until, in the opinion of the council, and, 
in many instances, in the opinion of the local unions affected, these locals 
were able to proceed without further aid. Of course, many of the non-union 
offices have been reclaimed, as the official magazine has shown from month to 
month, and the general condition is gratifying and reassuring. There is an- 
other phase of the financial proposition, however, that should have careful 
attention at this time. During the pendency of the eight-hour assessment, 
local unions with eight-hour difficulties exhausted their local treasuries and 
then were compelled to depend entirely on the International for such money 
as was needed to finance local contests. It was impossible for these unions in 
the great majority of cases to raise money by assessment for the reason that 
the International assessment was so high that the burden was all the member- 
ship could stand, and for the further reason that the usual local dues were 
inadequate to the emergency. In every instance, where found necessary, the 
executive council responded when called upon, and there was no diminution 
in the intensity of the conduct of any local contest, so far as the financial 
features of these contests were concerned. But this very policy has brought 
about a condition under which local unions, or many of them, still depend 
to a great extent upon the International treasury and have in many instances 
failed to make adequate provision for sufficient money with which to properly 
conduct local business. In some places local dues were reduced, or altogether 
abolished, during the eight-hour assessment, and while, of course, where abol- 
ished, these dues have been restored, yet in some cases where dues were 
reduced they have not been again placed at a figure necessary for local pur- 
poses. The very fact that there has been during the past two years between 
one and two hundred thousand dollars in the International treasury seems to 
have been sufficient warrant on the part of some of our local unions to shoulder 
their financial responsibilities on the International organization. 

POSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE , COUNCIL 

In many applications the council has refused to assume these financial bur- 
dens, on the ground that the local unions should provide for them, but the 
demand has been persistent and repeated on the part of the unions, and in 
most all the cases the council has been compelled to yield in the end, in order 
that local dissatisfaction and discouragement might not ensue. In instances 
where the council has refused special appropriations, the local officers have 
then placed the refusal before the local union and have pointed to the Inter- 
national treasury as the only and chief argument against the council's position. 
It may be that a centralized treasury would be a good thing for our Inter- 
national organization. However, that is a point that is not up for discussion 
at this time. If the executive council, acting for the International Typographi- 
cal Union, is expected in the future to assume financial responsibilities, such 
as outlined in this section of the report, then the membership must provide a 
fund adequate for the increased demands that will be made upon it. At the 
present time local unions are entitled, in case of difficulty, to the regular strike 
benefits, and that is all. The other moneys that come to the International 
headquarters are intended for organization work, publicity campaign, mainte- 
nance of headquarters, publication of the Journal and such other features as 
may be deemed necessary to keep our organization well in the forefront of 
the progress that is being made by like combinations on the industrial field. 
It will be a distinct menace and calamity if the amount in the International 
treasury is permitted to drop very much below one hundred thousand dollars. 
Indeed, it would be the better part of wisdom if provision should be made 

941 



History of The Typographical Union 

for automatically replenishing the treasury when it falls below the one-hundred- 
thousand-dollar mark. With sinews of war in the war chest, hostile employers 
will hesitate before they risk a contest with our International Union. But, 
it is submitted that the sinews of war can not remain in the war chest if 
local unions are encouraged or warranted in shouldering their chief financial 
burdens, aside from the ordinary running expenditures, on the treasury of the 
International Typographical Union. A pronouncement made by the conven- 
tion would be of aid, and it will be for the benefit of local unions if their 
position toward the International treasury is distinctly and emphatically out- 
lined at this time,, so that the council may know just what it is expected to 
do and to what local unions are by right entitled. It is not meant by this 
recommendation that the hands of the council shall be tied in any way from a 
financial standpoint. It will be much better to leave the executive council free 
to act and to make appropriations whenever an emergency may arise. But an 
intimation to our local unions that they themselves must prepare for emergen- 
cies before they can expect their sister unions to come to their rescue will be 
of value. We have had instances of local unions clamoring for permission to 
strike when we knew from their financial statements that their treasuries were 
empty and no preparation had been made. It is better that this condition be 
uncovered at this time, so that a word to the membership may be sufficient 
to again impress upon them that eternal vigilance is the price of the retention 
of those betterments and that progress which during the past five years have 
been secured at such a great outlay of money and such a tremendous amount 
of personal sacrifice. 

Typographies — Second Vice-President Hugo Miller 
reported that business in the German printing trade of 
the country continued stagnant, another daily news- 
paper, the Volksfreund, of Cincinnati, Ohio, being 
compelled to suspend during the year. The Typographia 
was collecting I per cent on the earnings of its members 
for the old age pension, adding $2 per week to the 
International pension of $4. During the year the New 
York wage scale was renewed for a period of two years. 
At Detroit the hand men received an increase of 25 cents 
a day. At Winnipeg the machine scale was advanced 
from $20 to $22 per week. 

Mailers — Charles N. Smith, president of the Mailers' 
Trade District Union and third vice-president of the 
International Union, reported on conditions as he had 
found them in the mailers' branch since assuming office 
on November I, 1908. Controversies existed in the Bos- 
ton Mailers' Union and some strikes which occurred in 
the jurisdiction of the New- York Mailers' Union were 

942 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

covered in the report. Several new mailers' unions were 
organized during the few months Mr. Smith had been in 
office and prospects for better conditions in the trade were 
declared to be bright by Vice-President Smith. 

Secretary -Treasurer 's Report — In accordance with the 
usual custom in previous reports, Secretary-Treasurer 
Hays began with a summary of the receipts and expendi- 
tures for the fiscal year. The total receipts were $7 16,- 
790.20 and the total expenditures, $458,061.73. 

Home Fund — The amounts credited to the Home 
fund by the International secretary-treasurer in the 
twelve months ended May 31, 1909* totaled $86,518.31. 
All Home expenditures are made under the direction of 
the board of trustees, and the report of the board for the 
fiscal year contained a statement of the financial transac- 
tions connected with the institution and showed the total 
expense of maintaining the Home for the year to have 
been $72,598.94. 

Burial Fund — Of the burial fund, the secretary-treas- 
urer said that a less number of burial benefits were paid 
during the fiscal year than in any similar period since 
1903. Claims filed and paid aggregated 509, or 29 less 
than in the year immediately preceding. The decrease in 
the number of deaths during the first five years after 
1903, with an increasing membership, seemed to indicate 
that efforts for improved working conditions and the 
eight-hour day were bringing results, at least it was 
assumed that sanitary workrooms and shorter hours 
were promoting health and longevity among members. 
The 509 benefits paid amounted to $38,175, or about 85 
cents per member. The death rate for the year was 1. 13 
per cent of the average membership, or a little more than 
11 per 1,000. The average death rate since the establish- 
ment of the fund had been 1.27J4 per cent — 12 per 1,000. 

943 



History of The Typographical Union 

Membership — Speaking of "Membership," the secre- 
tary showed that the per capita tax payments were made 
on an average paying membership of 44,921 for the 
twelve months ended May 31, 1909. This was an increase 
of 1,181 over the year 1908, and 2,564 over 1907. The 
average per capita tax collected was only fifty-nine short 
of the year 1906, in which the eight-hour fight began, and 
was 1,812 less than in 1905, in which the average was 
the highest in the history of the organization. On the 
basis of the last three months of the fiscal year 1 908- 1909 
the showing was more favorable. The March collections 
on per capita tax represented 48,246 members; April, 
45>636, and May, 46,966, making the average paying 
membership for the quarter ended May 31, 1909, 46,949, 
or greater by 215 than the average membership for any 
fiscal year in the history of the International Union. 

During the year the charters of twelve unions were 
surrendered, suspended or revoked, with a total member- 
ship of eighty-four. During the same period forty-six 
unions were chartered, with a membership of 570, leaving 
a net increase from this source of thirty-four unions and 
486 members. 

On June 1, 1909, there were 652 local unions, divided 
thus : English, typographical, 605 ; German-American, 
22 ; mailers, 22 ; newspaper writers, 3. 

The Pension Roll — A table was printed showing the 
unions having members on the pension list, the number of 
members on the pension roll from each local, the amount 
paid to them and the total membership ■ of each union. 
The receipts and expenditures of the pension fund for the 
year were as follows : 

RECEIPTS 

June 1, 1908 — Balance in fund $26,377 18 

May 31, 1909 — One-half of 1 per cent assessment 201,468 69 

May 31, 1 909 — Interest 1 ,4 ' 5 65 

May 31, 1909— Pensions returned 56 00 

Total $.:29,3i 7 52 

944 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

EXPENDITURES 

Paid to pensioners $67,580 00 

Clerical work 1,501 25 

Books and printing 455 35 

Expressage 13 75 

Total $69,550 35 



Balance in fund May 31, 1909 $159,767 17 

REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 

Until the year 1908- 1 909, the work of the executive 
council had been covered in the president's report. Be- 
ginning with this fiscal year, however, the work of the 
council is covered in a separate document. The following 
is quoted : 

The executive council this year initiates its convention reports. This report 
will not by any means cover all of the business transacted by the executive 
council during the fiscal year, but will deal only with a few of the most impor- 
tant features, comprising those which the executive council believes to be 
deserving of special mention, most of which cover subjects that will receive 
considerable attention from the delegates to the St. Joseph convention. 

The proposed insurance or increased burial benefit features of our organ- 
ization have been receiving a great deal of attention, not only from the 
executive council, but also from a large number of our members in various 
sections of the country, and the executive council in this report undertakes to 
show to the delegates and members what the expense of certain features, if 
adopted, will be. With the figures submitted by the executive council the 
delegates and members can readily figure out what would be the cost of any 
amount of insurance or burial benefit the International might desire to pay. 

The old age pension that is being paid by the International Typographical 
Union has received so much favorable comment, both inside and outside the 
organization, that the council believes it worthy of special mention in this re- 
port and that the International Typographical Union should take advantage of 
all the advertising that can accrue to it from publicity in connection with this 
feature. 

Another thing which the executive council has taken up that has never 
been discussed before by delegates in convention assembled is the increasing 
value of membership in our organization. Every benefit feature added to our 
system makes membership in the International Typographical Union more valu- 
able, and the executive council believes that new members being admitted to 
the union, or suspended members who are reinstated to their former affiliation 
to the organization, should pay therefor a price more nearly commensurate 
with these benefits than has been the custom in the past, and, therefore, makes 
recommendations along these lines. 

Believing that the work of organization in Cuba, Porto Rico and Mexico, 
as recommended by the Boston convention, will result in nothing but dissatis- 
faction to a large majority of our members, and an expense to the Interna- 
tional far beyond what the benefit promises to be, the executive council has in- 
corporated in its report not only its own ideas on what the St. Joseph conven- 
tion should do, but has copied extensively from communications received from 
people who have had experience with the organizations that have been formed 
in these sections. This for the enlightenment of the delegates and members. 

945 



History of The Typographical Union 

As directed by the Boston convention, the executive council has taken up 
the question of the printing of return cards on envelops by the United States 
government, and, in this report, sets forth what the postoffice department has 
to say upon this subject, and also copies from the report of the Third Assistant 
Postmaster General recommendations that have been made to congress along 
the lines which we desire should be followed, although these recommendations 
do not go so far as we wish. It is hoped, however, that in the near future con- 
gress will take some action that will eliminate entirely the printing of return 
cards for business firms or private parties who order stamped envelops direct 
from the government. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Four constitutional amendments were submitted to the 
referendum by the St. Joseph convention. 

The first proposition submitted was to amend section I, 
article i, constitution, by striking out the word "type- 
founders." It eliminated from the constitution and laws 
all mention of typefounders and its purpose was to relin- 
quish jurisdiction over that craft. The majority in favor 
of this action was 16,114. 

The second proposition amended section 2, article i, 
constitution, requiring that the number of printers neces- 
sary to obtain a charter be increased from seven to ten. 
The referendum approved of this increase by a majority 
of 3,878. 

The third proposition was to amend section 1, article 
viii, of the constitution (salaries) by increasing the salary 
of the mailers' vice-president from $50 to $100 per 
annum. This was approved by a majority of 9,655. 

The fourth proposition amended the laws regulating 
appeals, reducing the required number of copies to be 
furnished the executive council from seven to three. This 
was approved by a majority of 16,307. 

By-Laws, Etc. — The by-laws and general laws were 
amended to conform to the constitutional changes. 

Several minor amendments were made to the by-laws 
and general laws, the most important of which was a law 
providing for individual membership records. Previous 
to this time, no attempt had ever been made to systemat- 

946 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

ically record the organization's membership. Under the 
law passed at the St. Joseph convention it was provided 
that there should be established and maintained in the 
office of the secretary-treasurer a complete record of all 
journeymen active members of the International Union, 
this record to contain the age of each member, date of 
initiation, where initiated, date and cause of suspension 
or expulsion, date of reinstatement or reinitiation, to- 
gether with the date of death and such other matter as 
might be deemed necessary by the executive council to 
determine the continuous membership of any member of 
the organization. 

INCREASED MORTUARY BENEFITS 

The subject of insurance on a flat basis, and proposi- 
tions to increase burial benefits to an amount sufficient to 
secure to the heirs of members of the organization at least 
temporary protection, had been before several conven- 
tions previous to the gathering at St. Joseph. At the 
Boston convention the year previous four separate propo- 
sitions had been offered by various delegates. On recom- 
mendation by the committee on laws, the convention 
referred all of these propositions to the executive council 
with the intention that the whole subject matter be inves- 
tigated. In making its report to the St. Joseph convention, 
the executive council said that the investigation of life 
insurance, or the payment of an increased mortuary 
benefit, convinced the council that insurance for the 
membership of the International Typographical Union 
was feasible and that the main question was the expense 
connected with such a venture. The investigation made 
by the council had also convinced its members that any 
sum paid to the membership as an insurance feature 
should be in the nature of a death or burial benefit, an 
amplification of the existing law providing for burial 

947 



History of The Typographical Union 

benefits. By following this plan the union would be free 
from complication with the insurance laws of the various 
states and there would be greater economy in the admin- 
istration of such a fund. It was not unlikely that, if the 
union took up the matter of straight life insurance, issuing 
policies as is done by the insurance companies, the courts 
would hold that the plan would come within the laws 
enacted in the various states for the protection of the 
people against wildcat insurance schemes. 

There were many points to be considered, not the least 
of which was the fact that many members carried insur- 
ance to the extent of their financial ability. That 
insurance provided by the International Typographical 
Union would be, for a time at least, something of a 
burden to those members. In the opinion of the executive 
council any insurance or mortuary benefit plan that 
provided for a sum larger than the amount being paid at 
that time must be arbitrary ; that is, insurance should be 
paid for by each member of the International Union. The 
council submitted a table specially prepared to show the 
cost per member of a $1,000 benefit. This was presented 
more for information than with the intention of recom- 
mending a $1,000 plan. In closing, the council said: 

TO TEST THE MEMBERSHIP 

In the opinion ©f the council there should be a flat burial benefit of $r,ooo 
per member or a graded benefit ranging from $200 per member to $600 per 
member, according to length of membership. In the opinion of the council death 
benefits should not be made payable on the death of a member unless said mem- 
ber has been affiliated with the organization for at least six months. 

If a graduated burial benefit of $200 to $600 were put into effect and the 
claims of our present members considered from the date of its adoption, allow- 
ing these benefits to new members six months after initiation, the same could 
be carried at the rate of $7.20 per year, or 60 cents per month. Under this 
plan all who were members at the time of its inauguration would be entitled to 
the full benefit of $600. New members of six months' to three years' member- 
ship, benefits $200. Three to five years' membership, $400. After five years' 
membership, benefits $600. 

Articles appearing in the official magazine during the fiscal year show that 
there is a wide diversity of opinion on the part of the members who have thus 
far expressed themselves as to the wisdom and necessity for an insurance pro- 
vision or for a mortuary provision greater in amount than that now provided. 
Comparatively, the discussion has been confined to a few members, and the 

948 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

position of the great bulk of the membership is not known. A benefit provid- 
ing for $1,000 at death, or a mortuary benefit of from $200 to $600 represents 
a most important undertaking, and it will be better to delay the enactment of 
it until we are sure of our ground. It may be well, therefore, to obtain the 
sentiment of the membership as to the insurance or mortuary benefit, and this 
can be easily accomplished on the ballot on which the laws enacted by the com- 
vention will be submitted to the referendum vote. The questions might take 
the following form: 

Are you in favor of a mortuary benefit of $1,000 per member payable in 
case of death occurring six months after affiliation with the organization at an 
approximate cost of $12 per year? 

Are you in favor of a mortuary benefit ranging from $200 to $600 graded 
according to length of membership from six months to five years, the cost to 
be approximately $7.20 per year? 

Are you opposed to an insurance or mortuary benefit greater than that now 
paid? 

The answers to the first two questions could be taken together as indicating 
a desire for some insurance scheme or mortuary benefit, and if the vote on 
these two questions exceeded the vote on the third question the first two ques- 
tions could again be submitted at the biennial election of officers, which occurs 
next May, and the membership could then decide between the flat benefit of 
$1,000 and the graded benefit of from $200 to $600. Then the executive council 
could submit the necessary laws to the 1910 convention and these laws would 
in turn be submitted to the referendum for consideration and ratification or 
rejection. Thus the entire insurance idea or increased mortuary-benefit scheme 
would receive thorough discussion on the part of the membership, would be 
before the referendum three times and the final verdict could be taken as repre- 
sentative of the educated thought of the membership on the proposition as 
submitted. 

It will be noted from the above that in figuring the cost of insurance on the 
propositions mentioned the cost given is just about the actual amount that 
would be paid out in benefits were either of them adopted. It is, of course, 
realized that there will be additional cost attached to the execution of the laws 
providing for the payment of the increased benefits in the way of preparing 
and keeping at headquarters a full list of our membership, which will be nec- 
essary for the perfect security of the organization. There would also be some 
extra expense attached for clerical work, office rent, etc. For this reason the 
executive council has not taken into consideration the $75 burial benefit now 
being paid and believes that under the new plan a portion of this amount should 
be set aside to pay the additional expenses and provide a reserve fund to guar- 
antee our membership against additional cost, should there be an abnormal 
number of deaths in any year from pestilence, accident, or other causes. In 
other words, 5 cents per month per member of the amount now paid as per 
capita tax should go into a reserve or guaranty and administration fund. 

Prior to the meeting of the delegates at St. Joseph, 
President Lynch appointed a committee to consider vari- 
ous plans to increase the mortuary benefit. This commit- 
tee met at St. Joseph three days before the convention 
opened and during the week of the convention submitted 
a plan that was approved by the delegates and it was 
ordered that a special referendum vote be taken on the 

949 



History of The Typographical Union 

proposition on February 10, 1 910. This was defeated by 
a majority of 907 on a total vote of 33,643. The plan 
submitted, involving several amendments to the constitu- 
tion and by-laws, shown by italics, was as follows : 

Amend section i, article ix, constitution, to read as follows: 

ARTICLE TX REVENUE AND FUNDS 

Section i. The revenue of the International Typographical Union shall be 
derived as follows: From dues, which shall be 35 cents per month per member; 
an additional one-half of 1 per cent assessment on earnings of members for old 
age pension fund, and an additional one-half of 1 per cent assessment on earn- 
ings of members for the mortuary benefit fund; from charters for subordinate 
unions, $5 per charter; from necessary supplies at prices to be fixed by law. 
International dues for each month shall be collected by subordinate unions, and 
shall be transmitted to the secretary-treasurer of the International Typograph- 
ical Union before the 20th of the succeeding month. Unions failing to comply 
with this provision shall be considered delinquent and debarred from benefits; 
provided, that unions located so far from headquarters as to make it impossible 
for their dues to reach there within the prescribed time shall not be considered 
delinquent if their remittances bear postmark date prior to the 15th of the 
succeeding month. 

Amend section 3, article ix, constitution, to read as follows: 

Sec. 3. The dues of the International Union shall be apportioned to the 
several funds as follows; Fifteen cents to the Union Printers Home fund, 
one-half of 1 per cent on earnings of members to the old age pension fund; 
one-half of 1 per cent on earnings of members to the mortuary fund; the balance 
to the general fund. 

Amend section 4, article ix, constitution, to read as follows: 

Sec. 4. The general fund shall be used to defray all expenses of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, except disbursements from the pension fund, the 
mortuary fund and the Home fund. 

Amend sections 6, 7 and 8 as to numbers. 

Amend sections 14 and 15, article v, by-laws, to read as follows: 

MORTUARY BENEFITS 

Sec. 14. On the death of a member in good standing in a subordinate 
union, the president and secretary thereof shall immediately notify the secretary- 
treasurer of the International Typographical Union, on a form provided for that 
purpose, accompanying such notification with the last working card or certificate 
of membership of the deceased member. The secretary-treasurer of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, as soon as practicable after such notification, 
shall transmit to the president and secretary of such subordinate union the 
amount of mortuary benefit to which the beneficiary of the deceased member is 
entitled. 

Sec. 15. No mortuary benefit claim shall be allowed unless the deceased 
was possessed of a current working card or certificate of membership within 
date at the time of death, nor shall a mortuary benefit claim be allowed if, at 
the time of death, the union of which deceased was a member was in arrears 
for per capita tax to the International Typographical Union. 

Sec. 16. In case of the decease of a member holding a certificate of mem- 
bership, the president and secretary of the nearest union shall act in the 
premises. 

Add new sections as follows: 

Sec. 17. In the event that no beneficiary is named as the person to whom 

950 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

the mortuary benefit shall be paid, or if such beneficiary resides at a point 
where he or she can not take charge of the* funeral, the International Typo- 
graphical Union shall defray the expenses of the funeral out of the sum to 
which the heirs of the deceased member shall be entitled; and if no claim shall 
be presented to the International Typographical Union within six months, any 
remainder shall revert to the mortuary benefit fund of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. 

Sec. 18. The collection of the one-half of i per cent assessment for the 
mortuary benefit fund shall begin on the ist of March, 1910. 

Sec. 19. The payment of the death claims under this law shall begin on 
the ist day of June, 1910, and the classification of members for the purpose of 
this fund shall be made according to their length of membership on the ist of 
January, 1910. 

Sec. 20. Any person who joins the International Typographical Union 
after the age of 50 years shall not be entitled to any greater mortuary benefit 
than $75. 

Amend remaining sections as to numbers. 

Amend section 5, by-laws, to read as follows: 

Sec. 5. On the death of each member in good standing a death benefit 
shall be paid to the designated beneficiary in amount as follows: 

For a membership of «ne year or less, $75. 

For a continuous membership of over one year and not more than five 
years, $125. 

For a continuous membership of over five years and not more than ten 
years, $175. 

For a continuous membership of over ten years and not more than fifteen 
years, $275. 

For a continuous membership of over fifteen years, $400. 

Add new section as follows: 

Sec. 6. The mortuary benefit fund shall be used for the purpose of dis- 
bursing mortuary benefits to the designated beneficiaries of deceased members. 

LOS ANGELES TIMES AND PHILADELPHIA 
INQUIRER 

A proposition submitted by Delegate Rowe, of Los 
Angeles, suggesting that the conduct of the fight against 
the Los Angeles Times be delegated to the local union 
and that the executive council be instructed to render 
financial assistance created intense interest on the part of 
the delegates. The committee to which the proposition 
was referred reported it back with an unfavorable recom- 
mendation. The following is an excerpt from the com- 
mittee's report : 

We assembled at Parlor "B," Hotel Metropole, at 8 o'clock Tuesday, August 
10, with five members of the committee present — Delegates Weakley (Kansas 
City), Callan (Philadelphia), Baker (Mobile), Williamson (Vicksburg), Gragg 
(Abilene). This meeting continued until the following morning at 2 o'clock. 

Proposition 133, by Delegate Rowe, of Los Angeles, and Proposition 112, 
by Los Angeles Union, were taken up. Among those present beside the com- 
mittee were Delegate Rowe (Los Angeles), Delegate White (San Francisco), 

951 



History of The Typographical Union 

Messrs. Arthur A. Hay, Organizer McLernon and T. D. Fennessy. Matters 
bearing on the Los Angeles situation were presented in detail and were of 
voluminous proportions. 

The following Wednesday at 2 p. m. your committee again met with all 
members present, including Delegates Bloom (Richmond) and Steep (Toronto). 
There were also present Messrs. Hay, McLernon, White and Delegate Rowe, of 
Los Angeles. Additional information was given your committee, after which 
the committee went into executive session to consider formally all of the 
matters placed before it. 

In considering the Los Angeles situation carefully we find great lack of 
harmony to exist in that union; that factional feeling and bitterness appear to 
prevail to such a degree as to hamper the work of organization in Los Angeles. 
We also find that there has been a considerable increase in the membership of 
the union, and that there has been a corresponding increase in the amount of 
dues collected up to and including the past month of July. 

We find that in round numbers there has been $156,000 expended during 
the past six years in Los Angeles, and that this has been used in paying strike 
benefits and organization work in the book and job branch, and in the conduct 
of the fight against the Los Angeles Times, and no showing has been made that 
the above amount has been spent otherwise than economically, judiciously and 
to the best interests of the local union, and to the^International Union as a 
whole. 

We recommend to this convention that the past aggressive policy of the 
executive council in the work at Los Angeles be continued, and that the execu- 
tive council be instructed to extend every financial aid in its power to pursue 
the policy mentioned above, and that in pursuing this policy the executive 
council shall have such supervision over the expenditure of moneys as in its 
judgment seems proper. 

The results attained in the Los Angeles field by Arthur A Hay, who has 
held the position of organizer under direction both of the American Federation 
of Labor and the International Typographical Union, and also the work of the 
present organizer, Mr. McLernon, appear to be all that could reasonably be 
expected under the conditions and circumstances. 

And in conclusion, so far as your committee can see, everything has been 
done and is being done by the executive council to better the conditions in Los 
Angeles, and we here quote from President Lynch's report to the Boston con- 
vention, and which we believe is more applicable to the present conditions: 

"There is no cause for discouragement because of lack of complete success 
in our crusade against the Times. It was non-union for years, and it may take 
years to reclaim it. It is the most bitter, malignant and tireless enemy of or- 
ganized labor with which we have to contend. It is indeed unfortunate that we 
have not more unanimity of action on the part of organized labor in Los Angeles, 
and especially among our own members, in our crusade against the Times. But 
in all these movements we experience this regrettable development, and we 
have to meet it as best we can. Some members of organized labor are prone 
to initiate a fight today, and look for a victory tomorrow. The more experi- 
enced, however, realize that nowadays a fight is a fight, and that the victory 
is with contestants whose cause is right, whose purse is the longest, and whose 
staying qualities are not capable of impairment." 

The progress made in the general situation at Philadelphia is satisfactory, 
and while results in the Inquirer contest have not been of that degree of suc- 
cess which was anticipated at the beginning of the past fiscal year, yet on the 
whole your committee is of the opinion that the conditions are satisfactory. We 
therefore recommend that the executive council continue to render such financial 
assistance as it finds necessary. 

The chairman of the Los Angeles Times committee said 

95 2 



Convention at St. Joseph, 1909 

that he voiced the unanimous sentiment of the committee 
when he asked that the convention go into the matter 
thoroughly. After a prolonged debate, in which Messrs. 
Hay and Fennessy, of Los Angeles, were permitted to 
participate, President Lynch took the floor and gave an 
extended history of the fight against the Times. At the 
conclusion of the president's remarks, the report of the 
committee was concurred in by a vote of 186 ayes, 8 noes. 

ADDRESS OF COMMISSIONER KELLOGG 

H. N. Kellogg, representative of the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association, was in attendance at the 
convention, and was invited to address the delegates. He 
said : 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Peace and good will still prevail between the 
International Typographical Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association. This is principally due to our arbitration agreement. There have 
been many cases considered by the National Arbitration Board during the past 
year, and in some cities local feeling has at times become acute, but, thanks to 
our agreement and the respect paid to it by all parties concerned, the questions 
in dispute have finally been adjusted without any breaches and with practically 
no interruption of work or business. The National Arbitration Board at some 
of its sessions has found the problems presented so difficult of solution that its 
members have sometimes felt that agreements were impossible. Fortunately, 
however, in almost every case the knots have been untied and the snarls re- 
moved. I believe I am warranted in stating that the decisions reached have in 
almost every case been satisfactory to the local parties interested. 

You are, of course, aware of the campaign which has been conducted by the 
American Newspaper Publishers' Association for the removal of the tariff on 
white paper, pulp, etc. Both your International officers and your subordinate 
unions have many times responded to requests for assistance, and your co- 
operation has, we believe, lent considerable strength to the movement, and been 
an important factor in the fight. The tariff bill has now become the law, and, 
though under it we do not obtain all that we asked for, we secure a substantial 
reduction in the duties. While the final result is far from being entirely satis- 
factory, we heartily appreciate the action of your organization and your officers, 
and wish to express our sincere thanks for what you and they have done. 

In closing, I desire to also express our appreciation of the fairness and 
courtesy of your president and the other members of your executive council. 
We are convinced they have met the various questions presented in a spirit of 
fairness. We can not ask more. 

I thank you for your kind attention and hope to have the pleasure of meet- 
ing you many times in the future. 

AFTER THE CONVENTION 

Officers, ipio-ipn — Under the provision of the law 
requiring referendum elections, on May 18, 1910, the 

953 



History of The Typographical Union 

following officers were elected for the two-year term 
beginning November I, 1910: President, James M. 
Lynch, Syracuse; first vice-president, George A. Tracy, 
San Francisco; second vice-president, Hugo Miller, Indi- 
anapolis; third vice-president, Charles N. Smith, New 
York; secretary-treasurer, J. W. Hays, Minneapolis. 
Delegates to American Federation of Labor — James M. 
Lynch, Syracuse (president) ; Frank Morrison, Chicago; 
Max S. Hayes, Cleveland; T. W. McCullough, Omaha; 
Hugh Stevenson, Toronto. Trustees Union Printers 
Home — James M. Lynch, Syracuse; J. W. Hays, Minne- 
apolis ; Thomas McCafTery, Colorado Springs ; L. C. 
Shepard, Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Anna C. Wilson, Wash- 
ington; Michael Powell, Ottawa; Walter McKee, New 
York. Agent, George P. Nichols, Baltimore. 

Convention at Minneapolis 

[1910] — The fifty-sixth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order Monday, 
August 8, 1910, in Dreamland pavilion, Minneapolis, 
Minn., by President Henderson of the local union. Rev. 
M. M. Adams, an honorary member of Boston Typo- 
graphical Union, invoked the divine blessing. Ralph 
Wheelock, private secretary to the governor of Minnesota, 
welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state. Alderman 
Williams, a union printer, acting for the absent mayor, 
extended greetings on behalf of the city of Minneapolis, 
and Wallace G. Nye, representing the Commercial Club, 
also extended greetings on behalf of that organization. 
Mayor Clayton, of St. Joseph, Mo., who made many 
friends during the sessions of the International Union at 
the previous convention, journeyed to Minneapolis and 
was on hand at the opening session, making the hit of the 
occasion with an address in his inimitable style. President 
Henderson welcomed the delegates and visitors on behalf 

954 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

of the local union, President Lynch responding for the 
strangers present. 

Secretary Hays read his report, showing that 251 cre- 
dentials had been deposited by delegates. The president 
announced the names of temporary convention officers and 
appointed the various committees. 

Ross S. Reynolds invited every one in attendance at the 

convention to be the guests of St. Paul Union on Tuesday, 

August 9th. 

officers' reports 

In opening his annual address to the convention, 
President Lynch observed that another wonderful year in 
the history of the International Union had been con- 
cluded. The success that had attended efforts to improve 
conditions in the trade since the inauguration of the 
eight-hour workday had been pronounced. The member- 
ship had increased and was then beyond the 50,000 mark. 
The number of subordinate unions had also increased; 
industrial peace had quite generally prevailed; the 
finances of the organization were in good condition. 
Maintaining a policy of conservative action, dealing justly 
with those with whom the union was associated in a 
business capacity, resorting to radicalism only when that 
was necessary in order to achieve a just end, the union 
would continue to grow in strength, influence and power 
in the industrial world and would gradually improve 
conditions under which the individual member earned his 
livelihood. 

Referring to the referendum, the president said that 
in 1898 the membership had enjoyed its first referendum 
election and that the union had gone through membership 
selection of the International officers every two years 
since the date mentioned. The president deprecated the 
actions of some individual members in conducting cam- 
paigns of vilification and falsehood and admonished the 

955 



History of The Typographical Union 

delegates that the future standing and welfare of the 
organization demanded that campaigns should be con- 
ducted on a higher plane. 

Organizing Work — The policy pursued for several 
years in connection with organizing work was reviewed. 
Industrial peace had been maintained with the exception 
of a very few instances ; wages had been increased and 
hours reduced. These results had been brought about 
largely through the diplomacy and experience of organ- 
izers employed in the settlement of difficulties. It was 
argued that a trade union, like any other business institu- 
tion, could not stand still — it must go forward or back- 
ward, and, if it is to go forward, then it must have trained 
agents to sell the goods which it has to offer — the labor 
of its members. It was pointed out that the work of an 
organizer could not be limited to the formation of new 
unions. In the past years this phase of the organizer's 
work had become a small part of his activities, his services 
as an organizer being frequently demanded for occasions 
like these : 

First. A union presents a new scale. The proprietors refuse to sign the 
same. Local officers are unable to bring about a settlement and a strike in- 
volving the membership of the union is imminent. Then the president of the 
International is asked to "send an organizer immediately." He does so; the 
scale negotiations are brought to a successful conclusion and a strike that might 
have cost thousands of dollars is averted. 

Second. The foreman of an office discharges a member. A chapel meeting 
is called and the member ordered reinstated. The foreman refuses to re- 
instate and again there is trouble in the air. Another hurry-up call for an 
organizer, with a satisfactory adjustment as the result of his visit. 

Third. Members of union lose interest in its affairs and become apathetic 
to conditions, with the result that many fall in arrears and are slated for 
suspension. Efforts on the part of the union's officers fail to bring the de- 
sired revival of unionism. An organizer is sent. He puts the union on 
its feet, gets the delinquents to pay up, starts a label campaign and comes 
away leaving behind a virile local. 

Fourth. For months, perhaps, a local union has been at work endeavoring 
to add to its membership the men employed in a non-union office, has them all 
"lined up," feels the office can be gained, but can not get an audience with 
the proprietor and asks for an outsider — an organizer — to close the deal. The 
organizer drops into town unheralded. The proprietor has no prejudices 
against the International Typographical Union representative, who gets a 
hearing and in many cases closes a contract. 

956 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

Fifth. Organizers act as the representatives of the International Typo- 
graphical Union in arbitration proceedings. They look up illegal users of the 
label and force its surrender. In many jurisdictions they take up the viola- 
tion of union rules and regulations, and as a result many proprietors are made 
to see the error of their way. In short, the organizer is one of the men "be- 
hind the guns." He is under the direction of the executive council, and is 
shifted hither and thither as occasion requires. 

The foregoing are not imaginary cases. They occur every day and 
every week. The missions referred to the organizer and the results he ac- 
complishes do not appear in his statements of expenses, but show at the 
end of the year when the figures indicating the progress of the organization 
are compiled and published. 

Increased Mortuary Benefits — The defeat of the mor- 
tuary benefit proposition by the referendum, following 
the St. Joseph convention, apparently had not dis- 
couraged or dismayed the advocates of benefit features 
in connection with trade unions. President Lynch was 
especially optimistic in his view of the ultimate result of 
proposed legislation on the particular question of in- 
creased mortuary benefits. Referring to the subject in his 
address, the president said that one of the most astonishing 
results of trade union agitation was its effect on the trusts 
and corporations who employ thousands of wage earners 
and who strain every nerve in order to prevent the union- 
izing of their industries. They know that with trade 
union conditions they will be compelled to pay vastly 
greater sums in the way of wages, while the employes 
will secure betterments in the number of working hours, 
sanitary conditions, treatment, rules, etc. Continuing on 
this subject, the president said : 

It is the old story of the exploitation of the individual toiler, who, be- 
cause of his isolation, is unable to defend himself against the greedy and 
rapacious master. And when that master takes the form of associated cap- 
ital as represented in the giant trusts and corporations the individual pro- 
ducer is nearly helpless. Notwithstanding this, the gospel of trade unionism 
spreads, and in order to offset its allurements and tie the wage earner more 
securely to the juggernaut that crushes out his individual initiative and 
ambition, capital as an employer is now offering pension systems, welfare de- 
velopments and death benefit features. These so-called provisions for the 
benefit of employes are really intended, as has been outlined, to make of the 
wage earner a dependent cog in the machinery of his employer. Benefits 
are always predicated on length of service. The impression sought to be 
created in the employe's mind is that if he should for any reason sever con- 
nection with his employment, or be discharged, he would lose the benefits — the 

957 



History of The Typographical Union 

intangible something which he hopes to achieve if he lives long enough or 
works long enough for the employer who offers the inducements. 

If these benefit features are considered so valuable by capitalist employers, 
why should they not be equally valuable to the trade union, which makes 
conditions for the wage earner endurable? Hours and wages should not be 
the ultimate trade union goal. There is nothing that any society, fraternal 
or otherwise, can do for its member that the International Typographical 
Union, or any other strong international union, can not do for its member. 
The mortuary proposition submitted to referendum vote by the St. Joseph 
convention was defeated by a narrow margin. There were cast for the 
proposition 16,368 votes, and against the proposition 17,275 votes; a majority 
against of 907 votes. The large number of votes cast for and against the 
plan indicates the interest that was taken in the proposition. Its defeat 
was due to a lack of understanding of its provisions, and to objection to some 
of its minor features which, if the principle had been endorsed, could easily 
have been adjusted afterward. There is also a class of members holding 
insurance policies or membership in fraternal organizations paying death 
benefits that voted against the mortuary proposition in the belief that they 
were carrying all of the insurance they could finance, and regarding the pro- 
posed benefit from a purely selfish standpoint. Any such benefit is a selfish 
proposition, but should be considered in the light of an intelligent selfishness. 
The member who holds insurance in companies or fraternal societies is also 
interested in the strength and development of the typographical union. The 
money with which he pays the premiums on his insurance, or the dues to his 
fraternal organization, comes to him because of the wage scale that has 
been established by the International Typographical Union. Without the 
union his wages would be much lower than they are now. The scale he 
receives is in much greater excess of what he would receive without the 
union than the combined cost of his present insurance and the cost of the 
mortuary benefit that was so narrowly defeated by the referendum. » Every 
member of the International Typographical Union is vitally interested in 
making the union strong; in knitting together its units; in providing benefits 
at a lower cost than they can be obtained elsewhere; in inculcating in the 
member's mind the belief that the union is his strongest protection and refuge. 

Relations With Allied Trades — Referring to the rela- 
tions of the International Union with the other crafts 
connected with the printing industry, and composing the 
Joint Conference Board, President Lynch submitted a 
comprehensive document covering the agreements existing 
between the printing trades unions from the time of the 
first working compact of any character that had been 
tried. To such readers of this history as may be interested 
in the position of the International Typographical Union 
toward the other printing trade unions a careful reading 
of the following report submitted to the Minneapolis 
convention is suggested : 

The executive council covers in its report the meetings of the Joint Con- 

958 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

ference Board held since the adjournment of the St. Joseph convention. Thus 
far the joint agreement has worked well. Differences have occurred, some 
of them of intensity and bitterness, but the Joint Conference Board still 
continues under the agreement, and if it is not disrupted will make for the 
strengthening of each of the five international unions that compose it. Your 
representatives in the Joint Conference Board, while reluctant to exercise 
their full voting strength, have, nevertheless, done so on several occasions 
during the past year in order to protect, not only the interests of the or- 
ganization they represented, but what they believed to be the best interests 
of the printing trades industry. It is but natural that the unions of less 
numerical strength should desire to exercise greater control and power in 
the Joint Conference Board than they now possess, but when it is considered 
that the membership of the International Typographical Union outnumbers 
the combined membership of our allies by many thousands, it is apparent 
that we are justified in exercising our right of final word in the policies that 
shall prevail, even though friction and ill feeling may develop because 
of that determination. It is to our interest that each of our allies shall be- 
come strong, but that strength must not be had solely at our expense and to 
our undoing. 

Thus far nearly all the questions arising between the five international 
unions have been adjusted in the Joint Conference Board. At the Toronto 
convention of the American Federation of Labor, however, the delegates rep- 
resenting the International Photo Engravers Union brought up a question of 
jurisdiction, which was referred to the grievance committee and by that com- 
mittee to the executive council of the American Federation of Labor, which 
later found in favor of our contention. This incident related to the use of 
Rouse blocks, the mounting of the shells on these blocks. It was held by 
the executive council of the American Federation of Labor that this work 
could be performed in the composing room. The claim of the photo en- 
gravers was that it must go to the photo engraving department in the first 
instance, or that the photo engravers of right must do the work if done in 
the composing rooms. My proposition was that all work in the composing 
rooms connected with the issuance of the newspaper is our work. That was 
the position I maintained at the Toronto convention of the American Federa- 
tion of Labor, the position that I maintained before the executive council 
of the American Federation of Labor, and the position I maintain at the 
present time and that I believe should be insisted upon and emphasized by 
the Minneapolis convention. There can be but one jurisdiction in com- 
posing rooms, and one union operating the composing rooms, and that juris- 
diction belongs to and the union is the International Typographical Union of 
North America. 

LABEL OWNERSHIP VOTING POWER 

Some of our allies have agitated joint ownership of the allied label, and 
equal voting power in the Joint Conference Board. This is further explained 
in the report of the executive council. The questions have caused some bit- 
terness. My address before the Columbus convention of the International 
Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union sets forth the history, of our 
various coalitions, and my position on the subject in dispute. I said: 

AT THE PRESSMEN'S CONVENTION 

"It affords me great pleasure to have this opportunity to appear before 
your convention and to extend to the International Printing Pressmen and 
Assistants' Union and its duly accredited legislative body the felicitations and 
well wishes of the International Typographical Union. 

"As to the relations between your International organization and the 

959 



History of The Typographical Union 

great trade union that I represent, these have been uniformly satisfactory and 
amicable with the possible exception of the disposition of certain matters be- 
fore recent meetings of the Joint Conference Board, as provided for in the 
existing agreement between the five international unions of the printing trade. 
As this subject has been given prominence by your president in recent addresses 
before conventions of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders and the 
International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, perhaps I may. better de- 
vote myself at once to a discussion of this phase of our relationship, as I am 
sure that it is this phase that at the present time is of the greatest interest to 
this convention. 

"In what I may say, no offense is intended, and I trust that none will be 
taken, for it is my sole object to secure a continuance of the Joint Conference 
Board in some mutually acceptable form, as I believe that the history of the 
board proves the statement that under this form of agreement we have made 
our greatest progress and achieved our greatest success in the adjustment and 
settlement of questions that formerly caused wide difference of opinion and 
intense hostilty. 

"Prior to the abrogation of the Tripartite Agreement, the questions that are 
agitating the five international unions today were given much attention by the 
three international unions then in existence. The Tripartite Agreement in- 
cluded the International Typographical Union, the International Printing Press- 
men and Assistants' Union and the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders. 
In order that some understanding might be arrived at, the convention of the 
International Typographical Union held in Syracuse in 1898 suggested a con- 
ference between representatives of the three organizations, and this conference 
was held on January 10, in 1899, in the city of Pittsburgh. It appears from 
the minutes of this conference that a thorough discussion of the subject was 
had, but no definite conclusion was arrived at. 

THE BALTIMORE CONFERENCE 

"In March, 1901, another conference was held in Baltimore, Md. At that 
gathering rules for the government of local allied trades councils were adopted 
and regulations under which the allied label might be issued were agreed to. 
This meeting was attended by representatives of the International Typograph- 
ical Union, the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and 
th'e International Brotherhood of Bookbinders. The agreement reached was 
never made effective. It was intended mainly for the government of local 
allied councils, and its only international feature was in the provision for a 
joint board of appeals. It was set forth that 'all rules enacted by the joint 
board of appeals for the government of allied trades councils shall be adopted 
by the unanimous vote of the board, subject to the approval of the executive 
councils of the high contracting parties to the agreement.' Thus it preserved 
in its fullest sense the complete autonomy of the three international unions, 
and placed it within the power of the executive body of each of these unions 
to pass upon and ratify or nullify the proceedings of the joint board of ap- 
peals. But as has been pointed out, this agreement was never made effective. 

"The Tripartite Agreement was a prolific mother of trouble in local allied 
councils; it was a creator of strife and dissension, and dissatisfaction with it 
became so intense that our 1901 convention held in Birmingham in that year 
directed its abrogation, and this action was approved by our referendum. After 
this the relations between the three international unions remained in a more 
or less chaotic and unsatisfactory condition, and resulted in friction between 
two of the international unions at the Scranton convention of the American 
Federation of Labor held in 1901 and at the New Orleans convention held the 
following year. At the New Orleans convention, however, at a conference of 



960 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

representatives of the three international unions, it was decided to hold a 
further conference in Indianapolis, under the following agreement: 

"proposed outline of action for an agreement between the international 
typographical union, the international printing pressmen and assist- 
ants' union, and the international brotherhood of bookbinders. 

"In the matter of distribution of the allied printing trades label, the In- 
ternational Typographical Union to hold and issue the labels, under a new 
agreement that may be made. There shall be a method of agreement under 
the following plan: 

"That locally the constitution of the allied printing trades councils shall be 
upon the membership basis, and in the granting of the label the consent of 
each affiliated body shall be obtained. 

"Should there be a deadlock on any point, not specifically covered in the 
articles of agreement, that the matter shall be referred to a national council 
composed of representatives of the bodies to the agreement, the composition of 
which shall be 

"Two members from the International Typographical Union, 
"One member from the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' 
Union, and 

"One member from the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders. 
"In the event of failure of this council to agree, that they select the fifth 
member, the decision of this council, so constituted, to be final. 

"The rules adopted at the Baltimore conference to be the basic method of 
agreement subject to such changes as may be made at a conference of repre- 
sentatives of the International Typographical Union, the International Printing 
Pressmen and Assistants' Union, and the International Brotherhood of Book- 
binders, to be held in Indianapolis at such a date as may be selected later. 

"It is further understood that nothing herein contained shall be construed as 
binding the Indianapolis conferees or the international organizations to the 
adoption of any method or rule herein outlined. 

"James M. Lynch, 
"William M. Garrett, 
"Martin P. Higgins, 
"Theodore F. Galoskowsky, 
"James J. Freel, 
"L. P. Straube, 
"Ed. W. Palmer, 
"R. Glockling." 

THE INDIANAPOLIS MEETING 

"The conference was held at Indianapolis in January, 1903, with repre- 
sentatives of the International Typographical Union, the International Print- 
ing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, the International Brotherhood of Book- 
binders and the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union in 
attendance. At that time the agreement at present in force, minus the amend- 
ments and modifications that have since been made thereto, was formulated, 
and was signed and accepted by the presidents of the four organizations, to be- 
come effective on its ratification as a whole, by the proper authorities of the 
organizations signatory thereto. It was so ratified and subsequently went into 
effect. 

"This agreement provided for a joint board of appeals, consisting of three 
representatives from the International Typographical Union, one represent- 
ative from the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, one 
representative from the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders and one 



961 



History of The Typographical Union 

representative from the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union. 
It was stipulated that 

" 'In the event of the representative of any of the parties to this agree- 
ment voting with the International Typographical Union on an appeal, and the 
International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and the International 
Brotherhood of Bookbinders being jointly dissatisfied with the verdict, the 
two last named organizations shall have the right to call for a seventh dis- 
interested party, who shall be unanimously agreed upon to act as arbitrator, 
whose decision shall be final.' 

"At a subsequent session this provision was, by unanimous vote, elim- 
inated. 

"The question of the photo engravers becoming a party to the agreement 
was briefly discussed; the following was adopted as defining the position of 
the joint board of appeals on this subject: 

" 'Resolved, That when a charter is granted by the American Federation 
of Labor to the National or International Union of Photo Engravers, the lat- 
ter organization shall, upon application, be made a party to the agreement and 
be entitled to representation on the joint board of appeals. On such admis- 
sion, section i of the agreement shall be changed by inserting the word "four" 
in lieu of "three" where reference is made to the number of representatives 
from the International Typographical Union, and the name of the new organi- 
zation shall be added thereto and allotted one representative.' 

"All of the requirements of the resolution above mentioned were met by 
the International Photo Engravers' Union in August, 1904, and the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was thereafter entitled to four votes, its present 
allotment. 

"At the meeting of the joint board of appeals held in Indianapolis on 
January 13, 1905, it was unanimously decided that the name should be changed 
to the 'Joint Conference Board,' and at this meeting the provision relative to 
the course of procedure that might be had in case one of the organizations 
voted with the International Typographical Union was eliminated, and each 
of the five organizations then a party to the joint agreement was placed in 
an equal position as to the effect its vote might have in determining any 
question before the board. 

POWERS OF THE JOINT BOARD 

"Under the agreement, the international unions party thereto surrendered 
some of their powers, or delegated some of their powers, to the Joint Con- 
ference Board. The Joint Conference Board was made supreme in regard 
to those matters over which jurisdiction was conceded to it by the interna- 
tional unions. Numerous meetings of the Joint Conference Board were held, 
and harmony prevailed until the meeting held in Toronto on November 3, 4 
and s, 1909, when the . San Francisco allied council case came before the 
joint board for consideration and decision. Then occurred radical disagree- 
ment, and for one of the few times in the history of the board, when an im- 
portant question was up, the International Typographical Union felt com- 
pelled to use its voting strength to* protect the interests of one of its local 
unions. In this position it was joined by the representative of the Interna- 
tional Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, and a majority of the board 
enacted a decision which was not at that time and it is presumed has not been 
since acceptable to the minority. At the following meeting, and the last 
that has been' held thus far, convening in Cincinnati on March 7, 8 and 9, 
191 o, the estrangement occurring at the Toronto session was emphasized, and 
evidently caused considerable resentment on the part of the minority. 

"It had previously been proposed that the agreement should be amended 
so as to bring about joint ownership of the label. The International Typo- 



962 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

graphical Union, seeing very little difference between joint ownership and 
joint control, raised no objection to the proposed amendment, and the propo- 
sition was referred to an Indianapolis attorney, who at the Cincinnati meet- 
ing submitted his decision, which was later given further consideration by 
the attorney selected by the joint board in conference with attorneys repre- 
senting the affiliated international unions. 

"The Tripartite Agreement was not satisfactory nor successful. The 
Pittsburgh conference failed to agree on anything that was of material value. 
The Baltimore conference evolved a proposition which was not made effective, 
and the Tripartite Agreement was subsequently abrogated by the International 
Typographical Union., 

"The agreement now in effect was formulated in Indianapolis in January, 
1903, and up to the meeting of the Joint Conference Board held in Toronto, 
which has been alluded to here, was a most successful combination. Joint 
ownership of the label has not been combatted by the organization I have 
the honor to represent, but I understand now that the agreement submitted 
by the Indianapolis attorney selected by the board is not satisfactory to some 
of our allies, inasmuch as it does not provide for equal representation and 
voting strength. 

THE RULE OF THE MAJORITY 

"The International Typographical Union has a membership of more than 
50,000, nearly 20,000 more than the combined membership of our allies. We 
feel that in any agreement that is arrived at, our greater interests should be 
given consideration, and that we should be accorded at least equal voting 
strength until the combined membership of the allies exceeds our member- 
ship. We have never used our voting power except when we believed it abso- 
lutely necessary in order not only to protect our interests, but to protect the 
interests of all of the unions making up the Joint Conference Board; for if 
local allied councils will not give adherence to their own laws and to the laws 
formulated by the Joint Conference Board, then I submit that it is imperatively 
necessary for the well-being of each of the international unions and the future 
of the Joint Conference Board itself, that the recalcitrant, refractory local 
allied council should be made to respect the statutes that have been enacted 
for its government. 

"A comparison of membership on the basis of per capita tax paid to the 
American Federation of Labor for its fiscal year, ended October 31, 1909, 
shows that the International Typographical Union paid tax on an average 
membership for the year of 45,500; the International Printing Pressmen 
and Assistants' Union on an average membership of 17,800; the International 
Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, on an average membership of 3,500; 
the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, on an average membership of 
7,100, and the International Photo Engravers' Union, on an average member- 
ship of 3,200, showing that at that time we had an excess in membership over 
the combined membership of our allies of nearly 14,000.. But it may be 
argued that while our membership is larger, yet this membership is not all 
employed in jurisdictions where the allied label is used. This may be answered 
by the statement that the local jurisdiction in which the typographical union 
is the only union of the printing trade today may have a union of another 
printing craft tomorrow, and an allied council the next day, so that all of the 
laws governing the allied council jurisdictions of today are liable to apply 
tomorrow in jurisdictions where the allied label is not now in evidence. How- 
ever, admitting that all of our members are not employed in allied jurisdic- 
tions, let us make further comparison. I am submitting herewith a table 
showing the membership of each of our unions in allied trades council juris- 
dictions, as reported by our International secretary-treasurer for the fiscal 



9^3 



History of The Typographical Union 

year ending April 30, 1909, and the membership in good standing of the same 
unions paying us per capita tax for the month of May, 1910. [The table is 
omitted. — Ed.] 

WHAT THE FIGURES SHOW 

"The foregoing shows that on April 30, 1909, we had a greater member- 
ship working in jurisdictions in which the allied label is used than the com- 
bined membership of our allies on the 31st day of October following. We 
have today, as the statement shows and I believe the figures will prove, a 
greater membership working in allied label jurisdictions than the combined 
membership of our allies.. And it must be borne in mind that some ot* the 
locals holding charters from our allied international unions are not located in 
jurisdictions in which the allied label is used. On any basis from which the 
subject can be considered, we are entirely justified in asking at least equal 
representation on the Joint Conference Board. 

"The Joint Conference Board was organized mainly for the adjustment 
of difficulties between the international unions, often serious in their nature, 
for example, the present threatened dispute, and of local differences that 
formerly annoyed and sometimes disrupted local allied councils, and for the 
enactment of laws general in their nature for the government of local coun- 
cils and in the issuance of the label. That the joint board has been a suc- 
cess in this connection can not be disputed. I believe that all disputes aris- 
ing between the five international unions of the printing trade should be 
adjusted within the Joint Conference Board, and I am strongly of the opinion 
that the exercise of patience on the part of all of the international unions 
making up the Joint Conference Board will yet result in mutually acceptable, 
amicable relations. 

FEDERATION PRINTING TRADES SECTION 

"It has been suggested that if the International Typographical Union 
does not accede to the demand for equal voting power in the Joint Conference 
Board, application will be made thereafter by certain international unions to 
the American Federation of Labor for the formation of a printing trades de- 
partment of the American Federation of Labor. Even if such a department 
is organized, I am still of the opinion that the International Typographical 
Union will be in a position to secure fair treatment and fair representation; 
that it will be able to protect its interests. But I am opposed to the forma- 
tion of a printing trades department of the American Federation of Labor for 
many important reasons. I am opposed to making the International Typo- 
graphical Union or any of the allied international unions subordinate to the 
American Federation of Labor. Under the rules of the latter organization 
governing departments, the organization of a printing trades department would 
practically place the five international unions in a subordinate position, for the 
reason that the business of the department would have to be reported to the 
executive council of the American Federation of Labor and could be reviewed 
by that council or. by the federation convention. We have been in existence 
for more than sixty years, we have for all this time maintained complete 
autonomy, and we do not propose to now surrender that proud distinction. 

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES 

"I have tried to set foith the history of the various agreements, and the 
status of the present agreement, and the disputes that have arisen under it. 
I sincerely trust that before any action is taken that will jeopardize the joint 
agreement, the results that may follow shall have careful consideration and 
due weight. We do not want warfare with our allies. We believe that bet- 
ter results will be forthcoming if we have joint effort along trade union lines. 
We know that in any differences that may arise the burden will eventually fall 



964 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

on the member — not on the officers who may be responsible for the contention. 
Nevertheless, if we are forced into the position where we must defend our 
interests, where we must meet opposition, strife and friction, we will do the 
best we can to preserve our strength and stability. 

"It has occurred to me that if the headquarters of our international unions 
were located in the same city, there would be more frequent opportunity for 
conference, and that contentions which eventually loom large, with prompt 
treatment might never get beyond the initial conference stage. 

"I can not predict what action our Minneapolis convention, which will be 
held in August this year, will take. The convention will consider the pro- 
posed agreement that has been designed to supplant the present joint agree- 
ment, and will instruct its officers as to the course which they shall pursue. 

"I don't propose, as has been done, to anticipate the action of our con- 
vention. All of the facts will be submitted to that convention, and its judg- 
ment will only be arrived at after full consideration of all of the elements that 
go to make up our present differences." 

Health Campaign — A campaign for better sanitary 
conditions in composing rooms had been aggressively 
waged during the year. Thousands of tuberculosis 
pamphlets had been distributed both to the general public 
and to the membership. It had brought good results. 
Many old composing rooms had been remodeled and bet- 
ter sanitary conditions established, while many new 
composing rooms had been constructed with modern 
ventilating and sanitaty appliances. The president as- 
serted that the union could prolong the average life of its 
members materially if working conditions were made as 
they should be. 

Typographia — Second Vice-President Hugo Miller 
submitted an extensive report covering the operations of 
the Typographia during the year. He said that a goodly 
number of subordinate unions had fallen in line with the 
onward march of the International Typographical Union 
for higher wages, shorter hours and better conditions. At 
Milwaukee the book and job scale had been raised and a 
three-year contract signed. At Columbus, Ohio, the 
Typographia had secured an increase in its scale for day 
work, although one German daily had suspended publica- 
tion. Rochester Typographia had made a demand for an 
increase of $2 a week, but had compromised on a $1 raise. 

965 



History of The Typographical Union 

At New York city the newspaper scale was raised $i a 
week, and after this had been accomplished the book and 
job offices also raised the scale in the same proportion. 
Davenport, Iowa, had obtained an increase over the old 
scale. A strike had occurred at Buffalo on the German 
daily papers to enforce a demand for increased wages, 
and the union had been successful. St. Paul Typographia 
and Indianapolis Typographia had each presented re- 
vised scales, including increases, which had been compro- 
mised satisfactorily. Typographia No. 8, of Newark, also 
secured an increase. St. Louis Typographia had raised 
its book and job scale to the figure obtained by the Eng- 
lish union. In Chicago, the Abendpost had raised its 
scale $2 a week. Work in the German branch was much 
better than during the previous year and most of the 
members had steady employment. 

Mailers — Third Vice-President Charles N. Smith, for 
the mailers, submitted the most comprehensive and satis- 
factory report concerning the welfare of that craft ever 
presented to a convention up to that time. The document 
was a complete review of the operations of the various 
mailers' unions during the year. In concluding his report 
Vice-President Smith said : "There are a few unsightly 
spots in my report, but on the whole I was treated fairly 
well by all those with whom I came in contact, although 
none treated the mailers' affairs in such fair and square 
manner as did the executive council of the International 
Typographical Union, and I take this means to publicly 
thank the members of the council for their amicable 
attitude." 

Secretary-Treasurer's Report — At the outset Secre- 
tary-Treasurer Hays submitted a table of receipts and 
expenditures for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1910, 
showing a total of $518,419.98 as being received from all 
sources, with expenditures of $417,998.76. The balance 

966 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

on hand on the date above mentioned was $359,149.69, of 
which $81,553 was in the general fund, and $277,596.69 
in the old age pension fund. The special assistance and 
benefit expenditures for the year were $28,728.43. The 
expenses of the commission on supplemental trade edu- 
cation, copyright law representative, eight-hour pres- 
entation committee, label advertising, meetings of the 
National Arbitration Board, Joint Conference Board, 
tuberculosis campaign, etc., were shown to have been 
$14,306.84, and the money paid to organizers and officers 
engaged in organization work was $35,010.96. The 
general expenditures of the organization outside of those 
credited to the executive council or defense, the Home 
and old age pension funds, reached a total of $60,145.05. 
The 15 cents per month paid by each member toward the 
support of the Home amounted during the year to 
$86,051.90. 

Mortuary Benefits — Burial benefit and mortuary 
tables were given indicating that 574 benefits were paid 
during the year, the largest number, with one exception, 
since the death benefit was established. The death rate 
for the year was 1.19 per cent of the average membership, 
or a little more than 11 per 1,000. The average death 
rate since the establishment of the benefit was 1.30 per 
cent — 13 per 1,000. The average age of members 
who passed away during the year was 46.7 years. The 
secretary-treasurer advocated a graduated burial benefit 
by the collection of an additional 25 cents per month per 
member, the amounts paid to be as follows : $50 for a 
membership of one year or less; $100 for a membership 
of over one year and not more than two years; $150 for 
a membership of over two years and not more than three 
years; $200 for a membership of over three years and not 
more than five years; $250 for a membership of over five 
years. 

967 



History of The Typographical Union 

It was asserted that this plan could be adopted without 
fear of failure; in fact, it was thought that a benefit of 
$250 on the death of a member in good standing, regard- 
less of the length of his membership, could be paid with 
this assessment. 

The relation of the benefits paid to the receipts for the 
year was most interesting. This sum, which was paid to 
the local unions as strike benefits, special assistance, death 
benefits, old age pensions, Home fund, etc., amounted to 
$267,712.89, or 51.6 per cent of the total money paid into 
the treasury. 

Membership — Under the heading "Our Membership," 
Secretary-Treasurer Hays said, in part : 

The receipts for per capita tax show an average paying membership ot 
47,848 for the twelve months ended May 3.1, 1910. This is an increase of 
2,927 over the year 1909 and 4,108 over 1908. Never before in a like period — 
twelve months— has the International Union collected per capita tax on such a 
large average number of members. 

Even a better showing is made in the last five months of the fiscal year, 
during which we have been working under the register system of members. 
The January collections of per capita tax represented 50,281 members; Febru- 
ary, 46,776; March, 53,553; April, 50,146; May, 52,212; an average of 50,593 
for the five months. At the close of business on May 31, 191 o, register num- 
bers were held by 52,165 members, of which 49,976 were affiliated with local 
unions, the remainder being in unorganized towns and in possession of travel- 
ing cards. 

The growth in the number of new unions organized 
during the year was indicated by the following figures : 

Subordinate unions June 1, 1909 653 

Chartered during the year ended May 31, 1910 52 

Total 705 

Suspended and surrendered 21 

Number of local unions May 31, 1910 684 

Increase in number of unions 31 

These subordinate bodies were thus divided among the several crafts: 

Typographical unions — English 631 

Typographical unions — German-American 22 

Mailers' unions 28 

Newspaper writers' unions ■ 3 

Total 684 

Bonding Local Officers — It was asserted by the secre- 
tary-treasurer that although the law relating to the 

968 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

bonding of local officers had been in operation only since 
the 1st of January, 1910, its good effects were apparent. 
Some of the smaller unions objected to the requirements 
on account of the trivial amount of money in their treas- 
uries, and it was suggested that this might be overcome 
by the International establishing a bonding department. 
On this subject, the secretary-treasurer said : 

It has been suggested on several occasions that the International Union 
arrange for what is commonly called a "blanket bond" covering all local 
officers. This was the original plan of the executive council, which was de- 
feated and the present law adopted. However, it is not too late to change 
to that system if deemed advisable to do so. The present law is working 
satisfactorily and there is no great need of a change. The law should be a 
little more stringent and provide a penalty for non-compliance therewith. 

Receipts and Benefits — A series of tables were pre- 
sented, occupying sixteen full pages of the report, show- 
ing the payments of each subordinate union to the 
general, old age pension and Home funds, the burial 
benefits and old age pensions drawn by each union and the 
money received by them for strike benefits and special 
assistance. On the subject of strikes, it was shown by the 
secretary-treasurer that but fifteen small disturbances 
occurred during the year. 

Old Age Pension Fund — A large section of the report 
of the secretary-treasurer was devoted to the old age 
pension fund. A summary of the receipts and expendi- 
tures for the year follows : 

RECEIPTS 

June 1, 1909 — Balance in fund $159,767 17 

May 31, 1910 — One-half of 1 per cent assessment 228,014 72 

May 31, 1910 — Interest 5,139 82 

May 31, 1910 — Pensions returned 72 50 

Total $392,994 21 

EXPENDITURES 

Paid to pensioners $106,740 00 

Clerical work 2,473 65 

Books and printing 133 75 

Installation and maintenance of register system 6,050 12 

Total 115,397 52 

Balance in fund May 31, 1910 $277,596 69 

969 



History of The Typographical Union 

During the twelve months covered by the above table the average mem- 
bership of the International Typographical Union upon which per capita 
tax was collected was 47,848. The receipts from the pension assessment aver- 
aged $19,001.22 — 39.7 cents per member per month, or $4.76 per member per 
year. These figures mean that the total earnings of the membership during 
the year aggregated $45,602,944 — $953 per member, based on the average pay- 
ing membership for the year. This is a much better showing than was made 
last year, when the earnings averaged $897 per member on a membership of 
44,921. I said last year "no other American trade union can show an equal 
average earning capacity." The figures of this year demonstrate the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union tp be superior, as regards the average wages of 
its members, to all other organized trades, no matter where located, with an 
equal membership. 

Since the establishment of the pension fund and up to May 31, 1910, 796 
applications for the pension had been filed; 647 in the first and 149 in the 
last fiscal year. Of this number 52 petitions were disapproved, 4 were with- 
drawn, 2 removed from the list and action upon 15 was pending. Deaths to 
the number of 81 occurred among the pensioners, leaving 642 pensioners on 
the roll on May 31. 

An analysis of the ages of the pension applicants develops the notable fact 
that the average age of the 796 applicants is 66.4 years. Of the total number, 
523 are between 60 and 70 years; 241 are septuagenarians; 30 are octoge- 
narians; one is a nonagenarian, and one withdrawn was 'less than 60 years of 
age. 

Of the future of the old age pension fund, the secre- 
tary-treasurer said : 

The pension law has now been in operation twenty-six months, during 
which time pensions have been paid for ninety-two weeks — forty weeks in 
the fiscal year of 1909 and fiflty-two in that of 191 o. In the past twelve 
months there was a net increase of 100 in the number of members on the 
pension roll. Notwithstanding this marked increase in the number of pen- 
sioners, the receipts of the fund were far in excess of the demands thereon. 
Should the number of pensioners increase at the rate of 100 per year, we will 
have practically 1,000 pensioners in three years. The revenue of the fund will 
support that number without touching the reserve if the collections on the 
assessment are as large in succeeding years as in the past. Since the assess- 
ment is on percentage basis, the revenue of the fund may be seriously decreased 
by dulness of business, a panic or other unforeseen conditions. We can de- 
pend upon the number of pensioners increasing year by year. This is proven 
by the experience of foreign trade unions operating a benefit of this character. 
How rapid the increase will be one can not predict with certainty, but it is 
believed the increase will be about like that of the past year. 

In the face of these facts — a rapidly growing pension list and an uncertain 
revenue — great care must be taken in handling the pension law. No doubt 
amendments having in view a broader distribution of the pension will come 
before the next convention. THe effect of these amendments, if offered and 
adopted, can not be estimated, and we should consider well any proposition 
which has for its purpose a large increase in the number of pensioners. The 
list has grown rapidly — it will continue to do so. 

Among the principal complaints against the pension law is the percentage 
assessment. It is contended by many members that all should pay an equal 
amount to the fund, since all are entitled to the same benefits therefrom. 
This argument has some strength. As between the two alternatives — broaden 
the pension law or make the assessment a flat rate of 35 cents per month — I 

9/0 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

should advise the latter course, because we can estimate with some degree 
of accuracy the result, and there is no way by which it can be determined 
whether or not the present assessment would be sufficient should the pension 
law be extended. The old age pension is our greatest benefit. Let us guard it 
carefully and make no mistakes which may impair the stability of the fund 
or render it burdensome upon the membership. 

The secretary-treasurer concluded his report with 
comments on the official magazine, the register system, 
the manufacture and distribution of labels and presented a 
table showing the number of members of each subordinate 
union and the amount of money in the treasuries of the 
local organizations. 

The Executive Council — The report of the executive 
council opened with a document drawn up by competent 
attorneys, intended for governing the joint ownership of 
the allied printing trades label, which subject had been 
gone into at great length during the year by the Joint 
Conference Board. The council asked for instructions 
from the convention as to how far it should go on the 
question of joint ownership of the label or the change of 
representation and voting strength in the Joint Confer- 
ence Board. 

The minutes of the several sessions of the National 
Board of Arbitration held during the year were included 
in the council's report, together with amendments to the 
agreement and a list of all newspapers parties to the 
compact. 

During the year the council was compelled to take a 
stand on the question of relief of sick members which had 
not altogether satisfied some subordinate unions. A nega- 
tive decision was made when assistance was asked for 
certain members who were eligible neither to the old age 
pension nor to admittance to the Home. 

Many requests for financing label campaigns instituted 
by subordinate unions had been received during the year. 
The council had refused these requests, giving as its 
reason that the International Union, not having provided 

971 



History of The Typographical Union 

funds for such purposes, the council could not finance the 
propositions. 

Referring to the mortuary benefit proposition, the 
council said that it was strongly of the opinion that a 
majority of the members desired an increased death or 
funeral benefit. The question was one of deep interest to 
all, and while the council did not desire to go on record 
as making any special recommendation, it was urged upon 
the delegates and the membership that the entire subject 
be studied so that it might be worked out for the advance- 
ment of the best interests of the membership of the Inter- 
national Union. 

Other features of the council's report included a review 
of the old age pension system, the United Hatters' strike, 
matters regarding Los Angeles, enhanced value of union 
membership, the success of the campaign to defeat in- 
creased rates on second-class mail, the Journal as second- 
class mail matter and printing corner cards on envelopes 
by the government. 

Reports from twenty-six organizers furnished interest- 
ing reading for the delegates and membership at large. 
A glance at these reports shows that the work of the 
organizers was of great benefit and proved the necessity 
of at all times keeping competent men on guard to protect 
the interests of the International Union. 

The report of the trustees of the Union Printers Home 
contained the minutes of the annual meeting and also that 
of the Home corporation, as well as the report of the 
secretary-treasurer and the superintendent. The Home 
secretary-treasurer showed that the receipts for the fiscal 
year were $122,923.42, and the expenditures $103,366.88, 
leaving a balance on hand of $19,556.54. In this was 
included payment for the construction of an addition to 
the main building. The admission committee considered 
119 petitions during the year, ninety-one of which were 

972 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

approved, twenty-five disapproved, one withdrawn and 
two applicants died while their petitions were pending. 
Petitions disapproved on advice of the Home physician 
numbered twenty, and five were ineligible for admission. 
The report of the superintendent covered all financial 
transactions during the year, improvements to buildings 
and grounds, mortality statement, tubercular patients, 
names of members in the Home, report of Home physi- 
cian and a list of members admitted during the year. The 
average number of residents at the institution during the 
year was 129, and the average cost per week per resident 
was §7.66. 

INCREASED MORTUARY BENEFITS AGAIN 
DEFEATED 

Notwithstanding the urgent recommendations of the 
president and the executive council, the Minneapolis 
convention failed to adopt a plan for increasing burial 
benefits satisfactory to the membership at large. In lieu 
of several propositions looking toward an increase or a 
change in the law relating thereto the convention adopted 
the following, which was submitted to a referendum vote 
of the membership : 

For a membership of one year or less, $50. 

For a continuous membership of over one year and not more 
than two years, $100. 

For a continuous membership of two years and not more 
than three years, $150. 

For a continuous membership of over three years and not 
more than five years, $200. 

For a continuous membership of over five years, $250. 

It was proposed to provide the funds for the payment 
of the graduated burial benefit by collecting 25 cents per 
member per month. The subject was fully discussed in 
the report of the secretary-treasurer and the plan was 
thought to be entirely feasible, the only question to be 

973 



History of The Typographical Union 

determined by each member was whether or not he de- 
sired to pay $3 per year for a burial benefit of $250. 

There were several propositions before the convention 
having for their object the collection of a stipulated 
amount for the pension fund in lieu of the percentage 
system originally adopted. In the belief that dues should 
be collected either entirely on a percentage or on a flat 
basis, the convention amended the law so as to provide 
for the collection of $1 per member per month, divided 
as follows : Per capita tax, 35 cents ; Journal subscription, 
5 cents; for the pension fund, 35 cents; for the burial 
fund, 25 cents. 

This amendment and the proposed graduated burial 
benefit plan was submitted to the referendum as one 
proposition, as the adoption of one was contingent upon 
the adoption of the other. Probably the weak point in the 
proposition and the factor that contributed largely to its 
defeat was the plan embodied of collecting all dues on a 
flat basis. It was argued that this would have a tendency 
to increase the dues in the smaller unions having excep- 
tionally low scales. In the larger towns, where scales 
were higher, the dues would be decreased. Whether this 
was the real cause of defeat, of course, can not be posi- 
tively asserted, but in the vote of more than 30,000 a 
majority of 203 was cast against the proposition. 

OTHER LEGISLATION 

Aside from the proposed constitutional amendment 
increasing the mortuary benefits, two other propositions 
were submitted to the referendum, the first providing an 
increase in salary for the president and secretary-treas- 
urer from $2,000 to $3,000 each per year. This proposi- 
tion was submitted by the laws committee and adopted by 
the convention in lieu of twelve propositions offered by 
delegates dealing with the same subject. The referendum 

974 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

majority against the proposition was 7,353. The only 
amendment that received the approval of the referendum 
was a proviso added to section 7, article vii, stipulating 
that it should be the duty of the Home agent to attend at 
least one meeting of the board of trustees during his term 
of office. 

Amendments to the by-laws included a proposition that 
all members voting for International officers in the 
biennial elections must personally cast their ballots ; that 
all appeals to the convention shall be in printed form, 
and shall contain in full all of the papers and evidence on 
which the decision of the executive council was based, 
together with said decision, and appellant shall furnish a 
sufficient number of copies of his appeal to supply each 
delegate in attendance at the convention with one copy 
thereof. The general laws were amended permitting the 
executive council to extend the jurisdiction of subordinate 
unions, with a proviso that the petitioning union makes 
satisfactory showing of its ability to properly supervise 
the additional territory and enforce its scale and rules in 
the offices operating therein. The law requiring, fiduciary 
officers of local unions to be bonded was amended by 
adopting a penalty clause for failing to comply with its 
provisions. The general law providing for registration 
of members by the International secretary-treasurer was 
amended so as to require each member to furnish, on a 
blank provided for his use, the date of his birth, the date 
of initiation, and such other statistics as are necessary to 
show clearly the length of his continuous membership. It 
was also recommended to local unions not to admit 
applicants under twenty years of age to full membership 
in the union. Another amendment to the general laws 
provided that local unions shall furnish the Typograpical 
Journal to registered apprentices within their jurisdiction 
and to graduated apprentices, when initiated, a typo- 

975 



History of The Typographical Union 

graphical button. The law stipulating that the label shall 
not be granted to a union the scale of which was below 
$12 a week of not more than forty-eight hours, was 
amended, increasing the amount to $14. 

Old Age Pension Law Amended — Perhaps the most 
important legislation of the convention was the modifica- 
tion of section 6, article v, by-laws, which governs the 
conditions under which pensions may be granted. There 
were many amendments submitted to the convention 
seeking a change in the old age pension law. The com- 
mittee on laws submitted a substitute for all of these 
propositions, which was adopted. This proposition was 
substantially as follows : Any member of twenty years' 
continuous membership, at whatever age, who is totally 
disabled and who is denied admission to the Home, after 
applying, shall be entitled to receive the pension. Also 
any member who has reached the age of 70 years and who 
has been in continuous good standing for a period of ten 
years shall be entitled to receive the pension. 

JOINT OWNERSHIP ALLIED LABEL 

For some time prior to the Minneapolis convention 
dissatisfaction had been expressed by representatives and 
members of several unions affiliated with the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union in the Joint Conference 
Board because of the ownership of the allied printing 
trades council union label by the International Typo- 
graphical Union. It was finally agreed by the representa- 
tives of the International Typographical Union on the 
board that if a workable and safe plan of joint ownership 
could be evolved they would submit it to the convention 
for consideration and action. Accordingly an attorney 
was selected by the Joint Conference Board for the 
purpose of determining whether such a plan would be 
feasible and, if so, he to draft the necessary agreement. 

976 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

This attorney consulted with the attorneys of the dif- 
ferent international unions interested and they collect- 
ively determined that joint ownership could be brought 
about only in one way, and accordingly a document was 
drawn up on the lines suggested by these attorneys. The 
proposed new agreement was submitted to the Minneapo- 
lis convention and referred to the committee on allied 
trades relations. During the convention week representa- 
tives of several of the allied trades unions appeared before 
the delegates and discussed the proposed new agreement. 
Martin M. Hugg, attorney for the International Typo- 
graphical Union, also addressed the delegates, explaining 
the manner in which the attorneys reached their conclu- 
sion, and stated positively that the plan presented would 
solve the question. It appeared, however, from a review 
of the remarks made by some of the representatives of the 
allied trades that joint ownership of the label was not the 
only purpose of the agitation for a new agreement. The 
question of voting strength on the board was also a matter 
of concern to several of the allied trades unions. The posi- 
tion taken by President Lynch, however, that the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, by reason of its large 
membership, could not be expected to place itself in a 
position whereby, by reason of a combination of voting 
strength on the part of the smaller unions, the interests 
of the International Typographical Union would be 
jeopardized, was stoutly maintained by the convention. 
The new agreement abolishing the Joint Conference 
Board and creating an International Allied Printing 
Trades Association, as recommended by the attorneys, 
was adopted by the convention, together with an intro- 
ductory resolution offered by the committee, as follows : 

Resolved, By the members of the International Typograph- 
ical Union in convention assembled : 

First. That it is the intention and desire to become mem- 

977 



History of The Typographical Union 

bers of the International Allied Printing Trades Association 
and that they do hereby adopt the constitution of said associa- 
tion hereto attached and made a part hereof, and agree to 
abide by all the laws and regulations embodied in said consti- 
tution or which may be hereafter duly enacted. 

Second. That they do hereby choose and appoint the presi- 
dent, the first and second vice-presidents and secretary-treasurer 
as members of the board of governors of said International 
Allied Printing Trades Association. 

Third. That the executive council be and it is hereby au- 
thorized and empowered to take all necessary action to sur- 
render to and vest in said International Allied Printing Trades 
Association all rights in and to the present allied printing 
trades label, and to take all necessary and proper steps to 
effectuate and carry out the letter and spirit of this resolution. 

Following the adjournment of the Minneapolis conven- 
tion and before the proposed new agreement was submit- 
ted to the referendum, at a meeting of the Joint Confer- 
ence Board held at Baltimore, December io, 1 1, 12, 1910, 
the proposition was amended by inserting the following 
paragraph, the phraseology of the document also being 
changed wherever necessary to make the instrument con- 
form to the terms of the amendment : 

All questions coming before the board of governors shall be 
decided by unanimous vote, except as provided in sections 4 
and 5 of this article. In the event of failure of the board of 
governors to agree unanimously upon any proposition or propo- 
sitions submitted to it, then any one or more of the members of 
said board may demand that such proposition or propositions 
be submitted to a disinterested person for decision, and such 
disinterested person shall be selected by the unanimous vote of 
the board of governors, but if said board shall fail to agree 
upon such disinterested person, then such person shall be se- 
lected by the president of the American Federation of Labor, 
and the decision of such person so selected shall be final and 
binding upon the board of governors. Notice of the demand 
to submit any such proposition or propositions for decision to a 
disinterested person, as aforesaid, must be given during the 
session in which such proposition or propositions arise, and the 
settlement of such proposition or propositions shall proceed to 

978 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

determination as speedily as circumstances permit, not to exceed 
thirty days frorn the time said notice shall be given, unless the 
time shall be extended by the board of governors. 

Following the meeting of the Joint Conference Board 
at Baltimore, the amended agreement was submitted to 
the various affiliated unions for action. The Typograph- 
ical Union, by a referendum vote, on February 15, 191 1, 
endorsed the agreement by a majority of 6,814. 

At a meeting of the Joint Conference Board in In- 
dianapolis, March 6-7, 191 1 , all of the interested unions 
reported having endorsed the agreement, the business 
of the Joint Conference Board was concluded and the 
International Allied Printing Trades Association was 
formed. The agreement, as finally adopted, follows : 

Article I (Name — Object — Jurisdiction) 

Section i. This body shall be known as the International Allied Printing 
Trades Association. 

Sec. 2. The objects of this association are to designate the products of 
the labor of the. members thereof by adopting and registering a label or trade- 
mark designating such products. 

Sec 3. To that end the association shall by its board of governors adopt 
a label, to be known as "allied printing trades label," which label shall be used 
to distinguish the product of the labor of the members of the association; and 
the association shall exercise jurisdiction throughout the United States of 
America and Canada in regard to said label, and over subordinate local organ- 
izations which shall be established and maintained in accordance with the pro- 
visions of these laws. 

Article II (Membership) 

Section i. All members in good standing of the International Typograph- 
ical Union, the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, the 
International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, the International Brother- 
hood of Bookbinders and the International Photo Engravers' Union shall be 
members of this association. But before the members of any of the said 
unions shall become members of this association, they shall by appropriate 
action taken by them at a convention, or on referendum vote or otherwise in 
manner approved by the respective unions, duly declare their intention and 
desire to become such members and agree to abide by all laws and regulations 
now or hereafter adopted for the government of this association, and shall 
at the same time provide who shall constitute their representatives on the 
board of governors hereinafter provided for in article iii. And any member 
ceasing to be a member in good standing in one of said unions shall thereby 
cease to be a member of this association. 

Article III (Board of Governors) 

Section i. The affairs of this association shall be conducted and gov- 
erned by a board to be known as the "Board of Governors." Said board 
shall also be trustees of, and hold title to, any label adopted by the associa- 

979 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion and all other property of the association; and they shall cause to be 
registered such label in all states, territories and District of Columbia, in 
the United States, and Dominion and Provinces of Canada, where registra- 
tion is or may be hereafter authorized by law. 

Sec. 2. The board of governors shall consist of eight members. For 
the purpose of selecting those members, the membership of this association 
shall be divided into five groups, as follows: 

One group consisting of those members who are also members of the In- 
ternational Typographical Union, who shall select four members of said 
board; one group consisting of those members who are also members of the 
International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, who shall select one 
member of said board; one group consisting of those members who are also 
members of the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, who 
shall .select one member of said board; one group consisting of those mem- 
bers who are also members of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, 
who shall select one member of said board; and one group consisting of those 
members who are also members of the International Photo Engravers' Union, 
who shall select one member of said board. 

The selection of said members of said board of governors shall be in the 
manner and by the mode adopted by the several groups of members above 
specified respectively. 

Sec. 3. The members of said board shall hold office until their successors are 
duly chosen. Should any member of said board cease to be 'such member, his 
successor shall be chosen or designated by the group who had selected such mem- 
ber in such manner as such group may determine. No member of said board 
shall continue in office after he has ceased to be a member of this association. 

Sec. 4. The officers of the board of governors shall be a president, vice- 
president and secretary-treasurer and such other officers as the board may 
determine, who shall be elected by a majority vote. But no two executive 
officers shall be members of the same trade union. 

Sec. 5. Regular meetings of the board of governors shall be held on the 
first Monday in 'November, March and July of each year at the place decided 
upon by a majority vote of the board of governors, written notice of which 
shall be mailed to each member of the board by the secretary-treasurer thereof. 
At the regular meeting in March, the officers of said board shall be nom- 
inated, elected and installed for the ensuing year. If any vacancy occurs 
during the ensuing year it shall be filled from members of the board. 

On written demand of a majority of the members of the board, the 
president shall call a meeting at a convenient time and place designated by 
the president and after written notice is mailed to each member of the board. 

In the event of any member of the board being unable to attend any 
meeting he may delegate his power and authority to a proxy, who, however, 
shall be a member of the same trade union of which the member giving the 
proxy is a member. Upon the filing of properly presented credentials to the 
board of governors, said proxy shall be accorded all rights and privileges due 
to the member for whom he is proxy. 

When any group shall have more than one representative on the board 
of governors, then in the absence of any member or members thereof selected 
by said group, the other member or members of the board selected by such 
group may cast the full vote to which said group shall be entitled without hav- 
ing any proxy to do so. 

Between meetings the secretary-treasurer may submit any questions call- 
ing for prompt action to the consideration of the members of the board of 
governors by mail, and the members shall vote by mail. Their votes shall be 
canvassed and announced by the secretary-treasurer and given the same effect 
as though cast at a meeting, and all such proceedings shall be reported by 
the secretary-treasurer at the next regular meeting of the board. 



980 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

All questions coming before the board of governors shall be decided by 
unanimous vote, except as provided in sections 4 and 5 of this article. In 
the event of failure of the board of governors to agree unanimously upon any 
proposition or propositions submitted to it, then any one or more of the mem- 
bers of said board may demand that such proposition or propositins be sub- 
mitted to a disinterested person for decision, and such disinterested person 
shall be selected by the unanimous vote of the board of governors, but if said 
board shall fail to agree upon such disinterested person, then such person 
shall be selected by the president of the American Federation of Labor, and 
the decision of such person so selected shall be final and binding upon the 
board of governors. Notice of the demand to submit any such proposition 
or propositions for decision to a disinterested person, as aforesaid, must be 
given during the session in which such proposition or propositions arise, and 
the settlement of such proposition or propositions shall proceed to determina- 
tion as speedily as circumstances permit, not to exceed thirty days from the 
time said notice shall be given, unless the time shall be extended by the board 
of governors. 

Sec. 6. The board of governors may adopt such rules of procedure in the 
hearing of appeals and in the conduct of such other business as may properly 
come before it as do not conflict with any of the general laws of the asso- 
ciation. 

Article IV (Local Allied Printing Trades Councils) 

Section i. In localities where there are subordinate unions chartered by 
two or more of the unions mentioned in article ii hereof, a local allied print- 
ing trades council shall be formed, the jurisdiction of which shall be de- 
termined by said board of governors. Within such jurisdiction no member of 
the International Allied Printing Trades Association shall use any trade label 
other than that issued by said International Allied Printing Trades Associa- 
tion through the local allied printing trades council, and all unions whose 
members are members of the International Allied Printing Trades Association 
shall withdraw from said jurisdiction their union label. 

Sec. 2. It shall be composed of members chosen by and from those who 
are members of said subordinate unions, three being appointed or elected from 
each union in the manner and by the mode adopted by the members of the 
union. The selection of the three members from the membership of each of 
said unions shall be certified to said local allied printing trades council, and 
the three members of each class shall continue to be members of said local 
council for a term of one year and until their successors are duly chosen and 
certified by the members of that class. No one shall be at the same time a 
member of more than one local allied printing trades council. 

Sec. 3. Each member present at any meeting of a local allied printing 
trades council shall be entitled to one vote. But a roll call may be demanded 
by any member on a question involving the raising of revenue or the election 
of officers, and on said roll call each member shall be entitled to additional 
votes, as follows: For fifty (50) members of the local union to which he be- 
longs, one vote; for each additional fifty (50) members or major fraction 
thereof up to three hundred (300) members, one vote; for the next two 
hundred (200) members or major fraction thereof, one vote; for each addi- 
tional five hundred (500) members or major fraction thereof, one vote; the 
membership to be computed in accordance with the last per capita tax paid 
by each local union. 

Sec. 4. Local allied printing trades councils shall elect as officers a presi- 
dent, vice-president and secretary-treasurer and such other officers as the local 
council may determine. And said local councils may adopt such provisions 
and rules for their government as are not in conflict with the purpose and 
provisions of the general laws of the International Allied Printing Trades 

98l 



History of The Typographical Union 

Association or in conflict with the rules and laws of the board of governors 
of said International Allied Printing Trades Association. 

Sec. 5. The funds of each local allied printing trades council shall be 
under its control, and shall be on a per capita basis. 

Article V (Appeals) 

Section i. Appeals may be made to the board of governors from the 
decision or action of any local allied printing trades council. In such case 
the applicant must within ten days from said decision or action file notice of 
his intention to appeal with the president, vice-president or secretary-treasurer 
of the local allied printing trades council; and within thirty days from said 
decision or action the appellant shall forward to the. secretary-treasurer of 
the board of governors ten typewritten copies of the appeal papers, serving 
one copy on the president, vice-president or secretary-treasurer of said local 
allied printing trades council. After such service said local allied printing 
trades council shall have thirty days in which to file with the secretary- 
treasurer of said board of governors ten typewritten copies of its answer. 
And no such appeal shall be considered by the board of governors unless it 
shall be approved by the local union of which the appellant is a member; 
such approval being evidenced by the certificate of the president and secre- 
tary of that union; which said certificate shall accompany the appeal papers 
at the time they are forwarded to the secretary-treasurer of the board of 
governors. 

Sec. 2. When the papers are complete in each case the secretary-treasurer 
of said board of governors shall forward one copy of the papers to each mem- 
ber of said board of governors. Thereupon each member shall consider the 
case thus presented to him and within thirty days after the receipt of the 
documents each of said members shall file an opinion in the case with the 
secretary-treasurer of the said board of governors, and within thirty days 
after the opinions of the members have been received by the said secretary- 
treasurer and submitted to the several members of said board for final action 
the members of said board must register their votes on the appeal. 

Article VI (Use of the Union Label) 

Section i. The International Allied Printing Trades Association, by its 
board of governors, shall procure, own and control the allied printing trades 
label. 

Sec. 2. It shall by action of its board of governors and in accordance 
with and subject to the provisions of these laws, loan the same to local allied 
printing trades councils as agents of said International Allied Printing Trades 
Association upon receipt of a sum of money from the local council, not ex- 
ceeding ten (10) per cent above the cost of production and distribution of 
said labels. 

Sec. 3. No allied printing trades council shall issue any label not pro- 
cured from said International Allied Printing Trades Association, nor dupli- 
cate nor allow the duplication of said labels except in the case of stereotyped 
or electrotyped forms, in which case the label appearing in the plate or plates 
shall be destroyed immediately on completion of the work on which it is used. 

Sec. 4. No other body than the local allied printing trades council shall 
be allowed to grant the use of the allied printing trades label in any juris- 
diction; provided, however, that the board of governors of said International 
Allied Printing Trades Association may order the issuance or withdrawal of 
the label or issue said label direct where in its judgment said action is neces- 
sary. 

Sec. 5. All labels must be procured by local councils from the secretary- 
treasurer of the International Allied Printing Trades Association. Any in- 



982 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

fraction of this rule shall be deemed sufficient cause for the dissolution of 
the local council so offending. 

Sec. 6. All labels shall be issued or withdrawn by unanimous consent 
of local councils. Should any cause or grievance arise because of the issu- 
ance or withdrawal of the label by any local council the matter must be pre- 
sented to said board of governors, and it shall be the duty of said board to 
consider or reconsider and determine the matter, giving to the parties in in- 
terest such opportunity to be heard as the president of the said board of 
governors may deem needful. 

Article VII (Finances) 

Section i. The necessary funds for the establishment, maintenance and 
carrying on of this association and its work shall be under the control of the 
board of governors, and the same shall be furnished by the several groups in 
the proportions following: 

One-half by the members of this association who are also members of 
the International Typographical Union; one-eighth by the members of this 
association who are also members of the International Printing Pressmen and 
Assistants' Union; one-eighth by the members of this association who are also 
members of the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union; one-eighth 
by the members of this association who are also members of the International 
Brotherhood of Bookbinders; and one-eighth by the members of this associa- 
tion who are also members of the International Photo Engravers' Union. 

When the board of governors shall determine that any funds are neces- 
sary, the secretary-treasurer of this association shall notify the proper officer 
of each union mentioned in article ii, of the proportionate amount due from 
the members of such union, who are also members of this association, and 
such notice shall be notice to each member of this association who is also 
a member of such union. 

Sec. 2. All funds of the association shall be deposited in bank subject 
to withdrawal according to regulations adopted by the board. 

Sec. 3. The members of the board of governors shall not be paid out 
of the funds of this association for their services or for their expenses in- 
curred while acting as such members of the board of governors. 

Sec. 4. Should any group withdraw from this association, then such group 
shall forfeit all rights and interest in and to any and all labels registered by 
this association and in and to all property and effects of this association. 

Article VIII (Amendments) 

Section i. Amendments to these laws may be made from time to time 
as follows: The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the secretary or 
the secretary-treasurer of each of the international unions mentioned in article 
ii hereof, to be submitted by him to a general convention of the union or to 
the members of the union through their local unions. If the convention or 
a majority of the members of the international union acting thereon shall 
assent to the proposed amendment, such assent shall be binding upon all the 
members belonging to that union and shall operate as the assent of all be- 
longing to that union to the proposed amendment. If the members belonging 
to all said international unions shall thus signify their assent to the proposed 
amendment it shall be considered as adopted and shall thenceforth operate as 
a law of this association. 

ADDRESS BY CHARLES FRANCIS 

Mr. Charles Francis, president of the Printers' League 
of America, was a visitor to the Minneapolis convention 



983 



History of The Typographical Union 

and was invited to address the delegates. In view of the 
amicable relations existing between the Printers' League 
of America and the International Typographical Union, 
the remarks of Mr. Francis at Minneapolis are herewith 
reproduced : 

I desire to thank you and your president for the invitation to address 
you on this occasion, and to offer for myself and on behalf of my organiza- 
tion, the Printers' League of America, a very hearty greeting and a wish that 
your successful work may be continued for many years to come, and that, 
as I suggested in my talk in Boston, we may dwell together in unity, both 
organizations working for peace and prosperity which is our mutual aim. 

When I last spoke to you I made the assertion that the unity of interests 
made it necessary that we should work together as friends. That in previous 
years we had come to the conclusion that we were natural enemies and that 
from costly experience on both sides it would be well for us to consider 
a course that would enable us to avoid both the bad feeling and the blunders 
of the past and come into the only natural and feasible condition of working 
hand in hand for general prosperity, and it is in this vein that I am bring- 
ing to you a suggestion that we enter into this fraternal relation by means 
of a national contract that we hope can be made on a basis of "justice to all" 
and thereby avoid the expensive and destructive strike and lockout system, and 
by means of which we can conserve the business interests of the country and 
advance our mutual welfare at the same time. 

As a matter of review, I desire to say that for nearly four years now we 
have had a local contract with Big Six in New York. 

That the formation of the league and the sending of its principles broad- 
cast throughout the land has made it possible and has caused the making of 
a very large number of local contracts, many of which have been endorsed 
by your International officers. 

Last year the Printers' League of America formed a national organization, 
which, though feeble, is probably as strong as your national body was at the 
same age, and we hope will grow and assume in a few years as great a 
strength as that of your great organization. 

The league was formed for the purpose of cementing the ties that should 
bind us to each other, and in presenting the contract for your consideration 
and adoption we are not asking any favor at your hands, but are endeavor- 
ing to put forward a scheme that will more nearly conserve the general inter- 
ests of the contractual parties. 

If any of you should think that we offer a perfect haven of refuge or 
remedy for all complaints, it would be well to disabuse your mind of any 
such idea. What we believe is that this manner of action is so much in 
advance of the past and has been tried out locally to such good purpose, that 
it is time that we should get together nationally in the same manner. 

You have now for some years tested the newspaper publishers' associa- 
tion contract and know its efficacy and its defects, and I fully believe you 
do not want to go back to the old system. 

A few years since you were suing to be heard on behalf of the eight-hour 
day and were repulsed in a very arbitrary manner. The eight-hour day was 
bound to come and it has come, but how infinitely more successful and less 
costly would it have been had you had such a contract as is presented for 
your consideration at this convention. 

Gentlemen, it is time that we shook hands on a compact that our inter- 
ests are mutual. Any laws that you enact that are detriment?! to the em- 
ployer are bound to react upon your organization. You have one side of the 

984 



Convention at Minneapolis, 1910 

question before you all the time, why not take a glimpse at the other side 
and consult as to the necessities of the business? 

We offer you the hand of brotherly love, and it is not a "mailed fist" 
either. 

It is unnecessary for me to say anything in regard to the contract, except 
that we submitted a preliminary draft of this to the president when in New 
York, and we have endeavored to meet the suggestions put forward by him 
in the paper herewith submitted. 

Perhaps I may be excused for some personal allusions in closing, but I 
desire to say that I have been a union member since 1866 and an employer 
and employe since I was eighteen years old, and I am quixotic enough to 
believe that the time has come when we can lay down the sword and take up 
the plowshare together. Just a few days since I was reminded of my career 
as a union member by a letter which contained a working card signed by my- 
self as financial secretary of Little Rock Typographical Union in 1877, given 
to one J. E. P. Dorsey, now deceased. Shortly after this card was issued I 
walked out in that city against a reduction of 20 per cent in wages, and we, 
the union boys, were beaten out. On two other occasions I walked out, once 
in Louisville and once in Chicago. I have put in fifteen years as employe 
and twenty-three years as employer, and I believe I can truthfully say that 
during the years I have been an employer I have made a host of friends 
among my employes, many of whom now hold stock in the firm I represent; 
and with this experience and knowing the necessity of having satisfied and 
friendly employes, and also knowing how much it would be to your ad- 
vantage to join the ranks looking to the friendly solution of the problems 
which are bound to arise, I urge upon you for your own interests to put this 
movement in effect by authorizing your officers to sign an agreement of which 
the basis is before you today, believing as I do that it will be the dawn of 
a new era of friendship between employer and employe. 

LOS ANGELES TIMES AND PHILADELPHIA 
INQUIRER 

Referring to the Los Angeles Times, the president, in 
his report, said that some unpleasant developments had 
occurred in Los Angeles during the year, but that on the 
whole the union had made material progress. The con- 
dition of the union in Los Angeles and in southern Cali- 
fornia was ample justification for the money that had 
been expended in that section. Without this expenditure, 
the desire of the unscrupulous enemy for the overthrow 
of the International Typographical Union might have 
been achieved in part, and an important section of the 
general jurisdiction not only lost to the union but stand- 
ing as a menace to continued progress of the union as 
well as an encouragement to union-hating persons whose 
animosity and antipathy were manifested whenever an 
avenue was open to them. 

985 



History of The Typographical Union 

In Philadelphia the movement had been for the or- 
ganization of the city rather than solely against the 
Inquirer. In this connection the executive council sub- 
mitted to the convention committee data explaining con- 
ditions in Philadelphia and the results attending the work 
performed and the money expended. 

In submitting its report to the convention, the commit- 
tee on the Los Angeles Times and Philadelphia Inquirer 
contests said that it had carefully gone over the data 
referred to it, had listened to the statements of the dele- 
gates from Los Angeles and had reviewed the papers in 
the possession of Secretary-Treasurer Hays showing that 
Los Angeles was on record as being thoroughly satisfied 
with the work of Organizer McLernon during the year. 
The committee also said it believed that everything pos- 
sible had been done for the interests of the Internationa] 
Typographical Union and the local union in Los Angeles. 
The local union had petitioned the executive council to 
continue in charge of the work in its jurisdiction and the 
committee recommended that the conduct of the Los An- 
geles Times fight by the executive council be approved 
and that the council be authorized to follow the course 
it believed best calculated to advance the interests of all 
in L#s Angeles. The committee also reported having 
carefully considered the data referred to it concerning 
the Philadelphia Inquirer and general conditions in that 
city. It was apparent that a strong union sentiment was 
being crystallized among the non-union printers of that 
city and it was therefore recommended that continued 
financial assistance be paid to Philadelphia Typograph- 
ical Union, at the discretion of the executive council, and 
that an International organizer be appointed to cover the 
smaller cities in the southeastern district of Pennsylvania. 
The recommendations of the committee were concurred in 
by the convention. 

First Convention on Pacific Coast — After a spirited 

986 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

contest between Salt Lake City, Utah, and San Francisco, 
Cal., the latter city was chosen as the meeting place for 
the convention of 191 1, this being the first time in the 
history of the organization that the Pacific coast was rec- 
ognized in selecting a convention city. 

AFTER THE CONVENTION 

During the interim between the Minneapolis conven- 
tion and the next session of the International Union at 
San Francisco, an amendment to the general laws was 
submitted by Salt Lake Typographical Union No. 115. 
This amendment was offered as a substitute for section 
94, general laws, as follows : 

Section 94. No machine operator shall be allowed to accept a bonus based 
on setting so many thousand over a prescribed amount where such bonus is 
voluntary on the part of the employer and is not provided for in the scale of 
prices. 

The following was the proposed substitute : 

Section 94. No member shall be allowed to accept a bonus based on the 
setting of so many thousand ems and no local union shall sign or allow its 
members to work under a scale of prices based on the piece system or providing 
for a bonus based on quantity of type produced. (This section not to apply to 
contracts in force at time of adoption.) 

The proposition as offered by Salt Lake Typographical 
Union received the required number of endorsements 
from other subordinate unions, and the executive coun- 
cil, in compliance with the law governing the submission 
of propositions to the referendum, named the third Wed- 
nesday in May, 191 1, as the date on which the vote should 
be taken. The proposition was adopted by a vote of 
22,879 ayes, 11,017 noes, and, in accordance with the 
constitution, the executive council ordered that the 
amended law become effective on August 4, 191 1. 

Convention at San Francisco 

[191 1] — The fifty-seventh convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order bv Chair- 
man Bonnington of the local convention committee in 
Eagle's Hall, Monday, August 14, 191 1. Rev. William 

987 



History of The Typographical Union 

Nat Friend invoked the divine blessing. P. H. McCarthy, 
mayor of San Francisco, welcomed the convention and 
assured the delegates and visitors of the hospitality of the 
community. He said the people of San Francisco were 
delighted to have the convention in their midst. Mayor 
McCarthy told the delegates he would do all in his power 
to make their stay enjoyable. John A. Kelly, president of 
the San Francisco labor council, welcomed the delegates 
and visitors on behalf of that body. Representing the San 
Francisco Publishers' Association, President C. W. Hor- 
nick addressed the convention, in part, as follows : 

Mr. Chairman: It is with great pleasure that 1 1 appear before you to 
welcome you to San Francisco on behalf of the San Francisco Newspaper 
Publishers' Association. My pleasure is made more keen by the fact that, at 
the annual meeting of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, of 
which organization I am one of the directors, your president, Mr. Lynch, is a 
welcome guest; we receive him gladly and listen with interest to what he has 
to say. It has been my pleasure to occupy the same platform with him at some 
of those meetings. 

I have intimately known the International Typographical Union for over 
twenty-five years, and I recognize you as one of the best organizations, if not 
the very best union, in the world, for I know you to be big, brainy and con- 
servative. San Francisco owes much to the local Typographical Union No. 21 
for the part it played in the rehabilitation of this city after our fire in 1906 and 
it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to its efforts. Through the assistance of 
the union printers we kept the newspapers going without missing an issue; and 
this was necessary, because the papers were the only means our authorities 
had to reach the people and allay their restlessness; and the very first thing 
required in the commercial rehabilitation of the city, after locations had been 
secured, was a liberal use of printers' ink, and there the work of your mem- 
bers in job offices came into play. 

Those were strenuous days. All imaginary dividing lines were obliterated, 
all rules were suspended, and all local and International laws were forgotten 
for the time being. Your members and ourselves worked side by side in those 
strenuous days. For the first few days we were hungry because we had little 
or no food; thirsty because we were short of water; and tired because our 
nights were sleepless. But every man of the typographical union worked like 
a demon; men whom we had not before known became George, Dick, Tom, 
Fred and Harry to us, and have remained so ever since; if they have any 
other given names, we have never yet realized it. I could tell you incidents 
that occurred in those days at which you would laugh immoderately, and in- 
deed they do seem funny now; but in those terrible days we could see nothing 
humorous about them — indeed they were to us then only grim tragedy. 

It pleases me to have this opportunity to thank the members of the typo- 
graphical union for the noble part they bore in the early rehabilitation of 
our city. 

Following the remarks of Mr. Hornick, Andrew Fur- 
useth, of the International Seamen's Union ; Charles A. 

988 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

Murdock, representing the Franklin Printing Trades As- 
sociation of San Francisco ; Walter Macarthur, editor of 
the Coast Seamen's Journal; A. B. Duncan, representing 
Mayor Clayton of St. Joseph, Mo., and Benjamin Schon- 
hoff, president of San Francisco Typographical Union, 
addressed the delegates with words of welcome and fe- 
licitation. President Lynch was then introduced and 
presented with a gavel, made of California redwood, as 
a memento of the first convention of the International 
Typographical Union held on the Pacific coast. Mr. 
Lynch briefly responded to the addresses of welcome and 
announced the first order of business would be the report 
of Secretary-Treasurer Hays, who read the list of dele- 
gates — 228 in all — when the chair appointed the conven- 
tion officers and members of the various committees. 

SUMMARY OF OFFICERS' REPORTS 

President Lynch in submitting his annual report began 
by saying that he proposed to treat all of the subjects 
touched upon with frankness and sufficient exhaustiveness 
to make his meaning perfectly clear. As to the subjects 
of which the report treated, it was the president's belief 
that they were important and this belief was founded on 
long association with the International Typographical 
Union, as a member and as its chief executive. The 
president said that his idea of a great trade union was 
best illustrated by comparison with a modern dread- 
nought battleship. The union should be powerful enough 
to command respect; to compel attention in order that 
war might not be forced upon it; to cause the interests 
that might needlessly oppose it to pause and consider well 
the cost. In accordance with its strength would the em- 
ployers respect the organization and in proportion to its 
recognized effectiveness would results be achieved. 

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 1910, the member- 
ship of the International Typographical Union earned 

989 



History of The Typographical Union 

$45,602,944, or an average of $953 per member, based 
on the average paying membership for the year; for the 
fiscal year ended May 31, 191 1, the membership earned 
$49,770,668, an average per member of $973. The 
average membership for the fiscal year 1909- 1 910 was 
47,848, while the average membership for the fiscal year 
1910-1911 was 51,095. These figures represented in- 
creased earnings by members of the union of more than 
$4,000,000, and an increase in the average membership 
of 3,247. Concluding his remarks on this subject, the 
president said : 

What do these figures mean? Is our peace policy in part responsible for 
the magnificent showing that we make? Is any other trade union, pursuing 
different methods, making greater or even equal progress? The real test is in 
the figures submitted — and dollars and cents and membership figures talk. 
I do not mean to say that the only aim of the trade union is bound up in 
hours and wages, but I do mean to say that a union's real basic effectiveness 
is shown by the hours and wage test, for if the union can not thus affect the 
conditions under which its members work, it is powerless to be of much benefit 
in other directions. That we have been able to extend our activities aside 
from the bettering of the purely working conditions is evidenced by the reports 
that are submitted this year for the consideration of the convention and the 
membership. 

Referring to the increased membership of the or- 
ganization, it was shown that in 1901 the International 
Union had 34,948 members; in 1902, 38,364 (this num- 
ber included the stereotypers and electrotypers). In 
1903, after the withdrawal of the stereotypers, the mem- 
bership was 42,436, and in 1904 it was 46,165, the latter 
figure including the photo engravers. In 1905 the mem- 
bership reached the highest point previous to the eight- 
hour strike, with 46,734 adherents, although the photo 
engravers had then been separated from the parent body. 
In September, 1905, the eight-hour conflict was initiated 
and at the end of the fiscal year of 1906 the membership 
had declined to 44,980, at the end of the fiscal year 1907 
to 42,357. With the termination of the fiscal year 1908 
the membership showed an increase to 43,740, and for 
1909 another increase to 44,921, and for 1910 a still fur- 

990 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

ther increase to 47,848, and in 191 1 the membership had 
reached 51,095. The increases refer to the average num- 
ber of members in good standing for the particular fiscal 
period mentioned. 

The contest for the eight-hour day was to a very great 
extent waged in the territory along and east of the Mis- 
sissippi river, and it was in this territory that the great- 
est loss of membership occurred. It was asserted by the 
president that in all warfare, industrial as well as between 
nations or peoples, the reconstruction period is as difficult 
of successful accomplishment as is the attainment of vic- 
tory in the actual conflict. This was true in the case of 
the eight-hour struggle, and the expenditures from the 
International fund were necessary for a long time after 
the eight-hour day had become an established fact. As 
to gain in membership, it showed its greatest percentage 
in the territory where the battle for the shorter workday 
had waged the fiercest. It was true, also, that there had 
been gains in the west and northwest, and especially in the 
Canadian northwest. Hundreds of union printers had 
left the eastern section of the country and located in the 
comparatively new and growing sections of the continent 
referred to. With a constancy that was reassuring, many 
important offices lost during the eight-hour battle had 
gradually returned to the fold. Hundreds of applica- 
tions for membership had been received from unorganized 
localities, especially from the smaller towns and hamlets. 
This was attributed to the generous advertising campaign 
that had been carried on. 

Summary of Office Work — In order that the member- 
ship might appreciate the volume of work performed at 
headquarters, the president summarized the office business 
for the years 1904 to 19 10, as follows : 

During the past year (1910) there was issued from the president's depart- 
ment 64,312 official communications, 22,781 circulars and 17,640 packages of 



991 



History of The Typographical Union 

label stickers and printed matter, the latter consisting of organizing pamphlets, 
booklets containing lists of union and non-union periodicals and magazines, 
health campaign pamphlets, etc. This brief statement gives only a bare outline 
of the work performed, as it is impossible by printed word to adequately set 
forth the volume of business handled daily at the headquarters' offices. Mem- 
bers who have had opportunity to visit headquarters have invariably expressed 
their surprise at the magnitude of the business. The immense amount of re- 
search, care and labor involved in the task must be left to the imagination. 
For the purpose of comparison, statistics for previous years follow: 

During the previous year there was issued from the president's department 
49,845 official communications, 18,472 circulars and 5,285 packages of label 
stickers and printed matter. 

During the year ended May 31, 1909, there was issued from the presi- 
dent's department 37,896 official communications, 24,437 circulars and 3,799 
packages of label stickers and printed matter relating to label advertising and 
organization work. 

During the year ended May 31, 1908, there was issued from the presi- 
dent's department 30,049 official typewritten letters, 25,118 circulars and 
25,054 miscellaneous packages containing blotters, label stickers and other 
printed matter. 

During the year ended May 31, 1907, there was issued from the presi- 
dent's department 38,454 official typewritten letters, 41,303 circulars and 26,419 
miscellaneous packages containing blotters, label stickers and other printed 
matter. Five million five hundred thousand label stickers were distributed 
among the locals of the International Typographical Union and other trade 
unions in the United States and Canada. Two million five hundred thousand 
blotters were placed with local typographical unions, and their circulation aided 
materially at that time in making our label campaign effective. 

During the year ended May 31, 1906, there was issued from the president's 
department 27,357 official typewritten letters, 282,571 circulars and 2,953 mis- 
cellaneous packages containing organizing printed matter, etc., and 928 contracts 
were approved and underwritten during that year. 

During the year ended May 31, 1905, there was issued from the president's 
department 23,010 official typewritten letters. Ninety-six thousand eight-hour 
circulars were distributed throughout the jurisdiction. 

During the year ended May 31, 1904, there was issued from the president's 
department 11,174 official communications. This was exclusive of eight-hour 
circulars and circular letters. 

Betterments — Aside from matters adjusted by the 
National Board of Arbitration, betterments were reported 
in 171 separate jurisdictions during the year. Several 
notable adjustments which had been held up for a long 
period of time were those of the Butterick Publishing 
Company, the DeVinne Publishing Company, New York, 
and the Wine and Spirit Bulletin, of Louisville. 

General Conditions — The president asserted his belief 
that if there was ever an industrial war worth while, it 
was the union's successful struggle for the eight-hour 

992 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

day. He compared the solidarity of the printers in this 
country with the more or less divided ranks in Great 
Britain, where the shorter workday movement had proved 
only partially successful. 

The "representatives" of the International Union, for- 
merly termed "organizers," had been unusually active 
during the fiscal year. In conjunction with the executive 
council, representatives were put into the jurisdictions of 
several local unions for organization purposes. These 
unions were in agreement with the executive council, by 
contract, under which the council had full and complete 
charge of the organization work. 

A history of the movement to increase postage rates 
on second-class matter was included in the report, as was 
also the relations between the church and organized labor, 
which had furnished a fruitful topic for discussion for a 
long time. 

The president pointed out that the label campaign had 
been the most aggressive during the year of any since 
the inception of this phase of work in the organization 
and asserted that it had been most productive. A new 
codification of laws was urged and there was a compre- 
hensive discussion of the priority question and of the 
Salt Lake amendment (so called) forbidding piece and 
bonus scales. 

The Los Angeles situation was fully covered, including 
organization work in the book and job trades and the 
contest against the unfair Times. 

Union Printers Home — Of the Union Printers Home, 
the president said, in part : 

Reference to the report of the board of trustees of the Union Printers 
Home will make clear the nature of the improvements that have been made 
to the institution during the fiscal year. The partial completion of the library 
addition by the erection of the two additional stories, not including the in- 
terior finish, runs over the fiscal year and well into July. The boiler house 
was considerably enlarged, two new boilers installed, and commodious, sani- 

993 



History of The Typographical Union 

tary and pleasant quarters provided for the male employes in the second story 
of the heating plant and laundry building, and other and necessary improve- 
ments made in this connection. The library annex has been completed, with 
the exception of finishing the interior of the upper stories. The total amount 
expended for the improvements mentioned has been about $25,000. A beau- 
tiful and adequate institution has been further improved, and in every way 
an effort has been made to comply with the intention of the membership in 
establishing the Union Printers Home so that it shall be a haven of rest and 
cure for our aged members and those afflicted with disease. A barren hillside 
has been converted into a garden spot, than which there is none more beau- 
tiful in this country. Exaggerated as this statement may appear, I feel that 
the delegates and visitors who on their westward trip may have opportunity 
to inspect the institution will fully endorse the sentiment expressed, and, in- 
deed, reach the conclusion that the assertion is an underestimation rather than 
an exaggeration. 

Typographic/, — Second Vice-President Hugo Miller 
submitted a report concerning the affairs of his organiza- 
tion during the fiscal year, it being the thirty-eighth year 
of the Typographia's existence. The state of trade among 
German printers had been very quiet, but nevertheless 
quite satisfactory. With the exception of a few small 
plants, every German printing office in the jurisdiction 
of the Typographia was conducted under union condi- 
tions. While decreased emigration from the old country 
prevented an expansion of business, the union was satis- 
fied to maintain conditions gained in the past and to im- 
prove wage scales wherever possible. The treasury of 
the Typographia, as usual, was in splendid condition, 
containing more than $16 per capita in the general fund. 
This, of course, did not take into account moneys in local 
treasuries which were under the absolute control of the 
subordinate unions. No strikes had occurred during the 
year, but increases in scales had been secured in eight 
jurisdictions. On May I, 191 1, twenty-five years had 
passed since the German-American Typographia had suc- 
cessfully inaugurated the eight-hour day and the event 
had been quite generally celebrated, but the union had 
not been entirely satisfied with the inauguration and con- 
tinuance of the eight-hour workday, and a majority of 
the locals had reduced the working time to five days per 



994 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

week. This system, although at first opposed by the pub- 
lishers, had become well established and worked satis- 
factorily. 

Mailers — Third Vice-President Charles N. Smith, for 
the mailers, reported some progress during the year. Two 
mailers' unions had been chartered, several scales in- 
creased and other matters of interest to the mailers were 
referred to which had occupied the time of the vice-presi- 
dent, including the questions of single wrapping and 
automatic mailing machines. 

Secretary -Treasurer' 's Report — The annual report of 
Secretary-Treasurer Hays presented a table of the re-, 
ceipts and expenditures for the fiscal year ended May 31, 
191 1, showing that the sum of $561,177.87 was received, 
with a total outlay of $422,112.71, the balance on hand 
being $93,393-70 in the general fund and $404,821.15 
in the old age pension fund. The increase in the general 
fund over the preceding year was $11,840.79, and the 
increase in the old age pension fund was $127,224.46. 
The expenses of the organization were incurred in various 
ways, as follows : Special assistance to local unions and 
strike benefits, $20,830.48 ; expenses of supplemental edu- 
cation commission, copyright law representative, label ad- 
vertising, arbitration board, Allied Printing Trades As- 
sociation and American Federation of Labor union label 
trades department per capita tax, tuberculosis campaign, 
etc., $13,204.63; expenses of representatives, $31,616.07. 
The bulk of the money expended for special assistance 
and strike benefits was on account of contests in cities 
where the anti-unionists were making the strongest op- 
position to the establishment of fair working conditions 
and increased wage scales. 

Compared with previous years, the general expenses 
of the organization showed a decrease. This was 
accounted for from the fact that the executive council 

995 



History of The Typographical Union 

had insisted upon local unions financing their organiza- 
tion work when able to do so, at the same time endeavor- 
ing to obtain the greatest possible results from the least 
expenditure. 

Other expenses incurred aside from those already noted 
and those credited to the Home and old age pension 
funds reached a total of $54,745.94. In these items will 
be found per capita tax and assessments to the American 
Federation of Labor and to the Canadian Trades and 
Labor Congress, clerk hire, office and convention ex- 
penses, officers' salaries, the printing of official reports, 
book of laws, convention proceedings, etc. According to 
law, the secretary-treasurer must transfer each month 
one-third of the per capita tax collected to the Union 
Printers Home fund. During the fiscal year this sum 
reached a total of $92,365.95. 

The death record for the year showed that 639 burial 
benefits were paid, aggregating $47,920, or about 94 cents 
per member, based upon the average paying member- 
ship. The average death rate for the year was a little 
more than 12 per 1,000, which about equaled the average 
for each year since the burial benefit had been in vogue. 
A table was included in the report which gave a summary 
of the benefits paid in each year and the age at which 
death occurred. Speaking of the attempts which had 
been made to increase the burial benefit, the secretary- 
treasurer said : 

Though the membership has defeated two propositions providing for a 
graduated burial benefit, I am still of the opinion we should have such a 
benefit, and believe it would strengthen the organization. This belief is based 
upon the comments of the officers of local unions who are directly in touch with 
the membership and in constant communication with headquarters. In again men- 
tioning this subject, it may appear that your secretary-treasurer is too insistent, 
but it is not my desire to so appear. We should keep apace with other organiza- 
tions in this respect and build now for the future stability of our own union. 

It has been suggested that a portion of the revenue of the pension fund 
be diverted to the payment of a graduated burial benefit. This suggestion 
does not appear wise. A mixing of the old age pensions and burial benefits 

996 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

is not advisable, in my opinion. However, the subject of an increased mortu- 
ary benefit is worthy of the most careful consideration. 

An interesting table was included in the secretary's 
report which gave a summary of the receipts and expendi- 
tures of the organization during the fiscal years from 
1 89 1 to 191 1, inclusive. The balance on May I, 1890, 
was $21,581.62. Following that date, up to and including 
May 31, 191 1, there had been paid into the treasury of 
the International Typographical Union the enormous 
sum of $7,289,225.22, and $6,791,010.37 had been paid 
out, leaving a balance on hand of $498,214.85. 

The relation of the benefits paid to the receipts for the 
year was most interesting. In this report it was shown 
that there was expended for beneficial features the 
following : 

Burial benefits $47,920 00 

Strike benefits and special assistance 20,830 48 

Old age pensions 122,672 00 

Union Printers Home 92,365 95 

Total $283,788 43 

These benefits represented almost 50.6 per cent of the 
total money paid into the treasury. 

Tuberculosis Campaign — Of the work the organiza- 
tion was doing in the movement to curtail the inroads of 
the great white plague, the .secretary-treasurer said : 

Subordinate unions have been participants in the general tuberculosis cam- 
paign, and have distributed quantities of printed matter bearing on this great 
subject. The tuberculosis exhibit provided by the International Union has 
been traveling almost continually. It has served to advertise the locals using 
it, as well as the parent organization, in that the attention of the public has 
been directed to our progressiveness and desire to aid in any work tending to 
uplift or benefit the individual or community. Stereopticon slides containing 
views of the Home have been extensively used. Local committees have been busy 
looking after the sanitary condition of shops. This feature of local work 
has not had the attention it should receive, and this opportunity is taken to 
urge upon all unions greater activity in this matter. 

Membership — That the International Union had made 
gratifying progress during the year was shown clearly 
by statistics regarding increased membership submitted 

997 



History of The Typographical Union 

in the report of the secretary-treasurer. For the twelve 
months ended May 31, 191 1, the receipts and per capita 
tax showed an average paying membership of 51,095 for 
the twelve months.' This was an increase of 3,247 over 
the previous year and 6,174 over 1909. At the close of 
business on May 31, 191 1, register numbers were held by 
56,185 members, of which 53,080 were affiliated with 
local unions, the remainder being in unorganized towns 
or out of the business and in possession of traveling cards. 
It thus appears that the International, although it had re- 
linquished control over the stereotypers and electrotypers 
and the photo engravers, had doubled its membership in 
fourteen years. 

During the year twenty-six new unions were chartered, 
eleven disbanded, and three were suspended by the execu- 
tive council. The subordinate bodies were thus divided 
among several crafts: English, typographical, 641; 
German-American, 22; mailers, 28; newswriters, 4; 
typefounders, 1 ; a total of 696. 

Pension Fund — Perhaps the most important question 
regarding the finances of the organization was involved 
in administering the pension fund. On May 31, 191 1, 
there were 808 members on the pension roll. The 
average age of pension applicants was 66. 7 years and the 
membership of the unions having pensioners on their 
rolls comprised over two-thirds of the membership of the 
International. A table was given showing the amount 
paid to each pensioner and the total pensions received by 
the unions throughout the year. Notwithstanding a 
marked increase in the number of pensioners — 166 in the 
fiscal year — the revenue of the fund was almost twice as 
great as the expenditures therefrom, and this despite the 
extension of pension expenditures through modifications 
in the law made by the Minneapolis convention. The 

998 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

status of the fund at the close of the fiscal year was given 
as follows : 

RECEIPTS 

June 1, 1910 — Balance in fund $277,596 60 

May 31, 191 1 — One-half of 1 per cent assessment 248,853 34 

May 31, 191 1 — Interest 6,257 65 

May 31, 191 1 — Pensions returned 156 00 

Total $532,863 68 

EXPENDITURES 

Paid to pensioners $122,672 00 

Clerical work 1 ,605 00 

Books and printing 324 66 

Maintenance of register system 3, 440 87 

Total 128,042 53 

Balance in fund May 31, 191 1 $404,821 15 

Executive Council — The larger portion of the report 
of the executive council was taken up with the work of 
the National Board of Arbitration and the Joint Confer- 
ence Board of the Allied Printing Trades, more recently 
termed the International Allied Printing Trades Associa- 
tion. This latter organization owned the allied label 
under the terms of the terms of the agreement perfected 
by the Joint Conference Board and adopted by the refer- 
endum following the Minneapolis convention. 

A complete history with all the correspondence included 
was given of what had become well known as the illegal 
strike at Chicago; also the council's action on the illegal 
strike of pressmen on the Denver newspapers was set 
forth at length. 

The council asserted that it was still strongly in favor, 
of an increased mortuary benefit and believed that a 
majority of the membership was desirous of such an 
increase. It declared its belief that the plan adopted by 
the St. Joseph convention was the best that had been sub- 
mitted, and urged the San Francisco convention to recon- 
sider it with a view to once more getting an expression 
from the members on its advisability. 

999 



History of The Typographical Union 

Arbitration matters consumed the most space in the 
council's report. The existing agreement, together with 
a list of newspapers party thereto, and the board's 
deliberations, with the verdicts arrived at, were printed 
in full. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 

Six constitutional amendments were adopted by the 
San Francisco convention and submitted to the refer- 
endum for approval or rejection in the regular manner. 
Included in these six amendments was one proposing 
increased mortuary benefits, graduated according to 
length of membership, from $75 to $400. This was 
endorsed by a substantial majority. All of the proposi- 
tions were carried. Following is a summary of the 
amendments : 

First Proposition — Amend section 2, article ii, constitution, by adding after 
paragraph (d) the following: 

(e) Laws instituting and relating to a system of benefits and laws pro- 
viding for the care of invalid and aged and infirm members in good standing. 

This amendment provided that the laws of the Inter- 
national Union relative to beneficial features be grouped. 
For, 27,112; against, 3,318; majority for, 23,794. 

Second Proposition — Amend section 8, article vi, constitution, by chang- 
ing the last sentence to read: 

Representatives shall assist in the organization of new unions, under di- 
rection and control of the president, and perform such other duties as may be 
assigned them by the president or the executive council. 

The foregoing more clearly defined the duties of Inter- 
national representatives. For, 2 h j,J^6\ against, 2,822; 
majority for, 24,964. 

Third Proposition — Amend section i, article viii, constitution, by striking 
out "$100" in the eighth line and substituting "$200" instead; making this 
clause read: "Mailer vice-president, $200 per annum." 

This amendment increased the salary of the mailers' 
(or third) vice-president from $100 to $200 per annum. 
For, 20,532; against, 10,210; majority for, 10,322. 

Fourth Proposition — Amend section 3, article vii, constitution, to read: 
Sec. 3. Whenever one hundred subordinate unions shall petition the 
executive council for the submission of any proposition or amendment, the 

IOOO 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

endorsements of such petition having been secured within three months, the 
proposition or amendment shall be submitted to the membership within three 
months of the receipt of the required number of petitions, and the vote taken 
and canvassed in the same manner as amendments and propositions referred 
to the membership by the convention of the International Typographical Union; 
provided, the executive council may submit to referendum vote propositions 
which require immediate action without petition of one hundred local unions. 
All such propositions and amendments shall be published to the craft a rea- 
sonable time before the vote thereon. 

The foregoing raised the number of endorsing unions 
necessary to submit a proposition to the referendum from 
fifty to one hundred, and provided that the question upon 
which a vote was desired must receive the required num- 
ber of endorsements within three months from date of its 
first promulgation. For, 16,305; against, 13,935; major- 
ity for, 2,370. 

Fifth Proposition — Amend sections 1-6, article ix, constitution, providing 
for a graduated burial benefit and the levying of an additional one-half of i 
per cent assessment for the payment thereof, the benefit to be as follows: 
For a continuous membership of one year or less, $75; for a continuous mem- 
bership of two years, $125; three years, $175; four years, $275; five years, 
$400. 

For, 18,211; against, 12,985; majority for, 5,226. 

Sixth Proposition — Substitute for section 94, general laws (Salt Lake 
amendment, so called), as amended by referendum vote on May 17, 191 1, the 
following: 

Sec. 94. It is the sense of the International Typographical Union that 
piece scales and bonus scales in connection with machine typesetting should 
be abolished; and subordinate unions, where these practices obtain, are di- 
rected to bring about such abolition at the earliest period practicable. 

The convention had power to amend the general laws, 
but ordered the submission of this proposition to the 
referendum because it was a substitute for a law adopted 
by a vote of the membership. Its intention was to bring 
about the abolition of piece scales gradually and thus 
avoid friction that might be serious. For, 24,904; 
against, 5,823; majority for, 19,081. 

Salaries Increased — In addition to the six propositions 
summarized above, the convention also ordered submitted 
to the referendum the following two amendments to the 
constitution, the vote to be taken on May 15, 191 2, the 
date of the biennial election of International officers. In 

1001 



History of The Typographical Union 

explanation of this action by the convention, it may be 
said that several previous attempts to increase the salaries 
of the president and secretary-treasurer had been 
defeated when submitted in the regular manner, and 
along with other propositions. It was thought that if 
the proposition to increase the salaries of the president 
and secretary could be placed before the membership at 
the time of the biennial election of officers, and when it 
was not known who the incoming officials would be, the 
increase to start with the beginning of a new term, the 
amendment would be considered without prejudice for 
or against individuals who might be holding office. A 
special committee was appointed by the convention to 
present the matter of increasing the officers' salaries to 
the membership. The propositions were as follows : 

Amend section i, article viii, "Salaries," to read: 

The salary of the president * * * in full (for services rendered as 
president of the International Typographical Union and as president of the 
board of trustees of the Union Printers Home, inclusive) shall be $3,500 per 
annum. 

Amend section 1, article viii, "Salaries," to read: 

The salary of the secretary-treasurer in full (for services rendered as 
secretary-treasurer of the International Typographical Union and as secretary- 
treasurer of the board of trustees of the Union Printers Home, inclusive) 
shall be $3,500 per annum. 

Both amendments were carried by small majorities. 

PENSION LAW AMENDED 

Various amendments to the old age pension law were 
submitted to the San Francisco convention and referred 
to the committee on laws. This committee, after grouping 
the several propositions for consideration by the delegates, 
offered a substitute intended to cover all necessary legis- 
lation regarding the amplification or modification of the 
pension laws. The principal changes were made in sec- 
tion 6, article v, of the by-laws, which was made to read 
as follows : 

Sec. 6. Any member of the International Typographical Union who has 
reached the age of 60 years, and who has been in good standing for a period 

1002 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

of twenty years, including and antedating the enactment of the pension law, 
or any member who has reached the age of 70 years, and who has been in 
continuous good standing for a period of ten years, and who finds it impos- 
sible to secure sustaining employment, or any member having a continuous 
membership of twenty years who, by reason of his affliction, is totally in- 
capacitated for work, and whose application for admission to the Union Print- 
ers Home has been rejected by the trustees thereof, may receive the sum of 
$5 per week, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth. 

Under this section there are three classes of members 
entitled to the old age pension : 

Such members, sixty years of age, who have been 
members in good standing for a period of twenty years, 
including and antedating the enactment of the pension 
law, and who find it impossible to secure sustaining 
employment at the trade. Applicants under this provi- 
sion of the law must have been members in good standing 
at the time the pension law became effective and have 
maintained active membership since that time. 

The second class of members includes those who have 
reached the age of 70 years and who have been in con- 
tinuous good standing for a period of ten years and who 
find it impossible to secure sustaining employment at the 
trade. 

The third class includes members who are totally inca- 
pacitated for work and who have been continuous active 
members for twenty years and whose applications for 
admission to the Home have been disapproved because 
their affliction has been such as to render them ineligible 
to that institution. 

The important change in the. law was that referring 
to the first class of members mentioned. Before the law 
was enacted, twenty years' continuous active membership 
was necessary to render a member 60 years of age eligible 
to the pension. Under the new law an accumulated active 
membership of twenty years is sufficient, provided the 
applicant was a member at the time the law became effect- 
ive, January 1, 1908, and has since maintained active 
membership. 

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History of The Typographical Union 

The amended law also increased the pension from $4 
to $5 per week. During the period following the enact- 
ment of the old age pension law the executive council 
had been called upon from time to time to make interpre- 
tations regarding the application of various provisions 
of the law. These decisions were presented to the San 
Francisco convention and referred to the committee on 
laws for analysis. At the conclusion of the committee's 
report they were presented to the convention. All of the 
decisions and interpretations were approved by the 
delegates. 

INCREASED MORTUARY BENEFITS 

. The San Francisco convention, having adopted a prop- 
osition providing for increased mortuary benefits with 
graduated benefits from $75 minimum to $400 maximum, 
according to length of membership in the organization, 
and the referendum having approved the law, it became 
necessary for the executive council to issue instructions to 
the membership regarding its enforcement. In order 
that the membership at large and the officers of sub- 
ordinate unions might have a clear understanding of the 
mortuary benefit law, the old age pension law, the laws 
relative to the payment of per capita tax and the laws 
regulating admission to the Union Printers Home, the 
council issued in circular form the following document 
intended to cover all questions that might arise regarding 
these features of the organization : 

EXTRACT FROM ARTICLE FIVE, BY-LAWS THE INTERNATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION 
OLD AGE PENSION FUND 

Sec. 6. Any member of the International Typographical Union who has 
reached the age of 60 years, and who has been in good standing for a period 
of twenty years, including and antedating the enactment of the pension law, 
or any member who has reached the age of 70 years, and who has been in 
continuous good standing for a period of ten years, and who finds it impos- 
sible to secure sustaining employment, or any member having a continuous 
membership of twenty years who, by reason of his affliction, is totally incapaci- 

IOO4 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

tated for work, and whose application for admission to the Union Printers 
Home has been rejected by the trustees thereof, may receive the sum of five 
dollars per week, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth. 

Sec. 7. Applications for pensions shall be made on blank forms prepared 
and furnished from International headquarters. Applicants shall set forth 
all the facts and answer fully all the questions contained in said form, which 
shall be certified to by the executive officers of the local union of which ap- 
plicant is a member. Said application to be published in the Typographical 
Journal, and should no objection be made within thirty days from the date 
of said publication the member shall then be placed on the pension roll. 
Should objection be raised, the case shall be investigated by the executive 
council. 

Sec. 8. Any member earning $5 or over in any one week at the printing 
trade shall not be entitled to pension for that week. 

Sec. 9. Any resident member of the Union Printers Home at Colorado 
Springs who is expelled from said Home shall not be eligible to the old age 
pension until after one year shall have elapsed. 

Sec. 10. Secretaries of subordinate unions shall forward weekly to the 
International secretary-treasurer a true and correct list of applicants entitled 
to pensions. On receipt of such list the International secretary-treasurer shall 
transmit the amount due to the local secretary for distribution. 

Sec. 11. Any beneficiary who has knowingly testified falsely concerning 
his or her qualifications as a worthy applicant for said pension shall be de- 
barred from receiving pension for such time as the executive council may 
deem fit. 

Sec. 12. The executive council shall have the power at all times to re- 
view any pension case, and if in their opinion circumstances warrant it, the 
beneficiary may be debarred from further participation in the pension fund. 

Sec. 13. In order to meet exigencies that may arise, the executive council 
is authorized and empowered to make such changes in administering the old 
age pension fund as they may deem wise after said plan has been established. 

Sec 14. Any member of the International Typographical Union in good 
standing at time of enlisting in the regular or volunteer army or navy of the 
United States during the Spanish-American war shall be considered as hav- 
ing been a continuous contributing member during such enlistment. 

decisions and interpretations of executive council governing pay- 
ment OF THE OLD AGE PENSION 

The pension applications passed upon favorably by the executive council of 
the International Typographical Union are approved subject to the following 
conditions: 

First. The council approves all pension applications on the understanding 
that the applicant, eligible in all other particulars and requirements, "finds 
it impossible to secure sustaining employment." 

Second. Where members, applicants for the pension, are residents of institu- 
tions maintained by the union, state, county or municipality, they shall not be 
eligible for the pension while at such institutions. This, ruling does not ap- 
ply to fraternal homes or institutions established by fraternal societies for the 
benefit of their members. 

Third. Where members, applicants for the pension, also draw a pension 
from the nation, state or municipality, or from employers or other sources, and 
are not residents of publicly supported institutions, they shall be eligible for 
the pension. 

Fourth. An inmate of an institution maintained by the state who spends 

I005 



History of The Typographical Union 

ninety days of each year at his home outside the institution is a resident of said 
institution until he completely severs his connection with it, and is not entitled 
to the old age pension during the ninety days he is on his furlough. 

Fifth. Residents of the Union Printers Home shall not be eligible for the 
pension while at that institution. 

Sixth. Members who make $5 per week or more at the printing business 
shall not be eligible for the pension. 

Seventh. Pensioners must at all times be in possession of a current working 
card, with the proper International due stamp attached, showing all Interna- 
tional dues and assessments to have been paid. 

Eighth. The pension is to be paid every four weeks, checks therefor to be 
payable to the interested member and transmitted to him through the secretary 
of his union. 

Ninth. Holders of traveling cards desiring to apply for the pension must 
deposit their cards with a local union, and file their petitions through it. 

Tenth. All members who are receiving the old age pension must regularly 
pay International per capita tax, amounting to 45 cents per month, and in 
addition thereto 30 cents per month as the pension assessment, and 30 cents 
per month as the mortuary fund assessment, the total monthly payment to the 
International Union from such members to be $1.05. 

Eleventh. The pension law as it now stands does not give local and Inter- 
national officers any control over pensioners as regards the use of their pensions. 
In the opinion of the council a pensioner is at liberty to spend his money in 
any way he sees fit. If a pensioner is not totally incapacitated for work on 
account of his age and incapacitates himself by constant debauchery it would 
then become the duty of the local officers to make a specific report on his 
case and ask the executive council for a ruling. All members on the pension 
roll who are able to work, and who can obtain work, are expected to accept it. 

DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS TO MEMBERSHIP OF APPLICANTS FOR THE 
OLD AGE PENSION AND ADMISSION TO THE UNION PRINTERS HOME 

First. Any member suspended or expelled for non-payment of dues and sub- 
sequently readmitted as a new member on the payment of the regular initia- 
tion fee of the local union will not be entitled to the old age pension until 
twenty years after the date of his last admission. 

Second. A member who stands suspended can re-establish continuous mem- 
bership when he is reinstated by paying all International dues and assessments 
owed at the time of his suspension, and International dues and assessments 
from the time he was suspended up to and including the date of his rein- 
statement, and the legal reinstatement fee, provided he was not during the 
time of his suspension or expulsion guilty of ratting or any violation of union 
rules and regulations, and provided further that reinstatement is not sought 
for the purpose of obtaining the old age pension. . 

Third. The council holds that members who make application for the pen- 
sion under the accumulative membership law must have established continuous 
membership prior to the taking effect of the old age pension law — January 1, 
1908 — in order to entitle such applicants to the pension. In other words, con- 
tinuous membership can not now be established by the payment of arrearages 
for the purpose of acquiring a right to the beneficial features of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union. 

Fourth. All residents of the Home, under the law, must be active members 
in good standing and during the time they stay at the Home should be considered 
as continuous active members of the organization. The law exempts members 
at the Home from payment of International per capita tax and specifically 
states that they shall be considered as members in good standing. A member, 
therefore, completing his twenty years' continuous active membership at the 

1006 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

Home would be entitled to the old age pension should he leave the Home, pro- 
vided he can meet the requirements of the law in every other particular. 

Fifth. Section 6, article v, of the by-laws of the International Typographical 
Union, provides for the payment of the old age pension to any member of the 
International Typographical Union who has reached the age of 60 years and 
who has been in good standing for a period of twenty years, or any member 
who has reached the age of 70 years and who has been in continuous good 
standing for a period of ten years and who finds it impossible to secure sus- 
taining employment. It was never intended by the law that a member could 
make application for the pension immediately upon reaching the age of 60 years 
and with a view to receiving the pension at some future date, or at widely in- 
termittent periods. The pension fund was provided for the relief of mem- 
bers who can meet its requirements relative to age and membership and who, 
through the infirmities of age and other causes, are unable to obtain sustain- 
ing employment. A member who is out of employment for a month or so 
and who has had regular employment prior to that time, is still able to work, 
and with good prospects of again securing employment within a reasonable 
period, can not be considered as coming under the provisions of the law and 
can not make application for the old age pension, go upon the pension roll 
and draw the pension whenever he happens to be out of work. To place a 
different construction on the law would make it an out-of-work benefit rather 
than an old age pension. Neither is the pension fund intended as a sick 
benefit. It was adopted for the relief of members whose opportunity for secur- 
ing sustaining employment has vanished or is at that point, or nearly so, so 
far as the printing business is concerned. 

DECISION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RELATIVE TO THE PAYMENT OF PER CAPITA 
TAX, THE OLD AGE PENSION AND MORTUARY ASSESSMENTS 

Members Not Following Printing Trade and Proprietor Members 

Active members whose cards are deposited with a local union and who are 
not seeking work at the printing business or who are following other pursuits 
must pay dues and assessments monthly as follows: 

First. Local dues as the laws of the local union provide. 

Second. Forty-five cents per month as International per capita tax. 

Third. Thirty cents per month as the old age pension assessment. 

Fourth. Thirty cents per month as the mortuary assessment. 

The above applies to all members who are not actively seeking work at 
the printing business or who are following other pursuits. 

Proprietor Members 

Members who are running printing offices must pay local dues as the laws 
of the union to which they belong require. In addition to this they must pay 
45 cents per month per capita to the International Typographical Union, and 
the pension and mortuary assessments at the rate of one-half of 1 per cent 
for each on the scale of the local union, but in no case can they pay less than 
30 cents per month on each assessment. 

Members Working at Printing Trade 

Active members whose cards are deposited with a local union and who are 
seeking work at the printing trade must pay dues and assessments monthly 
as follows: 

First. Local dues as the laws of the local union provide. 

Second. Forty-five cents per month as International per capita tax. 

Third. One-half of 1 per cent on total earnings as the old age pension as- 
sessment. 

1007 



History of The Typographical Union 

Fourth. One-half of i per cent on total earnings as the mortuary assess- 
ment. 

If through dulness of trade a member of this class is idle he is not liable 
for the pension and mortuary assessments during the time he is out of work, 
because he does not earn anything in that period. 

If through temporary illness (temporary illness being construed to mean 
an _illness of not more than one month's duration) a member of this class is 
idle he is not liable for the pension and mortuary assessments during that time; 
but if such illness continues beyond one month then he must pay these assess- 
ments on the scale of the union to which he belongs. 

Where a member works a day or more in the mechanical department of an 
office and the remainder of his time in another department or at an outside 
pursuit, he shall be classed as working at the trade and pay dues as above and 
the assessments for full time upon the scale of the union for the class of me- 
chanical work performed. 

Members at Union Printers Home or on Old Age Pension Roll 

Active members whose cards are deposited with a local union and who 
are residents of the Union Printers Home are by law exempted from the pay- 
ment of International Typographical Union per capita tax and by an action 
of the executive council, subsequently endorsed by convention action, they 
were exempted from the payment of the old age pension assessment and are 
not eligible for the pension while -residing at the Home. In the past the 
death benefit of $75 has been paid on the death of a resident of the Home 
when the expense of burial was not paid from the Home funds. In all in- 
stances where burial is made in the Home plot in Evergreen Cemetery, Colo- 
rado Springs, the Home fund is charged with the burial expenses, and the 
burial benefit is not paid. In the future, on the death of a resident of the 
Home, the executive council will continue to pay a death benefit of $75, pro- 
vided the expenses of burial are not paid from the Home funds; this $75 
burial benefit to be paid from the general funds of the organization. This 
action is based on the exemption of residents of the Home from the payment 
of the mortuary assessment. If, however, any resident of the Home arranges 
to pay, through his local union (or the union to which he belongs pays for 
him), the sum of 30 cents per month from January 1, 1912, as the mortuary 
assessment, the International Typographical Union will then pay the mortuary 
benefit on the basis of the mortuary benefit law, as found in sections 15 to 
21, article v, International by-laws, deducting the burial expenses when in- 
terment is made in the Home plot. To protect a member at the Home the 
union with which he is affiliated should remit local dues -and carry him on its 
rolls as an active member. 

All members who are receiving the old age pension must regularly pay In- 
ternational per capita tax, amounting to 45 cents per month, and in addition 
thereto 30 cents per month as the pension assessment, and 30 cents per month 
as the mortuary assessment, the total monthly payment to the International 
Union from such members to be $1.05. 

Members Holding Traveling Cards and in Country Towns or Not Working 

at Trade 

Members holding traveling cards and located in unorganized towns, or not 
working at the trade, must renew them through headquarters as International 
law provides. The holders of traveling cards so situated must pay Interna- 
tional dues and assessments as follows: 

First. Forty-five cents per month as International per capita tax. 

Second. One-half of 1 per cent on the total earnings as the old age pension 
assessment. 

1008 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

Third. One-half of i per cent on total earnings as the mortuary assessment. 

Fourth. If not seeking work at the printing trade, following other pursuits 
or engaged in business for himself, the card holder must pay 60 cents per 
month as the pension and mortuary assessments in addition to per capita tax. 

Fifth. Any member holding a traveling card and working at the trade in 
an unorganized town and failing to report his earnings will be charged 60 
cents per month as the pension and mortuary assessments. 

Members Depositing or Renewing Traveling Cards 

Whenever a member who is following the trade presents a traveling card 
within date upon which dues and assessments have accumulated, the secretary 
receiving the card shall collect per capita tax at the rate of 45 cents per 
month, and the old age pension and mortuary assessments at the rate of 30 
cents per month each. If the card has expired it must be renewed as is pro- 
vided in Section 84, International Typographical Union general laws for 1912. 

Payment of Benefits 

The amount of the mortuary benefit paid in each case will be based upon 
the number of years the deceased had been a continuous active member in 
good standing at the time of death as shown by the records of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union and the death claim papers, which must be pre- 
pared as provided in the law. Benefits will be paid as follows: 

Seventy-five dollars on the death of a member in good standing who joins 
the union subsequent to January 1, 1912, who was 50 years of age when 
initiated, regardless of the number of years of membership. (Section 21 of 
the mortuary benefit law.) A member who becomes such subsequent to Janu- 
ary 1, 1912, after reaching the age of 50 years, by depositing an honorable 
withdrawal card, comes under the provisions of this section. 

Seventy-five dollars on the death of a member in good standing who at 
the time of demise had been a continuous active member for less than two 
years. 

One hundred and twenty-five dollars on the death of a member in good 
standing who at the time of demise had been a continuous active member two 
years and less than three years, provided the deceased member was not 50 
years of age when last becoming an active member. 

One hundred and seventy-five dollars on the death of a member in good 
standing who at the time of demise had been a continuous member for three 
years and less than four years, provided the deceased member was not 50 
years of age when last becoming an active member. 

Two hundred and seventy-five dollars on the death of a member in good 
standing who at the time of demise had been a continuous active member for 
four years and less than five years, provided the deceased member was not 
50 years of age when last becoming an active member. 

Four hundred dollars on the death of a member in good standing who 
at the time of demise had been a continuous active member for five or more 
years, provided the deceased member was not 50 years of age when last be- 
coming an active member. 

NEW ARBITRATION AGREEMENT 

Attention of the delegates to the San Francisco con- 
vention was directed to the fact that the arbitration 
agreement with the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association would expire on May 30, 191 2, and that it 

1009 



History of The Typographical Union 

would be necessary for the convention to take action 
regarding renewal of the agreement. At the convention 
of the publishers' association held in New York in April, 
191 1, the subject of the renewal of the arbitration agree- 
ment with the union was up for consideration and the 
following committee was appointed to confer with the 
executive council of the International Union : Victor F. 
Lawson, Herman Ridder, Charles W. Knapp, Don C. 
Seitz, S, S. Carvalho, Bruce Haldeman, George C. Hitt, 
Charles H. Taylor, jr., G. J. Palmer and H. N. Kellogg. 
The executive council reported that it had held several 
meetings with the publishers' committee and that at the 
last meeting, on June 28, 191 1, an understanding was 
reached and the resultant agreement was submitted to the 
convention for consideration, it being incorporated in the 
supplemental report of the executive council to the con- 
vention. The existing arbitration agreement had been 
amended so as to provide for a local board of arbitration 
of four members, they to select a fifth member. The 
specific changes in the agreement were embraced in 
sections 5, 7 and 12 of the code of procedure and are 
given herewith : 

Sec. 5. After the questions to be arbitrated have been determined, a 
local board of arbitration must be formed, composed of residents of the local- 
ity in which the controversy arises, two members thereof to be named by 
each side, one such representative of each contending party to be free from 
personal connections with or direct interest in any newspaper or any labor 
union. The board as thus constituted shall select from among its members 
a secretary. The four members of the board shall then choose an additional 
member, who shall be a disinterested party and who shall act as chairman of 
the board. The chairman shall preside, put motions, etc., and shall be en- 
titled to vote on all propositions which properly come before the board in 
open session. He shall declare a motion carried only when at least three of 
the arbitrators shall have voted affirmatively thereon. At the conclusion of 
the hearing the chairman shall retire, and the other members of the board 
shall go into executive session and immediately take up a consideration of 
the issues involved. If a tie vote occurs on any proposition, or if there are 
any differences, questions or propositions, which do not receive the votes of 
three of the four original members of the board, the chairman shall be called 
in and shall cast the deciding votes on all unsettled questions or propositions. 
If the chairman of the local board shall not have been selected within thirty 
(30) days after the questions to be arbitrated have been determined, he shall 

IOIO 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

be named by the chairman of the special standing committee of the American 
Newspaper Publishers' Association and the president of the International Typo- 
graphical Union or their proxies upon the request of either of the interested 
parties. The two officials named or their proxies may visit the locality if they 
deem it necessary. Any expense incurred shall be defrayed equally by the par- 
ties to the controversy. 

Sec. 7. The party making the original demand shall have the right to 
present its case and evidence without interruption, excepting that when oral evi- 
dence is introduced, cross-examination of witnesses shall be allowed. The 
opposing parties shall have the same right in turn. The first party shall then 
have the right to present evidence strictly in rebuttal, and the opposing party 
shall be allowed to present counter evidence strictly in surrebuttal. Where 
obection is made by either party to the admission of any evidence offered by 
the other party, the board by vote shall decide as to the admissibility of the 
evidence in question. 

Sec. 12. When said hearing is concluded the board shall, without un- 
necessary delay, and as set forth in section 5, of this code, go into executive 
session, from which all persons except the four original members of the board 
shall be excluded, for the determination of its award. In its deliberations the 
transcript of the stenographic report shall be accepted as the best evidence of 
what occurred at the hearings, unless it can be shown that gross errors exist 
in said transcript. Should the four members be > unable to decide upon the 
award, the chairman shall be called in, as provided in section 5 of this code. 
The award of the board must be formulated and signed by all of the mem- 
bers thereof at a regular executive session, after there has been full oppor- 
tunity for consideration and discussion, the date and time of such session 
having previously been determined at a full meeting of the local board. If 
any member of the local board dissents from the award, and wishes to file 
a dissenting opinion, he shall give immediate notice to that effect, and shall, 
within forty-eight (48) hours after the award has been decided upon, and be- 
fore it has been promulgated, formulate his reasons for dissenting, and such 
opinion must be signed by him before final adjournment at a regular executive 
session arranged for as above provided. Such dissenting opinion, when thus 
signed, must be attached to the award. 

It was explained to the convention that it had been the 
aim of the executive council of the International Union 
and the special standing committee of the publishers' 
association since the formulation of the then existing con- 
tract to so arrange it that decisions by local arbitration 
boards would be assured, but this had been found to be 
impossible under even numbered local boards. Repeated 
requests had come to the national board for permission 
to pass up local arbitration altogether and take the case 
direct to the national board. These requests had been 
generally declined and local arbitration had been insisted 
upon except in instances of disputes arising as to the 
meaning of provisions in local contracts. As a result of 



1011 



History of The Typographical Union 

the failure of even numbered local boards to agree, the 
national board of arbitration had been compelled to give a 
great deal of its time to the consideration of scale cases 
coming to the board as a court of original jurisdiction. 
This had come to be such an abuse that it was determined 
to terminate it by the amendments referred to and quoted 
above. It had been suspected by members of the national 
board that local decisions were possible if the local parties 
to the issue cared to shoulder the responsibility of making 
decisions, but the deadlock made possible by even num- 
bered local boards presented the means of sending the 
cases to the national board and placing on the members of 
that body the responsibility for all decisions, then when 
the decisions were rendered the dissatisfaction could be 
shifted to the national board of arbitration. Under the 
proposed new agreement local decisions would be assured 
and the responsibility for the conduct of a case and for 
success or failure in the first instance would rest on the 
local parties to the arbitration. Cases would come to the 
national board under the new agreement only on appeal 
or where it was impossible to secure local arbitration. 

The convention committee to which the arbitration con- 
tract was referred made an exhaustive report on the 
subject, which is quoted herewith, in part: 

Your committee on arbitration has given careful consideration to the re- 
port of the officers on the important question of conciliation and arbitration, 
which has prevailed for a period long enough to demonstrate its true value 
as a medium for the settlement of those differences which so frequently occur 
in scale contentions and betterment of working conditions, and unanimously 
endorse the prevailing peace policy of our organization, and compliments and 
commends the executive council on the excellent showing made in the per- 
formance of this duty. 

During the past ten years, through the medium of arbitration, the Inter- 
national Typographical Union has made such wonderful progress and con- 
ducted its affairs in so business-like manner, that it has become absolutely un- 
necessary to resort to the often expensive and ineffective strike to effect a 
settlement of differences with those employers with whom we have agree- 
ments. 

The strikes and lockouts of the past created hatred in the hearts of 
both contestants and often led to dire disaster and want in the home of the 
striker; and too often it took years of earnest endeavor to harmonize differ- 
ences that in the beginning were of a trifling and trivial nature. The strike 

IOI2 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

and boycott never promoted organization, and but rarely were of benefit to 
either of the parties involved. While our right to strike can never be taken 
from us, it should not be resorted to until every effort has been exhausted to 
effect an adjustment of the differences by the sane and peaceful method of 
conciliation and arbitration. 

In this report we find mention of the adjustment of many questions by 
the chairman of the Newspaper Publishers' Association and the president of the 
International Typographical Union. It is indeed a well-conceived plan — an 
admirable arbitration agreement — that puts in the hands of our officials the 
power to effect the settlement of minor differences which so frequently, in 
the long ago, resulted in savage contests for supremacy. 

The reports of the president and the executive council are so complete, 
and treat the subject of arbitration in all its phases so comprehensively, we 
recommend that these reports be placed before the entire membership as soon 
after the adjournment of this convention as is practicable. 

It is assumed that the delegates to this convention are familiar with the 
present arbitration agreement, and we deem it unnecessary to discuss it at 
length in this report, other than to say that the code of procedure was pre- 
pared to cover every contingency that might arise, and probably had these 
measures been more carefully considered by the proper officials and the arbitra- 
tors selected by the local unions interested, and the provisions of the code 
followed with that intelligence that is only to be acquired by careful prepara- 
tion, the results attained would have been more far-reaching and beneficial 
to all concerned. Many so-called successful strikes are compromises, and those 
of our members who are able to direct a strike should be brave enough to 
stand for a just settlement of differences by arbitration under our agreement. 

President Lynch in his report makes an unanswerable statement when he 
says "that the International Typographical Union has prospered and pro- 
gressed during the period of its agreement with the American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association." It is more than probable that, had it not been for this 
agreement, the eight-hour strike might have been lost to us, for the very good 
reason that a large part of the membership, earning fair wages, were secure in 
their places and thereby contributed materially to the successful termination 
of that struggle, and thereafter to the large increase in the finances of the 
International Typographical Union, making the old age pension a success, thus 
securing to our old members a fund that is for their material benefit when un- 
able to obtain sustaining employment; placing the Home in first-class condi- 
tion; increasing the membership at an astonishing rate, and placing our In- 
ternational and local unions in the lead of all others. 

We desire to call your attention to the great number of subordinate unions 
having agreements with the publishers in force July i, 191 1, which should 
be sufficient proof that the method is a popular and successful means of ad- 
justing those differences that are sure to arise from time to time. 

The decisions of the arbitration board appearing in the report cover a. 
period ranging from the year 1907 to the present time. Every conceivable dis- 
pute that could possibly arise has been presented for adjustment. That many 
important publications have continued to employ members of our union is be- 
cause the publishers believed that each side was sure to be given a square deal. 
This agreement is not perfect perhaps, but we believe it is the most intelligent 
and best method yet devised for the settlement of working conditions and scale 
controversies. 

It is beyond reason to expect every member of either organization to be 
satisfied with the awards made, but we are of the opinion that the great major- 
ity of the membership of the International Typographical Union, who desire 
the organization to prosper and grow greater and stronger — those who wish to 
live in peace with their neighbors and their own kindred — will uphold this 



IOI3 



History of The Typographical Union 

rational method, that the unions may continue to enjoy that progress and pros- 
perity that has prevailed during the past ten years. 

Your committee has thoroughly considered the proposed international arbi- 
tration agreement and earnestly recommends that the convention adopt it. 
The proposed agreement is far in advance of any method ever attempted by 
any labor organization, and if it does not work out, we have been assured 
other measures will be devised to bring about the result desired. 

One point the committee wishes to bring out clearly is that the acceptance 
of this agreement is wholly optional with the local unions. 

Your committee believes that under the new agreement and code of pro- 
cedure better and quicker results will be obtained, and that appeals to the 
National Board will be lessened, but, when taken, decisions can be rendered 
in much less time than in the past, because under its administration the pro- 
ceedings of local boards will be clearer and recite the conditions as they actu- 
ally exist. 

During consideration of the committee's report, several 
amendments to the agreement were offered by various 
delegates, but, after discussion, all of the amendments 
were defeated and the document as presented was adopted 
as a whole. 

Commissioner Kellogg' s Address — Commissioner H. 
N. Kellogg, of the publishers' association, was a visitor 
to the convention and, upon invitation, addressed the 
delegates. His remarks, bearing partially on the pro- 
posed new arbitration agreement, were as follows : 

Ladies and Gentlemen: In' accordance with the usual custom, I am with 
you today to extend the greetings of the American Newspaper Publishers' Asso- 
ciation to the International Typographical Union; to express the interest of our 
association in this meeting and the hope that wise and conservative action will 
result. 

The reports of your officers for the past year show that remarkable progress 
has been made during that period. I congratulate you upon your continued 
success. 

You are, of course, all aware through the supplemental report of your exec- 
utive council, tha,t a committee was appointed at our convention in April to 
consider new arbitration agreements with the various international unions, to 
take the place of those which will expire on May 1 next. 

In accordance with that action, our arbitration committee has had numerous 
conferences with your executive council. A tentative agreement has been con- 
cluded, subject to final approval by you and by our committee, which was ap- 
pointed with power to act. 

The terms of the tentative agreement are not entirely in accord with our 
views of what such an agreement should contain, because they do not provide 
for free and unrestricted arbitration. 

It seems to us, that having accepted the principle of, arbitration, the Inter- 
national Typographical Union should be willing to accept it in its full measure. 
I trust your deliberations on this subject will result in your concluding to agree 
to arbitration without restriction. 

You are, of course, aware that treaties providing arbitration have been in 
effect between the great nations of the world for a number of years. That our 

IOI4 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

government and that of Great Britain and France have recently adopted the 
principle of arbitration without restriction. Surely you should not hesitate to 
follow such illustrious example. 

During the past year, as you all know, the campaign of the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association for the removal of the tariff from white paper, 
and the materials which enter into its manufacture, has been partially suc- 
cessful. 

Our association has been carrying on this campaign for four years. Several 
times during that period we have requested co-operation by the International 
Typographical Union in this movement and in every instance your officers have 
given us their assistance. We sincerely appreciate that action. 

There have been many differences between the members of our association 
and your local unions during the past year. Nearly all of these differences have 
been finally adjusted in accordance with the terms of the arbitration contract. 

I desire to express our appreciation of the promptness and courtesy dis- 
played by your International officers in dealing with the various problems that 
have been presented for solution. 

I trust the pleasant and harmonious relations between the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association and the International Typographical Union will 
continue for at least another five-year period. 

I thank you for your kind attention. 

ILLEGAL STRIKE AT CHICAGO 

On February 28, 191 1, the members of Chicago Typo- 
graphical Union No. 16 working in the offices of the 
Chicago Examiner and the Chicago American, to the 
number of about 200, walked out. The cause of the 
walkout was a dispute as to the measurement of type 
set on the machines in the two offices, the contention of 
the union being that the type should be measured 13^/2 
ems wide, while the office sought to pay the men on the 
basis of 13 ems. The columns of the paper were 12 ems 
and ten points in width. 

Previous to the decision of the National Arbitration 
Board in the Chicago scale case, all the members of No. 
16 working on the two papers with which the controversy 
occurred were paid on a flat time basis, but under the 
provisions of a contract existing previous to the arbitra- 
tion decision the two offices had been placed on the same 
scale basis paid in the other newspaper offices in Chicago 
(either a time or a bonus scale), the bonus scale being 
accepted. 

When the bonus scale was put into effect the presi- 
dent of No. 16 instructed the general foremen of the 

1015 



History of The Typographical Union 

American and Examiner offices to cast the measure up 
on the basis of 13^ em columns. The payment for the 
first week's work under the bonus scale was made upon 
this basis. The management of the offices then claimed 
that the measure had been cast on this basis without their 
knowledge, and instructed the foremen to recast it on a 
13-em basis. Payment on a 13-em basis was made for 
one week and at the close of the second week a demand 
was made for payment on a 13^ -em basis for the two 
weeks. A dispute having arisen, the management con- 
tended that they were entitled to arbitration as a means 
of settlement, but the officers of the local union held that 
while they might be entitled to arbitration they must con- 
tinue the condition that had been created during the first 
week by order of the president of the union until the 
entire matter was settled through the arbitration pro- 
ceedings. The management refused to accept that ruling, 
but agreed to place the difference in money in the hands 
of the president of the union, or any one to be named by 
the officers of the union, until the question could be 
settled. This offer was rejected and on February 28, 
191 1, all of the members working in both chapels walked 
out. 

The first intimation to the executive council that 
trouble was likely to occur in the offices of the American 
and the Examiner was in a telegram addressed to Presi- 
dent Lynch from Commissioner H. N. Kellogg, of the 
American Newspaper Publishers' Association, and 
received by Mr. Lynch in Philadelphia, at midnight on 
February 27, 191 1. Immediately following the receipt 
of Mr. Kellogg's telegram, President Lynch wired Presi- 
dent O'Brien of No. 16, as follows: 

Philadelphia, Pa., 12:30 a. m., February 28, 191 1. 
George R. O'Brien, President Typographical Union, Postal Telegraph Building, 

Chicago, III. 

Kellogg wires me dispute with Hearst papers serious and trouble liable. 
Of course, under arbitration agreement, disputes must be peaceably adjusted, 

IOl6 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

work continuing in the interim between raising of question and its settlement. 
Know that you will see agreement is observed. Wire me Tuesday, Ebbitt 
House, Washington D. C. James M. Lynch. • 

In order that this history may contain the story of the 
Chicago walkout exactly as the incident was reported to 
the San Francisco convention, the report of the executive 
council on the subject is reproduced herewith, and follow- 
ing the council's report will be found the report of the 
convention committee and the action of the convention 
itself regarding the walkout. 

At the time the walkout occurred President Lynch was in Washington, 
D. C, on official business, and the first information which any official of the 
International Typographical Union received that a walkout had occurred was 
by President Lynch through a bulletin posted on a bulletin board in Washington. 

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DISAVOWS STRIKE 

President Lynch immediately got into communication with Secretary-Treas- 
urer Hays, and the executive council, in accordance with the provisions of the 
laws of the International Typographical Union, disavowed the strike as illegal 
and without warrant or reason and ordered the men to return to work. The 
publishers of the Examiner and American were also informed of this decision 
by President Lynch, in accordance with our contracts and laws. 

The president of No. 16 refused to accept this order over the telephone, 
and also stated that No. 16 did not desire the interference of the executive 
council, nor would the men be ordered to return to work. In fact, he stated 
that the executive council's mandate that the men must return to work would 
be ignored. He was then informed that the question in controversy must be 
settled under the laws of the International Typographical Union and the local 
contract and national arbitration agreement, which were a part of the Chicago 
scale of prices; that if the men did not return to work in accordance with the 
orders of the executive council the council would order that type for the 
American and Examiner be set by our members in other chapels, and that it 
would use every effort to see that the papers on which the strike occurred were 
issued with the the least possible delay. 

The council having been informed by the president of No. 16 that its man- 
date would not be obeyed, then sent telegrams to the chairmen of the Chicago 
Tribune, Record-Herald, Inter Ocean, Post, Journal, News, American and 
Examiner, instructing them that if copy was presented for the men in the dif- 
ferent chapels to set for the American and Examiner that the men were in- 
structed to set it, unless our members who had walked out of the American 
and Examiner returned to work at once. A copy of this telegram was sent to 
President O'Brien, and is as follows: 

"March i, 191 i. 

"George R. O'Brien, President Typographical Union No. 16, Rooms 224-226 

Postal Telegraph Building, Chicago, III. 

"The following telegram has just been sent to the chairmen of chapels in 
the offices of the Tribune, Record-Herald, Inter Ocean, Post, Journal, News, 
American and Examiner: 

" 'If the members of No. 16 who walked out of the offices of the Chicago 
American and Examiner do not return to work at once the executive council 
of the International Typographical Union instructs you to have the members in 

IOI7 



History of The Typographical Union 

your chapel set such type for the American and Examiner as you may be fur- 
nished copy for. This action is taken in accordance with sections 147 and 152 
otf the International Typographical Union general laws, reading as follows: 

" 'Sec. 147. Whenever a strike occurs without the sanction of the executive 
council, the council must immediately disavow the illegal strike and notify 
all subordinate unions to that effect. Protection shall be guaranteed to all 
members who remain at, accept or return to work in offices affected by the ille- 
gal strike, as specified in section 152. Any officer or member of a union who 
shall suppress or conceal from his union or the executive council any official 
information concerning a strike, or a proposed strike, shall upon conviction by 
the local union be suspended or expelled. 

" 'Sec. 152. To affect union men prejudicially to their standing in the union 
who remain at work in an office where any number of the union men in such 
office have struck work on what they deem good grounds for such action, the 
strike must have been authorized in accordance with sections 145, 146 and 148 
of this law. Unless so authorized, those remaining at work are not liable to 
charges of violation of any union laws.' 

"By order of the executive council, J. W. Hays, Secretary." 

The above mentioned telegrams to President O'Brien and the chapel chair- 
men of Chicago were sent from International headquarters about 2:30 a. m. 
of March 1. 

SPECIAL MEETING OF CHICAGO UNION 

During Tuesday, March 1, the executive council received information that 
a special meeting of Typographical Union No. 16 would be held at 5 p. m., 
and by order of the executive council the following telegram was sent to Pres- 
ident O'Brien: 

"Indianapolis, Ind., March 1, 191 1. 

"George R. O'Brien, Rooms 224-226 Postal Telegraph Building, Chicago, III. 
"The International executive council, giving further consideration to the 
Chicago situation, today instructed me to wire you reiterating what I said to 
you over the telephone early this morning, that the council demands that the 
members of No. 16 be instructed to return to work in the offices of the Chicago 
American and the Chicago Examiner, and that the laws of the International 
Typographical Union be fully complied with. The executive council also de- 
sires that all of the messages and communications referring to this subject 
which you have received from either Lynch or myself be read at the meeting 

of No. 16 this afternoon. .. T ... TT „ 

"J. W. Hays. 

Replying to this telegram, the following was received at Indianapolis at 

4 ; 55 p. M.: 

Chicago, March 1, 191 1. 

"J. W. Hays, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Ind. 

"This resolution was adopted by the executive committee on No. 16 previous 
to the receipt of your latest wire ordering employes of the Examiner and 
American to return to work: 'Resolved, That in view of the position of 
President Lynch, as indicated by a dispatch to the publishers' association, as 
well as that of the executive council of the International Typographical Union, 
in regard to the action of the American and Examiner chapels in quitting em- 
ployment at 3 o'clock p. M., Tuesday, February 28, for non-payment of wages, 
the executive committee of Chicago Typographical Union No. 16 is compelled to 
recommend to this union that the order of the executive council, directing 
members of the American and Examiner chapels to return to work, pending 
an adjustment of the matter in dispute, be complied with.' 

"G. R. O'Brien." 

IOI8 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

The result of the special meeting of No. 16 held on March i and the 
subsequent action of the executive council regarding the strike is fully set 
forth in the following letter, which was addressed to President O'Brien, of 
No. 16, and copies thereof furnished to the entire membership of No. 16: 

LETTER TO PRESIDENT OF CHICAGO UNION 

"Indianapolis, Ind., March 13, 191 1. 
"Mr. G. R. O'Brien, President Typographical Union No. 16, Chicago, III. 

"Dear Sir: On Wednesday, March 1, Chicago Typographical Union No. 
16, in special session, adopted resolutions in part as follows: 

" 'Resolved, That Chicago Typographical Union No. 16, having obeyed the 
mandate of the International Typographical Union council, as expressed in 
the telegrams from President Lynch and Secretary Hays, hereby requests Presi- 
dent Lynch and the executive council immediately to proceed to Chicago and 
assume control of the questions in controversy between Chicago Typographical 
Union No. 16 and Chicago local American Newspaper Publishers' Association.' " 

In acknowledging your telegram and letter transmitting the foregoing to 
Secretary-Treasurer J. W. Hays, that official said: 

"Indianapolis, Ind., March 3, 191 1. 
"George R. O'Brien, President No. 16, 280 La Salle Street, Chicago. 

"Dear Mr. O'Brien: I have your telegram and letter quoting the resolu- 
tions adopted by No. 16 asking the executive council to come to Chicago and 
assume control of the questions in controversy between No. 16 and the pub- 
lishers. There is to be a meeting of the Joint Conference Board of the allied 
printing trades council in this office on Monday next. As soon as possible 
after that date the executive council will arrange to go to Chicago. At that 
time the questions contained in your letter can be taken up. 

"Fraternally yours, 

"J. W. Hays." 
On Thursday, March 9, Secretary Hays wired you thus: 

"Indianapolis, Ind., March 9, 191 1. 
"George R. O'Brien, Rooms 224-226 Postal Telegraph Building, Chicago, III. 
"Executive council will be at Briggs House tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. 

"J. W. Hays." 
On the morning of Friday, March 10, at the Briggs House, Chicago, the 
following communication was received from you: 

"Chicago, III., March 9, 191 1. 
"J. W. Hays, Secretary Executive Council, Briggs House, Chicago. 

"Dear Mr. Hays: Your telegram stating that the 'executive council will 
be at the Briggs House tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock' received. It may 
be necessary to review many documents in this controversy, and I would re- 
quest that the council meet at Chicago Typographical Union No. 16 headquar- 
ters, room 224, 280 La Salle street, as soon as convenient after 10 a. m. Fri- 
day, March 10. (( „ . .. 

Fraternally yours, 

"G. R. O'Brien, President." 
Shortly after 10 o'clock on Friday morning the executive council met you, 
and members of your scale committee, and, acting through President Lynch as 
spokesman, discussed in all of its phases the recent difficulty with the Hearst 
Chicago papers. 

You were asked to name specifically the points that it was desired the 

IOI9 



History of The Typographical Union 

executive council should take up with the Chicago Publishers' Association, and 
after much questioning on the part of the council you were finally pinned 
down to the matters that you have previously taken up with the Chicago Pub- 
lishers' Association or that the association had taken up with you in accord- 
ance with the method outlined in the contract between Chicago Typographical 
Union No. 16 and the Chicago local of the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association, as follows: 

"It is agreed that both the language and the spirit of this contract be- 
tween the Chicago local of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association 
and Chicago Typographical Union No. 16 make it imperatively obligatory on 
both parties, whenever any difference of opinion as to the rights of the parties 
under the contract shall arise, or whenever any dispute as to the construction 
of the contract or any of its amendments takes place, at once to appeal to 
the duly constituted authority under the contract — namely: the joint standing 
committee, to the end that fruitless controversy shall be avoided and good 
feeling and harmonious relations be maintained, and the regular and orderly 
prosecution of the business in which the parties have a community of interest 
be insured beyond the possibility of interruption. 

"It is further agreed that this contract, being between the Chicago local 
of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association and Chicago Typographical 
Union No. 16, and underwritten by the International Typographical Union, all 
questions in controversy primarily concern the two contracting parties alone, 
and are not to be taken up for or against any individual member of either 
one of them, but shall be referred to the joint standing committee. 

"In furtherance of harmonious action, to fulfil this contract in letter and 
spirit, to prevent misunderstandings and to make plain the course of pro- 
cedure, it is agreed that a new ruling by either party under the contract shall 
be immediately referred by its president to the president of the other party, 
and if they agree as to the propriety of said ruling they shall at once formally 
notify all the parties to the contract to that effect, and it shall be of binding 
force; but if they fail to agree within forty-eight hours as to such ruling, the 
question in dispute shall be referred immediately by either party through the 
proper authority, as provided by the contract, to the joint standing committee 
for settlement, as provided by the contract — and pending consideration by the 
presidents as aforesaid, or by the joint standing committee, no attempt shall 
be made to enforce such ruling, and such appeal having been made, and writ- 
ten notice to that effect having been served by the party making the appeal .to 
the other party, the latter shall await the decision of the joint standing com- 
mittee. In the meantime the new ruling shall not be in force, but should the 
joint standing committee sustain the ruling, its operation shall be as of date 
when first announced, and any moneys due under the ruling by either party 
to the other shall then be paid without further delay." 

Having pressed you to this point, the council then explained to you that 
it had no power or authority to assume jurisdiction over the real questions at 
issue, as the local contract set forth a specific method for their adjustment, 
and formal waiver to this method could only be made jointly by both parties 
to the contract, and not by one party to the contract. 

You then again attempted to raise numerous other points and questions that 
had not previously been taken up by you with the Chicago Publishers' Asso- 
ciation, and the executive council again and again impressed upon you that 
we had no power to change the procedure set forth in the local contract. 

The recent illegal strike of the members of No. 16 employed on the Hearst 
Chicago papers, a strike which in the course of the interview you informed 
us you fully approved, was also the subject of discussion. You were informed 
that the first intimation of the contemplated trouble given to any member of 
the executive council was contained in a telegram from Mr. H. N. Kellogg to 

1020 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

President Lynch, at Philadelphia, at midnight on Monday, February 27, and 
that President Lynch immediately wired you as follows: 

"Philadelphia, Pa., 12:30 a. m., February 28, 191 1. 
"George R. O'Brien, President Typograpliical Union, Postal Telegraph Build- 
ing, Chicago, III. 

"Kellogg wires me dispute with Hearst papers serious and trouble liable. 
Of course, under arbitration agreement, disputes must be peaceably adjusted, 
work continuing in the interim between raising of question and its settlement. 
Know that you will see agreement is observed. Wire me Tuesday, Ebbitt 
House, Washington, D. C. 

"James M. Lynch." 

We have official knowledge, given us by a Chicago representative of the 
Western Union Telegraph Company, that you received the foregoing telegram 
at 8:30 a. m. on Tuesday, February 28, or more than six hours before the 
illegal strike occurred. 

You were also informed that Mr. Kellogg met President Lynch in Phila- 
delphia on Tuesday, February 28, and that President Lynch at that time flouted 
the idea that there would be strike trouble in Chicago, and again expressed to 
Mr. Kellogg his firm belief that you would not permit violation of the arbitra- 
tion agreement and of the Chicago contract. That President Lynch then left 
Philadelphia for Washington, D. C, where he had important business, and 
that Mr. Kellogg also went to Washington. That when President Lynch arrived 
at the Ebbitt House in Washington he found an answer from you to his Phila- 
delphia message, but that your answer contained no intimation that a strike 
was in progress or in contemplation. You were also informed that the first 
intimation or knowledge that any member of the executive council received 
that a strike had actually been declared in the composing rooms of the Chi- 
cago American and Chicago Examiner was given to President Lynch by a 
member of Columbia Typographical Union No. 101, who called President 
Lynch's attention to an item covering the illegal strike appearing in a bulletin 
posted by a Washington bulletin company, and that this information was later 
confirmed by Mr. H. N. Kellogg. In short, that it was five hours after the 
strike occurred before President Lynch accidentally learned of it, and then 
received the official confirmation from the representative of the American News- 
paper Publishers' Association, and yet during all of this time you knew the 
address of President Lynch and also the addresses of the other members of 
the executive council. 

It was also set forth that immediately President Lynch had knowledge of 
the illegal strike, he sent you the following message, at an almost identical 
time, over both the Postal and Western Union lines: 

"Washington, D. C, February 28, 191 1. 
"George R. O'Brien, President Typographical Union, Postal Telegraph Build- 
ing, Chicago, III. 

"Just learned of strike on Hearst papers, in violation of arbitration agree- 
ment and contract obligations. Men must return to work at once and pro- 
tection guaranteed to those who obey this order. 

"James M. Lynch." 

The council has official knowledge that you received the foregoing message 
from the Chicago office of the Postal Telegraph Company at 10:15 p. m., on 
Tuesday, February 28, and at 10:40 p. m., on the same day from the Chicago 
office of the Western Union. 

You were also informed that immediately on learning of the illegal strike 
President Lynch wired Secretary-Treasurer Hays, and later talked with that 

I02 1 



History of The Typographical Union 

official over the long distance telephone, and that Secretary Hays in turn talked 
with you over the telephone and also wired you in support of the effort made 
by the executive council to protect the contracts that had been violated by 
the illegal strike. 

After this general discussion you remarked substantially as follows: 

"Well, the only way to settle this matter is to call a special meeting of 
No. 16." 

To this President Lynch, for the council, immediately replied substantially 
as follows: 

"That is perfectly satisfactory to us. We have nothing to conceal and 
nothing to apologize for. Hold the special meeting next Sunday. Secure the 
largest available hall in Chicago, so that every member of No. 16 may have 
opportunity to attend. Call the meeting for i o'clock so that there may be 
plenty of time for the fullest and freest discussion." 

You then began arranging for the hall. We were finally given to under- 
stand that two halls were obtainable, one of them the Lyric Theater. You 
also prepared the official call for the meeting, and about 12 o'clock the mem- 
bers of the executive council left the headquarters of No. 16 with the belief 
that the special meeting would be held, and to make necessary preparations for 
that meeting. So secure were the members of the council in the belief that 
the special meeting would be held, according to schedule, that the International 
headquarters at Indianapolis were called, and in order to avoid all chance for 
accident or delay, a special messenger was directed to bring to Chicago all of 
the records in connection with the illegal strike, and this messenger arrived in 
Chicago Saturday morning with the required documents. 

But about 3 o'clock on Friday afternoon you called President Lynch on 
the telephone at the Briggs House and informed the president that the spe- 
cial meeting would not be held, as no suitable hall could be secured, and that 
a meeting of your executive committee would be held at 6 o'clock in the 
evening, and it was desired that the executive council should attend this meet- 
ing. President Lynch said he would communicate the information to the 
executive council and call you up later. 

It seemed exceedingly strange to the executive council that in a city of 
Chicago's population and area it was impossible to obtain a hall for such an 
important meeting. So, as the Lyric Theater was one of the places you had 
under consideration for the meeting, the management of that theater was called 
on the telephone, and asked if the theater could be obtained. The reply was 
that the Lyric Theater could be obtained for Sunday afternoon from 1 to 6 
o'clock, and that the theater would seat 1,400 people. With the stage and stand- 
ing room utilized, this would mean at least 2,000 people. 

This convinced the members of the council that they were being jockeyed 
with for some purpose not then clear, but that nevertheless the council would 
attend the meeting of your executive committee. President Lynch then called 
you on the telephone and asked you the object of the committee meeting. 
You replied evasively and contradictorily, finally contenting yourself with ^he 
assertion that the executive committee was the union between meetings, and 
as there was not to be a special meeting of the union, therefore the executive 
committee meeting. President Lynch said to you that the executive council 
had in the morning attended a meeting of yourself and scale committee, and 
had thoroughly gone into matters, and therefore could not understand why 
another committee meeting was necessary; that what the executive council was 
anxious for and most desired was a special meeting of the union. However, you 
were insistent that the council should attend the executive committee meeting. 

At 6:20 o'clock the council arrived at your headquarters, and you called 
the meeting to order, immediately placing before the attendants a long type- 

1022 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

written document. This document, which proved to be a reiteration of your 
many and conflicting statements of the morning of points of difference that you 
claimed the council should take up and questions the council should answer, was 
then read by the committee's secretary, and its adoption moved. Two members 
of your committee questioned statements contained in the document and at- 
tempted to ask you questions, but you promptly silenced them. The docu- 
ment was then adopted by the committee, notwithstanding that several members 
of the committee had but just heard its contents and had no opportunity to 
digest them. But you had it adopted. 

You then expressed the hope that the executive council would give the 
document early consideration, and your committee a speedy reply. Evidently 
this was intended as the council's dismissal, but President Lynch for the 
council insisted on making a statement immediately. 

President Lynch said that the committee's evident purpose (and you are a 
member of and chairman of the committee) was to secure delay; that what the 
executive council wanted was a special meeting of the union on Sunday, and 
that the council had been denied that meeting; that you knew the document 
just adopted meant delay, as it had been explained to you in the morning that 
the proper procedure for the settlement of disputed points was as set forth in 
the local contract and that the council had no jurisdiction; that the responsi- 
bility for the delay in the adjustment of the points in dispute with the pub- 
lishers would be on you and your committee; that you and your committee 
were simply sparring for time; that you and your committee were evidently 
afraid to hold a special meeting of No. 16. You replied that you were not 
afraid to appear before any meeting of No. 16. President Lynch then asked 
why you did not create and accept the opportunity to appear and state your 
case and permit the executive council to do likewise by calling a special meet- 
ing as you had agreed to do in the forenoon. To this question you did not 
vouchsafe a reply. It was noticeable that at the evening meeting you did not 
make the claim that a suitable hall could not be obtained for the special meet- 
ing, but shifted to the excuse that you could not notify the membership of 
No. 16 in time. The executive council knows that your special meeting of 
Wednesday, March i, was called in much less time, and was a most repre- 
sentative gathering. But at that time perhaps you had the impression that 
you were a martyr to the executive council's insistence on the inviolability 
of law and contracts, and you wanted that special meeting held. 

As the members of the council were retiring from your executive com- 
mittee meeting, you jeeringly asked if the executive council intended to "run 
away" to Indianapolis on the first train. You were distinctly informed by 
President Lynch that the executive council would remain in Chicago until 
Sunday evening. 

The council remained in Chicago Saturday and Sunday, as you were in- 
formed they would do, the council hoping against hope that, knowing this, you 
would on Friday night or Saturday morning call a special meeting of No. 16 
for Sunday afternoon, at which both you and the council, face to face with 
the members of No. 16, could give an account of their stewardship. The council 
hoped in vain. You were determined there should not be a special meeting. 

The executive council, having been deprived by you of the opportunity of 
setting forth all the facts before the membership of No. 16, in special meet- 
ing assembled, will furnish to each member of No. 16, whose name and ad- 
dress we have, a copy of this letter. 

We will also present to the membership of the International Typographical 
Union, in the next issue of the Typographical Journal, a complete history of 
the illegal strike, and subsequent events. 

As to the points of difference between No. 16 and the Chicago publishers, 

1023 



History of The Typographical Union 

they can be speedily adjusted under the terms of the local contract, and you 
know it. You also know that the executive council has no jurisdiction at 
present over these disputes and can not take jurisdiction. 

The executive council has performed its duty in protecting the contract. 
It is now clearly up to you to perform your duty as specified in the contract. 

Summarized, the position of the executive council is: 

That differences between No. 16 and the Chicago local American News- 
paper Publishers' Association must be settled between the parties thereto in 
accordance with the contract and the national arbitration agreement, and the 
council can not consider them until presented in proper form. 

That you allowed a strike to occur in violation of both an existing con- 
tract and the laws of the International Typographical Union, notwithstanding 
that at the time of the walkout you were in possession of a telegram from 
President Lynch notifying you that pending a settlement of any differences 
work must continue. 

That when the executive council issued orders in accordance with Interna- 
tional laws that the men must return to work and disavowed the illegal strike 
you accused its members of being strikebreakers, and that you later pre- 
vented the holding of a meeting of No. 16 to allow the members of the coun- 
cil to state their position to the members of the Chicago Typographical Union. 

Because of your position the executive council takes this method of reach- 
ing the members of No. 16, and this communication will be published. 

Fraternally, 

James M. Lynch, 
Hugo Miller, 
J. W. Hays, 
Executive Council International Typographical Union. 

AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF NO. 1 6 

During the time intervening between the visit of the executive council to 
Chicago, when the effort of the council to have a special meeting of No. 16 
failed, and the regular March meeting of No. 16, which occurred on the 26th 
inst., resolutions were received by the executive council from the Examiner 
chapel requesting that it attend the regular meeting of No. 16, and with the 
request made in the resolutions the council complied. 

At the meeting held on the 26th inst. the capacity of the hall in which 
the meeting was held was taxed by the large number of members present, and, 
while considerable time was devoted to what it was supposed would be a dis- 
cussion of the proper handling of the issues in dispute which brought about 
the illegal strike, the meeting, nevertheless, failed to touch to any extent at 
all upon those issues, but rather devolved into a clamor trying to justify the 
illegal strike and lost sight entirely of the fact that the issues raised were still 
there and must be settled in accordance with the laws of the International 
Typographical Union, which laws have been the guide for every action taken 
by the executive council. During the meeting the executive council and its 
members were subjected to all the abuse that vitriolic oratory could emit, and 
it became quite apparent that a large number of the members of No. 16 took 
the position that both the council and the laws of the International should 
be disregarded at any time at the behest of a subordinate organization. The 
result was that no action was taken at the meeting that would in any man- 
ner assist in the settlement of the difficulty, and the points in issue must, of 
necessity, remain unsettled until taken up in the manner provided by the con- 
tracts signed by the officers of No. 16. 

The members of the executive council take the position that the laws of 
the International Typographical Union have been adopted by the membership 
and are intended to be lived up to; also that contracts once made must be 

1024 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

lived up to in all respects, and they will be lived up to so far as it is within 
the power of the executive council to see that they are enforced. 

The strike on the Chicago American and the Chicago Examiner on Febru- 
ary 28 was illegal and absolutely without warrant from any standpoint of In- 
ternational law or the contracts. 

The report of the executive council, together with all 
data in connection with the walkout, was referred to the 
committee on subordinate unions. After a hearing cov- 
ering the entire matter, the committee submitted the 
following report to the convention : 

Your committee approves unqualifiedly the action of the executive council 
in regard to the illegal strike of February 28, 191 1, in the offices of the Chi- 
cago Examiner and Chicago American, controlled by William R. Hearst, a 
gentleman whose cordial relations with and unfailing good will for the In- 
ternational Typographical Union should at least have prevented precipitate 
action, whatever may have been the grievance (real or fancied) against the 
institutions over which he has control. 

On the contrary, the record, as set forth fully in the report of the execu- 
tive council, shows that the action of the Chicago union and its officers was 
in violation of the principles for which the International Typographical Union 
has stood for years — the arbitration of disputes between employer and em- 
ploye, and the inviolability of contracts entered into in good faith. 

Your committee would especially commend the prompt and vigorous meas- 
ures taken by President Lynch and the executive council to secure compliance 
on the part of Chicago Union No. 16 with the contract obligations imposed 
upon them, not only by their local scale agreement, but also by the agree- 
ment with the national publishers' association. 

Your committee is loath to believe, and does not believe, that the great 
majority of the membership of Chicago Union were cognizant of the circum- 
stances under which the illegal strike was ordered, and the record justifies this 
belief, showing, as it does, that the efforts of No. 16's chief executive were 
directed not to the dissemination of all the facts among the membership, but 
rather to the concealment from the rank and file of the real state of affairs 
in connection with his action. 

His action throughout the trouble deserves the severest censure. 

The action of the executive council throughout every phase of the matter 
deserves the commendation of the convention, tending to prove to those with 
whom we enter into contracts that our organization is not only willing, but 
also is able to compel compliance with their terms. 

While the report of the committee was under consid- 
eration by the convention an animated discussion took 
place in which Delegate Koop (Chicago) and former 
President O'Brien of Chicago Union defended the action 
of the officials responsible for the walkout, while former 
President Tole of New York Union, President Lynch and 
Secretary-Treasurer Hays justified the action of the 
executive council. Several delegates took the floor and, 

1025 



History of The Typographical Union 

without discussing the merits of the case, asked to be 
recorded as endorsing the action of the executive council. 
The previous question was ordered and the action of the 
executive council was unanimously endorsed. 

LOAN TO UNITED HATTERS 

In its report to the convention, the executive council 
referred to the fact that it had carried in the financial 
statement as an asset a loan that was made to the United 
Hatters of America during their great strike, the item 
amounting to $5,000. The hatters, in reply to a com- 
munication from Secretary-Treasurer Hays requesting 
payment of the obligation, under date of New York, 
July 19, 191 1, said: 

Dear Mr. Hays: Your favor of the 14th inst. at hand, and note that your 
annual convention is to be held at San Francisco, Cal., next month. 

Referring to the loan made by your organization to the United Hatters 
of North America during the lockout of 1909, for which you hold our note, 
I am directed by our general executive board to request your executive coun- 
cil to call this matter to the attention of your convention, and request that 
the note be canceled, and the amount considered as a donation from your or- 
ganization. We negotiated for this note in good faith, and fully intended it 
would be paid back in the very near future, but as you are aware, the lock- 
out dragged along for nearly a year, and finally resulted in the loss of seven 
of our largest factories, of which only two have since come back to union con- 
ditions. Our membership has not yet recovered from the great strain put 
upon them by the lockout, and the dulness of trade during the past year 
has materially affected our revenue, otherwise we would have taken up this 
note before now. 

As you are aware, our organization has been in the thick of the fight for 
the past two years, and hardly a day went by that we did not have a strike, 
lockout or lawsuit to face, which meant considerable expense to our organiza- 
tion, and with all I am pleased to say that the note held by your organiza- 
tion is the only debt we owe to any labor organization. 

If your organization could see its way clear to cancel this indebtedness, 
I am sure it would be highly appreciated by the officers and members of our 
organization; if not, we will appreciate it just the same and highly appreciate 
your kindness in making us the loan in time of need and being so patient 
about its return, and assure you that at the very first opportunity it will be 
paid. 

Thanking you and the members of your organization for the many past 
favors rendered our organization, I am, 

Respectfully yours, 

Martin Lawlor, Secretary. 

The question was referred to the convention committee 
on returns and finances. This committee in its report to 
the convention said that the hatters had been under enor- 

1026 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

mous expense for strike purposes for a period of more 
than two years, and were still carrying heavy burdens. 
For this reason the committee recommended that the con- 
vention authorize the executive council to cancel and 
return the note of the hatters to the secretary of that 
body, with the compliments of the International Typo- 
graphical Union, and that the secretary-treasurer be 
instructed to enter the item on his books as a donation 
to the strike fund of the hatters' union. The recom- 
mendation of the committee was unanimously adopted. 

PRESENTATION TO HUGO MILLER 

During the progress of the San Francisco convention, 
on behalf of German-American Union No. 7, of New 
York, President Lynch read the following letter : 

New York, August 4, 191 1. 
Mr. James M. Lynch, President International Typographical Union. 

Dear Sir: Mr. Hugo Miller has been for the last twenty-five years the 
secretary of the German-American Typographical Union. 

In order to show their high esteem the members of the German-American 
Union wish to award him with a token to prove their appreciation for the good 
work done by him in all these years. 

They therefore most respectfully request you, both as president of the In- 
ternational Typographical Union and as a personal friend of Mr. Hugo Miller, 
to present this coat-of-arms to him in the name of the German-American Typo- 
graphical Union at an open meeting during the convention. 

You will receive this small, valuable package within a few days by ex- 
press. 

Hoping that you will bestow this great favor upon us, I remain, 

Fraternally, 

Paul H. Schubert, 
Secretary New York German- American Union No. 7. 

Mr. Lynch then presented the coat-of-arms referred 
to, and expressed his pleasure on having the honor of so 
doing. Vice-President Miller, in accepting the gift, said 
it was the greatest surprise of his life. He referred to 
the many obstacles encountered in his work and said that 
this gift more than repaid him for his labors. 

THE BROTHERHOOD 

From time to time throughout the history of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union various conventions have 

1027 



History of The Typographical Union 

passed resolutions and enacted laws having for their pur- 
pose the elimination of secret organizations or political 
machines alleged to exist for the purpose of influencing 
legislation and the election of officers of the organization, 
both local and international. At the San Francisco con- 
vention an amendment was offered to section 108, general 
laws, which prohibits membership in secret societies of 
printers. In the original section 108 it was provided that 
any member convicted of a violation of the law stood 
expelled from the union. The purpose of the amendment 
was to alter this section to provide that the penalty for 
a first'offense be that a member so convicted should be 
ineligible for election or appointment to any office in the 
International Typographical Union, or any local union 
within its jurisdiction, and should be expelled only upon a 
second conviction. The particular section referred to, 
as amended, follows : 

Section 108. It shall be unlawful for any member of any subordinate union 
of the International Typographical Union to belong to any secret organiza- 
tion, oathbound or otherwise, the intent or purpose of which shall be to in- 
fluence or control the legislation or the business of such local union or of the 
International Typographical Union, the selection or election of officers of 
such local or International Union, or the preferred or other situations under 
their jurisdiction. Any member convicted of. a violation of this section shall, 
for a first offense, be declared ineligible for election or appointment to any 
office in the International Typographical Union, or any local union within its 
jurisdiction, and upon conviction for a second offense shall stand expelled. 
All laws or parts of laws, constitutional or general, in conflict with this sec- 
tion, are hereby repealed. 

In lieu of the above, the laws committee, to which the 
proposition had been referred, recommended the striking 
out of the entire section, offering as a reason that the 
matter was covered in the obligation which all members 
are required to take when admitted to the union. Fol- 
lowing the committee's report, an animated discussion 
took place, which was intensified by reason of the fact 
that several meetings of an alleged secret character were 
known to have been held in San Francisco during the 

1028 



Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 

convention week. On a roll call, the recommendation 
of the laws committee to eliminate the section was carried 
by 115 ayes, 102 noes. 

Following the adjournment of the San Francisco 
convention, San Francisco Typographical Union initi- 
ated a referendum proposition to submit section 108 as 
amended to the membership. A sufficient number of 
endorsements were secured and a referendum vote was 
ordered to be taken on the 20th of March, 191 2. Three 
propositions were submitted at this time. Summarized, 
the propositions, with the vote on each, are as follows : 

First Proposition — Amend section 5, article vi, constitution; subsection b 
of section 3, article iv, by-laws, and section 3, article v, by-laws, more clearly 
denning the duties of the officers of the International Typographical Union in 
the care of funds, and to provide for their safe and profitable investment in 
government bonds, or approved, non-taxable, state, county, township, city or 
school bonds. 

For, 21,707; against, 5,564. Majority for, 16,143. 

Second Proposition — To provide for a new section in the general laws to 
take the place of section 108, stricken out by the San Francisco convention. 

For, 18,756; against, 7,468. Majority for, 11,288. 

Third Proposition — To provide for a new section in the general laws in 
lieu of the one proposed in the second proposition. 

For, 12,004; against, 13,280. Majority against, 1,276. 

Officers, 1912-191J — At the biennial election of offi- 
cers held on May 15, 1912, the following were chosen 
for the term beginning November 1, 191 2 : President, 
James M. Lynch, Syracuse; first vice-president, James M. 
Duncan, New York; second vice-president, Hugo Miller, 
Indianapolis; third vice-president, Charles N. Smith, 
New York; secretary-treasurer, J. W. Hays, Minneapolis. 
Delegates to American Federation of Labor — James M. 
Lynch (president), Syracuse; Frank Morrison, Chicago; 
Max S. Hayes, Cleveland; T. W. McCullough, Omaha; 
Hugh Stevenson, Toronto. Trustees Union Printers 
Home — James M. Lynch, Syracuse; J. W. Hays, Minne- 

1029 



History of The Typographical Union 

apolis ; Thomas McCaffery, Colorado Springs ; Anna C. 
Wilson, Washington, D. C. ; Michael Powell, Ottawa ; 
C. L. Wood, Fort Worth; Walter E. Ames, Milwaukee. 
Agent — F. C. Roberts, Washington, D. C. 

Convention at Cleveland 

[1912] — The fifty-eighth convention of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union was called to order at Grays 
Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, August 12, 1912, by A. W. 
Thomson, chairman of the local entertainment committee 
of Typographical Union No. 53. Rev. E. R. Wright 
offered a prayer and Newton D. Baker, mayor of Cleve- 
land, delivered an address of welcome. He was followed 
by Charles T. Scott, president of Cleveland Typograph- 
ical Union ; E. H. Baker, publisher of the Cleveland Plain 
Dealer; Joseph Weimer, representing the Cleveland 
Leader; H. N. Rickey, representing the Scripps-McRae 
League; David Gibson, a Cleveland journalist; and 
Harry D. Thomas, president Cleveland Federation of 
Labor. President Lynch responded on behalf of the dele- 
gates and visitors, and was followed by Secretary-Treas- 
urer Hays, who presented a list of the delegates. After 
announcing the temporary officers of the convention, the 
president said that the convention laws provided for seven 
members for each committee, but that he believed the 
laws should be changed in order that more of the dele- 
gates could have a chance to serve on the committees. He 
said that he had placed eleven delegates on each commit- 
tee, with the exception of the committee on laws, and 
asked the convention to endorse his action. An amend- 
ment to the convention laws providing for committees of 
eleven was offered by the laws committee and adopted by 
the convention, thus enabling the president to carry out 
his wishes in the matter. 



1030 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

The convention at Cleveland was the largest in the 
history of the union, 334 delegates being in attendance. 

OFFICER S' REPORTS 

In presenting his twelfth annual report as president of 
the International Typographical Union, President Lynch 
said that the parent body was further ahead from every 
viewpoint than it was when the previous convention had 
assembled. The Union Printers Home had been improved 
and beautified and was in magnificent condition. The 
technical education commission had continued successfully 
with the work committed to its charge. The campaign 
against tuberculosis and for sanitary composing rooms 
had progressed and the health of the members had been 
conserved. The label campaign had been pushed vigor- 
ously and the results had added patronage to union offices 
and provided additional work for members of the organi- 
zation. The publicity campaign had been pushed ear- 
nestly and the union stood higher in public estimation 
because of its publicity policy than at any previous period 
in its history. Wages had been increased by millions of 
dollars, hours had been reduced whenever opportunity 
offered and working conditions had been bettered. 

Speaking of the old age pension the president said that 
it could no longer be deemed a venture for it was on a 
secure and substantial basis. The mortuary plan, it was 
believed, from the short experience had, would prove 
successful in its operation. Speaking generally of the 
organization, the president said that the International 
Typographical Union in every one of its activities was 
adding to the comfort and happiness of its membership 
and therefore to the progress of the human family. No 
business venture had been more successful, no industrial 
organization more prosperous. 

Referring to the importance of the reports of the vari- 

103 1 



History of The Typographical Union 

ous officers and the duty of the delegates and the member- 
ship at large to keep in touch with the progress and 
development of the organization by reading the various 
reports submitted, President Lynch said that it was a 
part of the duties of the secretary-treasurer to print in 
pamphlet form the reports of the officers of the Interna- 
tional Union and mail a copy of the volume to every 
delegate-elect a sufficient length of time in advance of the 
assembling of the convention to permit the members who 
make up the gathering to familiarize themselves with the 
subjects covered by the various reports. The theory was 
that each delegate would saturate himself with statistics 
and data, weigh carefully the arguments and statements 
made by the officers, and then come into the convention 
prepared to pass on proposed legislation with a full 
knowledge of the condition of the union and its future 
needs and possibilities. The reports in large measure 
included statistical literature and were not tinctured with 
the glamor of romance, nor was there the story of the 
triumph of the hero who ultimately achieved the vision 
of his dreams and no heroine appeared to resist the allure- 
ments and blandishments of the tempter in order that 
virtue might triumph, but running through the reports 
and standing out pre-eminently in every sentence and 
every paragraph was the story of the struggle of the 
wage earner to better his condition, to achieve the enjoy- 
ment of a greater measure of the possibilities of life and 
to leave behind him a heritage for his children to enable 
them to make of their lives a more satisfactory existence 
than their progenitors inherited. It was urged that the 
membership should familiarize themselves with the or- 
ganization and take the same interest in their local unions 
as they did in all of their other affairs. 

Facts and Figures — Some interesting facts and fig- 

1032 



Convention at Cleveland, 1912 

ures were included in the report of the president, as 
follows : 

For the year ended May 31, 1909, members earned $40,293,738. 
For the year ended May 31, 1910, members earned $45,602,944. 
For the year ended May 31, 191 1, members earned $49,770,668. 
For the year ended May 31, 1912, members earned $53,378,902. 
The average earnings per member per year for 1909 were $897. 
The average earnings per member per year for 191 were $953. 
The average earnings per member per year for 191 1 were $974. 
The average earnings per member per year for 1912 were $992. 
The average paying membership for 1909 was 44,921. 
The average paying membership for 19 10 was 47,848. 
The average paying membership for 191 1 was 51,095. 
The average paying membership for 1912 was 53,807. 

Strike of Chicago Web Pressmen — Early in May, 
191 2, difficulty arose between the Web Pressmen's Union 
of Chicago and the Chicago American and Chicago Ex- 
aminer. A strike followed and later this strike was joined 
sympathetically by the stereotypers' union, which ordered 
its members out of the Chicago daily newspaper stereo- 
type departments in violation of a general contract 
between the union and the publishers. After the difficulty 
occurred in the American and Examiner (Hearst) press- 
rooms the Chicago publishers claimed violation of the 
general contract between the pressmen and the publishers' 
association, and posted open shop notices. This was fol- 
lowed by a walkout on the part of all the union pressmen 
and later by the sympathetic action referred to on the 
part of the stereotypers and then by strikes on the part of 
the delivery wagon drivers and newsboys. At this stage 
in the development of the difficulty, efforts were made to 
embroil Mailers' Union No. 2 and Chicago Typographical 
Union No. 16. President Lynch, at the time the difficulty 
arose, was in an eastern city, but as soon as possible went 
on to Chicago and attended a special meeting of Mailers' 
Union No. 2 in which the strike situation in the other 
trades was considered, and a motion to support the strike 
sympathetically was defeated by a vote of 97 to 6. Then 

1033 



History of The Typographical Union 

a special meeting of Typographical Union No. 1 6 was 
held, the situation fully discussed, and the meeting ad- 
journed until the following Sunday, when a resolution was 
adopted by a vote of 1,099 to 556, on a secret ballot, 
which referred all questions relative to the strikes of the 
pressmen, stereotypers, delivery wagon drivers and news- 
boys to the officers of No. 16 and the executive council of 
the International Typographical Union. Immediately 
No. 16, by the decisive vote above mentioned, announced 
its intention to abide by its contract with the Chicago 
publishers there began on the part of the representatives 
of the unions involved in the difficulty a campaign of 
falsehood, misrepresentation and intimidation aimed at 
the officers and members of Mailers' Union No. 2, Chi- 
cago Typographical Union No. 16 and of the Interna- 
tional Union. This campaign was carried into the 
Chicago Federation of Labor, which was induced to 
espouse the cause of the men on strike regardless of the 
legality of the movement, its necessity, the broken con- 
tracts or the obligation resting on Typographical Union 
No. 16 to abide by its contract. The unions attacked 
through the Chicago Federation of Labor were refused 
the floor at the Federation meetings to explain and defend 
their attitude, and in every way possible it was sought to 
place the International Typographical Union and its 
subordinate bodies in a false and ununionlike position. 
This attempt, however, failed, as it was bound to fail. 
'The position of the union that no violation of the con- 
tracts between it and the Chicago Publishers' Association 
be permitted was stoutly maintained. So virulent were 
the leaders of the striking unions that through one of 
their prominent associates they attempted to influence the 
result of the biennial election held by the International 
Typographical Union on May 15, 19 12. 

1034 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

Referring to the Chicago difficulty and its relation to 
the fealty of contracts and the subject of closer affiliation 
with the allied trades, President Lynch submitted the 
following in his annual report : 

This latest Chicago situation brings up the entire question of the value of 
contracts, the wisdom of entering into these covenants and our attitude after 
the agreements have been executed and signed. For more than a decade con- 
tracts have been a feature of the industrial policy of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. They have assured to the union and tc the, employer in- 
dustrial peace. With our first arbitration contract, approved by the membership, 
the local or labor contract became popular. Each year since that time thousands 
of these contracts have been entered into. So far as our unions have been con- 
cerned there have been but few violations of contracts, and this can also be 
said as to the employers parties to these contracts. The International organiza- 
tion has grown and prospered under the* contract system; wages have been in- 
creased, conditions bettered and the number of hours making up the working 
day reduced. There is not a single business argument that can be advanced 
against the contract system. Indeed, with our allies in the printing industry, 
our sister international unions, contracts have been popular, and the advisabil- 
ity of entering into these agreements has never been questioned by them, ex- 
cept in periods of industrial stress similar to that through which we have just 
passed in Chicago. It can be asserted that with the four international unions 
in the printing industry with which we are associated there are as many con- 
tracts, proportionate to the number of offices in which the members of each in- 
ternational organization are employed, as are in effect between union offices and 
the subordinate unions of the International Typographical Union. Notwith- 
standing this, immediately the pressmen were in difficulty in Chicago and the 
other unions named joined issue with them in the struggle, there was an im- 
mediate demand that Chicago Typographical Union should go on sympathetic 
strike, notwithstanding that this meant violation of an agreement that had not 
in any way been violated by the employers party to it, an agreement which in 
varying form had been in existence for more than a quarter of a century. It 
meant more than this, for the unions that were on strike had made no prepa- 
ration for the conflict, and all of them, more especially the principal interna- 
tional union involved, were without funds with which to conduct such a mighty 
conflict. The treasury of the International Typographical Union was then, and 
is, in magnificent condition, and if our local unions in Chicago had been allured 
by the sympathetic strike bait it would have been up to us to carry the struggle, 
not only in its industrial features, but also as to its financial requirements. 

SUBJECT OF CLOSER AFFILIATION 

The Chicago affair has again brought to the front the proposition for joint 
agreements and therefore joint action in case of difficulty. It is noticeable, 
however, that the apostles of this policy never allude to the machinery by which 
it is to be conducted. They shout from the house-tops approval of their ideas 
and carefully refrain from discussing so incidental a matter as the details un- 
der which the scheme is to be worked out. When we do finally pin these 
theorists down to facts, we invariably find, when their ideas are analyzed, 
that it is the International Typographical Union that is to bear the brunt of 
the conflict, both industrially and financially; we are to be the big brother, 
protector, and also the mint which is to supply the money. Needless to say, 
your officers have declined to enter into any such pact. We have always been 

1035 



History of The Typographical Union 

willing, and we are still willing, to go along with any proposition which will 
make the industrial burden rest with proportionate weight on the shoulders of 
each member of the five international unions. When this agreement can be 
worked out, and though it is confronted by many obstacles and will require 
time and patience, I still believe that it can be worked out, it must provide for 
every step in the proceedings, just as our arbitration agreement now provides 
for every step in the arbitration process. More especially, there must be an 
opportunity for the officers of the allied unions to act jointly in the attempt to 
evade trouble, and not to be called in after a strike has occurred. In our in- 
dustry it has been demonstrated that, in the greater number of instances, where 
we can get an International representative on the ground when trouble threat- 
ens, the difficulty can be obviated if we can exert our influence before the 
trouble is actually on. When, however, a strike occurs and we then attempt 
to make a settlement, days and weeks, and sometimes months intervene before 
we are successful, and only too often the effort is not attempted with any kind 
of success. So of those who talk of joint agreement, and joint action, and 
closer affiliation, and solidarity of trade unionism, and all the rest of the stock 
arguments that are advanced in order to influence the inexperienced and un- 
thinking, in applying their pet panaceas to the settlement of industrial diffi- 
culties, should be asked to explain in full the details of their schemes and 
especially the business end of their propositions. 

LOOKING BACKWARD 

Glancing back over the history of trade unions on this continent there can 
not be found a single instance in which an international union has been built 
up so that it has achieved a position of strength and stability where its policy 
has been faithlessness to its agreements and its contracts. If the history of the 
successful organizations is examined and analyzed it will be found that they 
have been successful for the reason that every effort has been made and every 
method has been applied to avoid instead of invite industrial difficulty. Com- 
promises have been made even to the extent of partial nullification of union 
law; difficulties and obstacles have been overcome through patience and diplo- 
macy; union ranks have been maintained in spite of opposition and persecu- 
tion, not through resort to an unprepared for strike, but through constant 
negotiation and the battering down of prejudice and opposition against the 
trade union idea. This has been particularly true of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. It has sought to avoid rather than to court trouble, but once 
in that trouble it has fought in the great majority of instances to a success- 
ful conclusion, and this without the aid of sympathetic strikes or the violation 
of contracts by affiliated organizations. Is it not wise, therefore, to continue 
in operation the policies justified by experience and which have made us great? 
The demagogue, the unthinking and irresponsible shouter, and those members 
who may be personally interested in fomenting trouble will always be with us, 
and while it is regrettable that we should have a situation such as that recent- 
ly occurring in Chicago, yet it has served one useful purpose, and that is to 
arouse among inactive but conservative trade unionists a proper sense of the 
danger that can be incurred by the officer whose main qualification is abuse and 
whose main deficit is lack of ability to lead. 

Benefit Features — In dealing with the general ques- 
tion of benefit features, President Lynch referred particu- 
larly to the old age pension law and the new mortuary 
benefit plan. The monthly statement appearing in the 



1036 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

Typographical Journal showed that the receipts for the 
old age pension fund exceeded the disbursements, with 
the result that a healthy reserve was being accumulated. 
While there was a goodly number of pensioners under the 
original pension law, quite an addition to the pension roll 
had been brought about because of modifications and 
extensions made in the law by the conventions at Minne- 
apolis and San Francisco. The fact that this fund 
contained a substantial balance was looked upon as simply 
a guaranty of the permanency of the pension idea. If 
the number of pensioners ever became so large as to make 
the expenditures exceed the receipts, then the danger 
point in the proposition would be reached. So long as the 
receipts exceeded the expenditures, a healthy condition 
would be evident. It was also pointed out that it was to be 
expected that for some years the number of pensioners 
would gradually increase and that at a later date the 
number of pensioners would in all probability become 
stationary, based on a certain percentage of the members 
of the organization. 

The mortuary benefit had been in existence only since 
April 1, 1 91 2, so far as the increased amount of money 
paid at death was concerned, notwithstanding that assess- 
ments to create the fund began on January 1 of that year. 
The plan had been in operation for only a short time and 
while it was impossible to determine exactly how the 
proposition would work out, indications were that it 
would be entirely successful. On the basis of the first 
100 deaths, the average amount per death claim paid was 
$336.48. Estimating the number of deaths for the year 
at 675, a number larger than in any previous year, allow- 
ing the excess because of increased membership, the 
amount to be paid out would be about $230,000, while 
the receipts for the same period would be about $275,000, 
thus leaving a substantial balance in the fund at the end 

1037 



History of The Typographical Union 

of the fiscal year. The president was strongly opposed to 
any change in the mortuary law by the Cleveland conven- 
tion. In his opinion, another year, if not longer, should 
elapse before any change could be made that would be 
based upon exact and reliable data. The mortuary propo- 
sition was largely an experiment. It had been started on 
what was thought to be a safe foundation, based upon 
such facts as were in possession of the union at the time 
the law was passed, but whether the receipts of the fund 
were to equal the disbursements under the law could only 
be determined by actual experience. On the basis of the 
first ioo deaths the indications were reassuring, but after 
500 or more benefits had been paid an opinion could be 
expressed regarding the cost of maintaining this benefit 
feature at the amounts fixed by existing law, and these 
amounts, compared with the receipts, could safely be 
used as a basis for amplification or modification of exist- 
ing laws on the subject. 

Arbitration — The arbitration agreement in effect with 
the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, adopted 
by the San Francisco convention of 191 1, had been ac- 
cepted by seventy subordinate unions, covering 146 indi- 
vidual newspaper contracts. This was not as large a 
number of agreements as were in force under the arbitra- 
tion contract during the previous five-year period. Some 
local unions had declined to assent to the execution of the 
new agreement, while some publishers and some associa- 
tions of publishers had refused to execute the new 
compact. The reason for this, according to the president's 
view, was set forth in an address delivered before the 
American Newspaper Publishers' convention held in New 
York city in April, 1912, which is reproduced herewith. 
Notwithstanding that some unions and some publishers 
had refused to execute the new agreement, the president 

1038 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

was confident that it would be generally accepted before 
the end of another year. 

In appearing before your convention today it seems to me that I may refer 
briefly to the history of the relations that have so far maintained between the 
International Typographical Union and the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association — relations which, as you know, have covered nearly eleven years, 
and during all that time, with a few exceptions, we have managed to conserve 
industrial peace. There has not been an important newspaper strike in all 
those eleven years, and when we took up the negotiations for the new agree- 
ment we hoped that we might evolve an instrument that would be an improve- 
ment on the three that preceded it, and would even to a greater extent guaran- 
tee industrial peace for the coming five years. I thought when the new pact 
was agreed to that we had managed to put together such an instrument; that 
it was an agreement in one of its essential features that would give satisfac- 
tion to our local unions, and that was in giving them the right to say whether 
they would agree to issue new arbitration contracts or not — a right that was 
previously enjoyed by the local publisher. I believe if certain untoward occur- 
rences had not taken place that that would have been a right that would have 
been more of a satisfaction to the local unions than one to which they would 
actually resort; that is, that all of the local unions that had arbitration con- 
tracts with local publishers heretofore would have made no objection, or, at 
least, no objection that might not have been overcome, to the issuing of new 
arbitration contracts. That would have been the result had not one of the 
largest local associations affiliated with this national association, even before the 
signatures were finally attached to the new arbitration agreement, sent out a 
notice to the publishers all over this country that this one associaion would 
not enter into arbitration agreements with the local unions affiliated with the 
International Typographical Union. It may have been the intention that this 
notice was to be confidential as between the publishers of this city that I 
speak of and the other cities throughout the country, but if that was the in- 
tention it did not work very well, because every one of our local unions, or 
at least members of these unions, in other cities became aware of the position 
taken by this large association. This was followed by a notice from another 
association affiliated with this national body, sent to publishers throughout the 
North American continent, that it would also decline to take out the new arbi- 
tration contract, and the opposition of this association became known to our 
local unions. And this attitude was taken, and these circulars sent out, not- 
withstanding that both of these associations had representatives on the com- 
mittee of this body that negotiated with the executive council of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union for a new arbitration contract. As a result of all 
this, instead of 220 contracts that are at present in force, we have some ninety- 
seven agreements made at this time, with the prospect of the number being 
but slightly increased. 

Now, as far as I am concerned, and as far as the International Typo- 
graphical Union is concerned, we will manage to take care of our interests as 
we did before the arbitration contract was formulated and became effective. 
If these occurrences mean a disruption of the pleasant relations that have 
existed heretofore in any locality between our local unions and the members of 
this association, why, we will meet the issue when it arises and cross the 
bridge when we come to it. But as a sincere advocate of the arbitration method 
of settling disputes between employer and employe, as one who, in season and 
out of season, and before hostile gatherings of my own craft, and before gather- 
ings of employers in other industries, has advocated arbitration, as we have 

IO39 



History of The Typographical Union 

operated it for the settlement of these disputes between employer and employe, 
I want to say that I sincerely regret that, owing to the action and position of 
members of your association, we are now facing what may become an actual 
crisis in some localities, and what, if these crises actually take place, spells 
ruin for the arbitration idea, not alone in our industry, but, I am afraid, in 
many other industries of this country. Because, if this association, composed, 
as it is, of men who control the great mouthpieces of the country, and who, as 
they boast, are the men who form public opinion and guide it in the right 
channels, and this great International Typographical Union, composed, as it is, 
of the most skilled artisans on this continent, have made a failure of arbitra- 
tion, surely there is very little encouragement for employers in other trades to 
take up a venture which as I have shown has received the stamp of disapproval 
of a number of the publishers and consequently of a number of the local unions. 
Let me say again, so far as I am personally and officially concerned, and so 
far as my attitude is concerned, while I remain an official of my organization 
I shall continue to favor the arbitration idea; but I want to say this, that my 
experience goes to show that where an employer and a group of employes or- 
ganized in a trade union wait until the dispute actually arises before proceed- 
ing to arbitration, before providing the necessary machinery for arbitration, 
that arbitration rarely results; that the only safe method for preventing clashes 
between employer and employe lies in the formulation of an agreement, in the 
providing of the machinery and the necessary rules for arbitration long be- 
fore the difficulties arise which finally go to arbitration, and thus insure in- 
dustrial peace. 

So, to those publishers who may be depending as a last resort on an 
eleventh-hour offer of arbitration, I want to say that perhaps they are leaning 
on a staff that is none too strong, and that when it is entirely too late they 
will realize the value of the agreements that have been built up with so much 
labor and carried out with so much patience by the gentlemen representing 
both organizations, who have been charged with their administration. 

In concluding what I have to say, I want again to bear testimony to the 
efficiency — and, of course, that is a very dear term to the employer ^nowadays 
— the efficiency of the labor representative of the American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association, a gentleman of tact and diplomacy, and above all a gentle- 
man whose word once given, is taken, by me, at least, as one of the labor 
representatives, as absolutely good; who has helped to make the administration 
of the present arbitration contract since he has been in office, to my mind, a 
complete success. I thank you for your kind attention in listening to my 
views of the present' situation, which I consider somewhat critical, and which 
I have tried to express to you as frankly as I generally express any opinion 
that I have. Again I thank you for your attention. 

The v chairman: "I wish to say, in response to Mr. Lynch's remarks in re- 
gard to the announcement that was sent out by the New York Association of 
Publishers, that he appears to attach too much importance to the expression 
of one body. The board of directors at the meeting we held last fall, I think 
it was, objected to that announcement. I think it was an error, and did not 
represent our body at all, and I regret very much that these unions should 
have attributed to the action of one association a matter of such great im- 
portance." 

Union Printers Home — During the year covered by 
the report the property at Colorado Springs coming 
within the scope and title of the Union Printers Home 
had been improved and rearranged. The Home buildings 

1040 



Convention at Cleveland, 1912 

had been renovated and painted and the institution was 
in fine physical condition. Referring to the future of the 
Home, the president said that the old age pension, so 
successfully conducted by the union, had had its effect on 
the Home in that there had been a gradual reduction of 
the number of the older members seeking the Home as 
a refuge in their declining years. With the amended rule 
relative to the admission of patients to the tuberculosis 
sanatorium, there had been a gradual increase in the 
number of residents in that section of the Home. The 
requirement as to membership for this class of applicants 
had been reduced to a minimum in the belief that when 
the younger members contract tuberculosis they should 
not be asked as to how long they had been members of the 
International Typographical Union, but their applications 
for admission to the Home should be passed upon in view 
of the possibility for the recovery of the patient. Continu- 
ing, the president said : 

I believe the Home has a new and greater career before it and that it 
should and will be converted into a printers' sanatorium, where all the mem- 
bers of the International Typographical Union, afflicted with disease of what- 
ever nature, may find a home and a possible cure. Indeed, I would go further 
than this and establish an institution where our members who are exhausted 
and run down by the strenuous requirements of the composing room of to- 
day; might resort for a month, or two months, or six months, in order to 
build up a shattered nervous and physical system so that they may continue at 
their trade, useful members of society and supporters of families. * * * 
Why not, then, the Union Printers Home, converted into a great sanatorium 
and rest cure, where our enervated members may find that surcease from toil 
and worriment that will instil into their system energy and ambition and add 
to their years of usefulness. If this plan is eventually made effective, it will 
undoubtedly require some increase in the per capita that goes to the support 
of the Home, but after giving the proposal further study and consideration 
during the year that has just closed I am of the opinion that the board of 
trustees could gradually make the change and that as its wisdom and value 
were demonstrated, the membership would the more readily supply any addi- 
tional moneys that might be required for the support of the great sanatorium 
idea. The library annex is complete with the exception of the interior finish 
of the two upper stories. It has not been found necessary to finish these two 
upper stories for the reason that, as stated, the number of residents in the 
main building has gradually declined. Why not, then, finish these two stories 
with the sanatorium idea in mind? The interior construction could be on the 
hospital basis, and then could begin the admission of applicants of the class 
covered in the quotation from my report of last year. At first it might be 
necessary to exercise, discrimination as to the applicants admitted and to re- 

IO4I 



History of The Typographical Union 

ject applications filed by members with progressive diseases, especially so where 
these patients would require personal attendance. But the opportunity is pres- 
ent for a practical test and it is my belief that such a test should be made, 
for just as sure as the success of the pension idea continues, and it will con- 
tinue, there will be further reduction in the number of the older members mak- 
ing application for admission to the Union Printers Home. 

ADDITIONAL LAND SECURED 

Some years ago the National Association of Letter Carriers gave encour- 
agement to the proposition to build a home in Colorado Springs. We then 
had under lease, in the rear of the Home, 240 acres of state school land. This 
site was selected by the representative of the National Association of Letter 
Carriers for the proposed home for the organization and application was made 
to the State Land Board for its sale. In view of the fact that an organization 
of wage-earners was seeking to secure this land, the board of trustees of the 
Union Printers Home did not make objection, and when the sale was made 
there was but one bid, that of the representative of the letter carriers. After 
this transaction was completed, the National Association of Letter Carriers, by 
referendum vote, abandoned the home project. Immediately thereafter we be- 
gan steps to again secure possession of the land, but we were not successful 
in this until many months had elapsed. Our effort to regain possession was 
bitterly contested by the representative in Colorado Springs of the National 
Association of Letter Carriers, and it was necessary for your president, as the 
representative of the board of trustees, to conduct a large volume of corre- 
spondence and make several trips to various points before we finally secured 
the land. These trips included 'one to Atlantic City to appear before the coun- 
cil of administration of the National Association of Letter Carriers; one to 
Rochester, N. Y., to appear before the convention of that organization, and 
another to Washington to again appear before the council of administration. 
At this last meeting agreement was reached under which the land was finally 
transferred to the Union Printers Home. The transfer was made by a com- 
missioner appointed by the council of administration and the Colorado Springs 
representative of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and the cost of 
the land was $3,500. The tract embraces .160 acres, eighty acres of the orig- 
inal 240 having been secured by a state institution in Colorado Springs before 
we succeeded in bringing about a condition that permitted of the transfer of 
the land to the Home. However, the 160 acres secured are well worth the 
money paid, even as an investment, but to the Union Printers Home for the 
grazing of cattle the land is worth three times the amount that we paid for it. 
In all this transaction we avoided friction with the National Association of 
Letter Carriers. Indeed, it should be said here that the council of administra- 
tion of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and especially President 
Kelly and Secretary Cantwell, did all in their power when their own project was 
abandoned to aid your president in securing the land for our Home. It might 
be well for the convention to pass a minute of appreciation of the attitude of 
the official representatives of the National Association of Letter Carriers on 
the land question as explained herein. 

Typographia — Second Vice-President Miller, repre- 
senting the German-American Typographia, said that 
three German unions gave up their charters during the 
year, due to the decline of German newspaper work in 

1042 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

this country. The remaining nineteen locals of the Typo- 
graphia had, as usual, made substantial progress in 
increasing wages and improving the condition of their 
members. Several wage advances were secured during 
the year and the finances were in excellent condition. 
Expenses for out-of-work benefits were not excessive, as 
business had been fairly good throughout the period. 

Mailers — Third Vice-President Smith, representing 
the mailers, reported one of the most prosperous years in 
the history of his branch of the International Union. It 
was the twentieth year of affiliation of the mailers with 
the parent organization and the third vice-president said 
that the mailers were proud of their parent body, and 
believed, with the substantial benefits derived therefrom, 
the mailers would never sever their connection with the 
International Typographical Union. Many new scales 
had been signed during the year and several unions 
organized. 

Secretary -Treasurer's Report — The report of Secre- 
tary-Treasurer Hays began with a summary of the 
receipts and expenditures of the organization for the 
fiscal year. Receipts, including balance on hand at the 
beginning of the year, were $1,188,003.65; expenditures 
$532,461.01, leaving a balance on hand of $655,542.64. 
Of the balance $507,280.17 was credited to the pension 
fund. The amounts paid to the various unions for strike 
benefits and special assistance and other miscellaneous 
expense incurred under the direction of the executive 
council, were $22,743.10. Expenses of committees were 
$18,767.72 ; expenses of representatives, $27,819.97, mak- 
ing a grand total of $69,330.79. 

Tuberculosis Campaign — Through the participation 
of local unions in the general war against tuberculosis, the 
International Union had become a recognized factor in 

1043 



History of The Typographical Union 

this important movement Much publicity had been given 
to the union's work in different localities and it had been 
favorably commended. More than 50,000 tuberculosis 
folders were printed and distributed during the year. 
The expenses of the International Union during the year 
directly charged to the tuberculosis campaign were 
nominal. 

Volume of Business — The summary of the daily rec- 
ord of mail and express matter sent out by the secretary- 
treasurer during the twelve months covered by his report 
showed a total of 1 19,759 letters and parcels. The volume 
of business of the secretary-treasurer's office was con- 
stantly increasing. This was the natural outcome of the 
added benefit features and the continued growth of the 
membership of the International. 

Burial Benefits — Six hundred and fifty-five burial 
benefits were paid during the fiscal year. The record 
exceeded that of any previous twelve months and was 
sixteen more than were paid in the fiscal year of 191 1. 
The benefits aggregated $74,698.85, or about $1.38 per 
member, based on the average paying membership. The 
death rate for the year was 1.2 1 7 per cent of the average 
membership, or a little more than 12 per 1,000. The 
average death rate since the establishment of the burial 
fund had been 1.25 j^ per cent, a little more than 12- per 
1,000. The average age at death was 48.09 years. With 
a constantly increasing membership, the death rate had 
remained almost stationary and the average age at death 
had been extended eight years. In presenting this infor- 
mation to the convention, the secretary said : "Can better 
proof be offered of the benefits of shorter hours and sani- 
tary workrooms on the health of the members?" 

Membership — The receipts for per capita tax showed 
an average paying membership of 53,807 for the twelve 

1044 



Convention at Cleveland, 1912 

months ended May 31, 1912, being an increase of 2,712 
over the year 191 1, and 5,959 over 1910. During the 
year 16 charters were issued, 8 unions were suspended, 
15 surrendered their charters, there being at the end of 
the year, 689 subordinate unions, of which 636 were 
English typographical; Typographia, 19; mailers, 29; 
newspaper writers, 4; typefounders, 1. 

During the twelve months covered by the report, the 
receipts, monthly, from the pension assessment averaged 
$22,241.20, being 41.3 cents per member per month, or 
$4.96 per member per year. These figures meant that the 
total earnings of the membership during the year aggre- 
gated $53,378,902 — $3,608,234 more than in the previous 
year — $992.04 per member, an increase of $17.91 per 
member, based on the average paying membership for the 
year. The figures for the year again demonstrated the 
International Typographical Union to be superior as 
regards the average wages of its members to all other 
organized trades, no matter where located, with an equal 
membership. 

Pensioners — Since the establishment of the pension 
fund and up to May 31, 1912, 1,341 applications for the 
pension had been filed. Of this number 315 were handled 
during the fiscal year 191 1 -191 2, 304 being approved and 
1 1 disapproved. Seventeen petitions previously disap- 
proved were reconsidered and approved under the 
amended law, making a total of 321 applications passed 
in the fiscal year. Thirty-eight applications were received 
from members over 70 years of age and who applied 
under the ten-year membership clause. Forty applications 
were received from members whose petitions for admis- 
sion to the Home had been disapproved, and 6j were 
from members who became eligible to the pension through 
the amendment of the law by the San Francisco conven- 

1045 



History of The Typographical Union 

tion. There were 1,038 pensioners on the roll May 31, 
1 91 2. The secretary also included a tabulated statement 
of membership in his report, showing a grand total of 

59,703- 

Strikes — Strike difficulties to the number of twelve 
were reported during the year involving 161 members. 
Of these disputes, five were won, one lost and six were 
pending on May 31, 191 2. Every effort was made in each 
instance to avoid an open rupture with the employer and 
a strike was ordered as a last resort. 

Executive Council — The report of the executive coun- 
cil was a most important and interesting document, in- 
cluding such subjects as the Chicago pressmen's strike, 
the security of the union's funds, bonds of local officers, 
admissions to the Home, newsboys and newspaper solicit- 
ors' unions, newswriters' and roller makers' unions, 
special representatives, lithographers' and paper makers' 
unions, the amended pension law, mortuary benefit 
regulations, headquarters building, organizing employ- 
ers, closer affiliation, assistance to local unions, and uni- 
form scales. 

Concerning the efforts to embroil the Typographical 
Union in the Chicago newspaper strike, the council said : 

The position of the executive council is that when our unions make con- 
tracts, these contracts must be faithfully carried out, and in addition, that the 
laws of the International Typographical Union governing strikes must be care- 
fully observed by the local unions. The executive council would have been 
pleased to have been of assistance to the Chicago web pressmen had that as- 
sistance been requested before the strike actually occurred, and, indeed, would 
have cheerfully rendered such assistance if the council had been requested to 
do so any time after the strike occurred and up to the period when the offi- 
cers of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union and the 
local officers of the stereotypers' union shifted their position and directed their 
main attack against Chicago Typographical Union No. 16 and the International 
Typographical Union. While they maintain this position, and they have main- 
tained it from the inception of their assault on No. 16, the executive council 
is of the belief that its services are not desired and, furthermore, that it is 
not in a position to extend aid to a union the representatives of which, by in- 
nuendo, misstatement and deliberate falsehood, sought to place our local unions 
and our International organization in an unfavorable light. 

IO46 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

The council discussed the amended pension law, and 
some of its conclusions were as follows : 

At the close of the fiscal year for which this report is made there was 
$507,280.17 in the old age pension fund. To many of our members this seems 
like a very large balance, but when we take into consideration the fact that 
this fund is of a nature that makes it the guaranty of the pension plan for 
all future time then we can well determine that it is not too large, nor is 
it increasing too rapidly. The experience of the societies of older countries 
that have had old age pension provisions for many years is that as time passes 
the burden that must be carried increases and their experience has shown that 
they have been unable to maintain the standard on which their plans were 
started, although the pensions they have paid have been much less than those 
we pay. 

It is hoped that our experience will be the reverse of this, but in order to 
insure us that it will be it is absolutely necessary that a large reserve fund 
be accumulated, one that will be sufficient to meet all emergencies. 

Another thing that must not be lost sight of is that the receipts to this 
fund are based on a percentage of the earnings of our members. Since the 
law has been in effect we have been most fortunate in having practically all 
of our members working all of the time. Should we meet a season of general 
depression in the printing business the receipts to this fund will fall off ac- 
cordingly, and should they fall below the expenditures the reserve fund must 
always be depended upon to meet the deficiency. 

The pension now being paid, $5 per week, is as m™h as can reasonably 
be expected. The provisions of the law as to the necessary membership of 
an applicant are also very liberal. We would not at this time advise any 
change in the law. 

Another important subject covered was the new mortu- 
ary regulations, the council concluding, in part : 

At the close of the fiscal year we had been paying the increased mortuary 
benefit for a period of only two months. During this time benefits were paid 
on ninety-seven members, amounting to $32,848.85. Enough time had not 
elapsed between the time of starting the payments on the increased mortuary 
plan and the close of the fiscal year to warrant anything more than' a pre- 
diction as to whether or not the plan is to be entirely successful and the funds 
collected sufficient to insure its perpetuity and the ability of the International 
to carry it out successfully. Comparing the amounts collected and paid out 
during the last two months of the fiscal year with our mortuary records for 
previous years, as set out in the reports to previous conventions, it would 
seem, however, that the plan will be entirely successful and the funds adequate. 
If, however, it should prove that the funds collected for the purpose of pay- 
ing the mortuary benefits under the new plan were only just sufficient to meet 
the requirements of the law in the payment of benefits we would be able to 
maintain the plan with great success, for the reason that the 7 cents per capita 
which was previously used to pay the $75 mortuary benefit, and which now 
accrues to the general fund, could be used to meet any exigencies which might 
arise through disaster, or the prevalence of an epidemic in any locality. The 
executive council feels that in the adoption of the increased mortuary benefit 
the International Typographical Union has taken one more advanced step that 
will assist in keeping it far ahead of all other labor organizations, and that will 
also be of great benefit to it in maintaining the present good conditions exist- 

IO47 



History of The Typographical Union 

ing for our members, and be of great assistance to it in securing further in* 
creases in wage scales and further betterments of the above-mentioned condi- 
tions. 

REFERENDUM PROPOSITIONS 

The Cleveland convention, while amending Interna- 
tional law in many particulars, proposed but one amend- 
ment requiring the approval of the membership. This was 
a change in the constitution relating to copies of appeal 
papers, and it was adopted by a large majority. In 
addition to the constitutional amendment referred to 
above, however, resolutions were adopted which the 
convention decreed should be sent to the referendum for 
approval. These resolutions were so important and far 
reaching in their nature and intent that unusual interest 
was manifested by the membership at large, and a lively 
discussion was indulged in by delegates while considering 
the resolutions^ They were adopted by a referendum vote 
of 16,601 ayes, 7,225 noes. The resolutions follow: 

Proposition No. 134 — By Delegate Strief (Sioux City): 

Whereas the right of free speech is the dearest possession of a free people, 
and along with this priceless right goes the equally precious institution of a 
free press; and 

Whereas the union printers of North America have always been and are 
the most zealous champions of free speech and a free press; and 

Whereas we realize that the fullest and freest discussion of the affairs 
of any organization by the membership thereof is a vital necessity in the proper 
management and control of the organization, and that this is essentially true 
of the International Typographical Union, whose interests can only be safe- 
guarded through the widest publicity; and 

Whereas a tendency has developed among the members of the Interna- 
tional Union to abuse the rights of free speech and free publication, recent 
campaigns for the election of officers having been attended by the publication 
and circulation of scandalous and defamatory charges, frequently of such na- 
ture as to be actionable as libelous and slanderous, and tending to bring into 
disrepute not only the individual so attacked, but to disgrace the International 
Typographical Union; and 

Whereas while we are opposed to any effort having for its purpose the 
restriction of the proper exercise of the right of free speech or free publica- 
tion, we reserve the right to reprehend at any time any abuse of these rights 
that may be flagrant or jeopardize the good name and reputation of our organ- 
ization; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That we deplore the dangerous teridency so manifest to abuse 
and transcend the rights of free speech and free publication by the circulation 
of scandalous and libelous matter, the making of indiscriminate charges and 
allegations affecting the private character as well as the union standing of 
individual members of our union, to the ultimate detriment of the whole mem- 
bership; and, be it further 

IO48 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

Resolved, That we demand that all members of the International Union 
shall refrain from the abuses of free speech and free publication that have 
made of our elections, both international and local, a reproach to the good 
name of our organization and a discredit to the trade union movement; and, 
be it further 

Resolved, That this preamble and resolutions in their entirety be submitted 
to the referendum for endorsement. 

CHICAGO PRESSMEN'S STRIKE 

111 the summary of the president's report to the Cleve- 
land convention and included in this chapter is given a 
recital of the incidents leading up to the strike of the 
Chicago web pressmen, and in the executive council's 
report on that question is found a paragraph clearly 
defining the position of the council relative to the press- 
men's strike and particularly with reference to the execu- 
tion of contracts. The entire question was submitted to 
the convention's committee on subordinate unions, and 
that committee, after a thorough investigation and a full 
hearing, submitted a report to the convention which is 
printed below. During a discussion of this report an ani- 
mated dispute ensued in which President Lynch stoutly 
defended his action and the action of the executive coun- 
cil during the pressmen's strike. At the conclusion of the 
debate, which extended over a period of several hours, 
the report of the committee on subordinate unions was 
adopted unanimously by a rising vote of the delegates. 
The committee's report follows : 

Gentlemen: To your committee was referred those portions of the report 
of President Lynch and the report of the executive council covering the recent 
strikes in Chicago. 

Your committee has given full opportunity to all delegates and conven- 
tion attendants interested in the Chicago strikes to appear before the com- 
mittee and present their views. 

From the reports mentioned, and from information gathered from those 
who appeared before it, your committee finds that when the web pressmen's 
strike occurred on the Chicago Examiner and Chicago American, spreading to 
the other Chicago newspapers, and followed by strikes on the part of the 
stereotypers, wagon drivers and newsboys, Chicago Typographical Union was 
working under a contract with the Chicago local American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association, effective January 15, 1910, and running to February 15, 
191 5. Immediately after the strikes occurred, it was sought to involve No. 16 
in sympathetic support of the strikes. This attempt was combated by President 

IO49 



History of The Typographical Union 

Lynch, representing the International Typographical Union and its executive 
council, and by the officers of No. 16, representing that union. Special meet- 
ings of No. 16 were called, and it was finally decided by a vote of 1,099 to 655 
to abide by the contract referred to. 

Your committee finds that during the attempt to involve No. 16, and after 
the definite action taken by No. 16, the officers of the International Typograph- 
ical Union and the officers of No. 16 were libeled and misrepresented by the 
officers of the unions that were on strike, and by the Chicago World, a morn- 
ing and evening publication claiming to support the strikers, but in the opinion 
of your committee, really engaged in an effort to make capital out of the strike 
and to increase its circulation, prestige and influence because of the strikes, 
and to build itself up on the sacrifice and trade-unionism of the men who 
were on strike and who were combating for principles which they believed 
were right. 

Your committee also finds that an effort was made on the part of the rep- 
resentatives of the unions out on strike to involve Mailers' Union No. 2 in 
sympathetic strike action, and that this effort was also combated by President 
Lynch, Vice-President Smith and the president of Chicago Mailers' Union. 
Your committee from its investigation is of the opinion that if Mailers' Union 
No. 2 had entered into a sympathetic strike, it would have meant the disrup- 
tion and ruination of that union, for the organization is in no condition to 
withstand the dangers and difficulties that are incident to a strike. This union 
voted 97 to 6 not to enter into a strike. 

Your committee is of the opinion that the position taken by President 
Lynch and the officers of No. 16 and Mailers' Union No. 2 was the only posi- 
tion that could be taken, and it recommends that the convention commend and 
endorse the action of the International president, the International executive 
council, and the officers of Typographical Union No. 16 and Mailers' Union 
No. 2, and also commend and endorse the action taken by these unions, in 
view of the contract under which one was working, and the condition confront- 
ing the other, in refusing to enter into sympathetic strike. 

Under ordinary circumstances, your committee would not make comment on 
the wisdom or legality of the Chicago strikes, leaving these questions to the 
investigation and determination of the local unions involved, and their interna- 
tional organizations. Your committee finds, however, that one of the unions, 
the wagon drivers' organization, is an independent union, in open defiance to 
its international organization, the International Teamsters, Chauffeurs and Sta- 
blemen's Union. The newsboys have no national organization. Your commit- 
tee also finds that the stereotypers' union, in entering into sympathetic strike, 
violated its contract with the Chicago publishers; that this action was immedi- 
ately disavowed by the international officers of the International Stereotypers 
and Electrotypers' Union, the union's charter revoked, and that the convention 
of this organization, held in San Francisco in June, upheld the officers in their 
action, and placed the Chicago situation in charge of the executive board with 
full power to act. 

The Chicago trouble originated with the strike of the web pressmen in the 
pressrooms of the Chicago American and Chicago Examiner. Your committee 
finds from the evidence before it that arbitration was offered to the pressmen 
before they walked out, but that it was declined unless it was predicated on 
conditions laid down by the pressmen themselves. Your committee believes 
that had the proffer of arbitration been accepted by the pressmen and their 
international representatives, the difficulty with the Hearst papers could have 
been avoided; that no international union principle was involved, and that 
before any fair arbitration board the pressmen would have secured a verdict 
that would have safeguarded the interests of the men employed in the Hearst 
pressrooms, and whose positions were in jeopardy owing to the attempted re- 

I050 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

duction of the number of men manning each press. If, therefore, this strike, 
which brought about strikes in the other newspapers and which resulted in 
the latest Chicago situation, could have been avoided by the exercise of patience 
and diplomacy, it follows that it should never have taken place. To permit 
such a strike to occur and then to involve other trade unionists in the warfare, 
and to propagate and support this warfare, bringing about industrial chaos and 
individual suffering, is, as No. 16 justly termed it, a blunder worse than a 
crime. 

Your committee also finds that the international officers of the International 
Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union went over the heads of the officers 
of the International Typographical Union, carried their campaign for a sympa- 
thetic strike into the local unions, and personally urged these unions to partici- 
pate in the strikes, thus violating, not only international ethics and courtesy, 
but also violating the course that has been followed heretofore, and the method 
recognized as proper by the five international unions of the printing trade. 

Your committee can not too strongly condemn the methods and tactics used 
in Chicago, and to which it calls attention, and your committee believes that 
not only should the International officers of our organization be commended 
for the course they pursued, but that they should be instructed, in the future, 
to see to it that every renewal of the attempt to embroil us in needless diffi- 
culties, made by any other international union, is promptly exposed and 
combated. 

It has been asserted that the section in the contract between Chicago Typo- 
graphical Union No. 16 and the Chicago local of the American Newspaper Pub- 
lishers' Association reading: "This contract may be declared null and void in 
the case of strike or lockout hereafter of a union now affiliated with the Inter- 
national Typographical Union; provided, that such strike or lockout occurs 
after all efforts of arbitration have failed through the fault of the proprietor, 
the determination of which latter fact, however, shall be referred to the national 
board of arbitration provided for in the arbitration agreement now existing 
between the American Newspaper Publishers' Association and the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, if so requested by either the publisher or 
manager of the newspaper affected, or by Chicago Typographical Union No. 16," 
would have justified a sympathetic strike on the part of No. 16, but in the 
opinion of your committee, if this section means anything at all, it means that 
the effort at arbitration must be made before the strike on the part of the 
affiliated union occurs, and not after the strike is on, as was the case in Chi- 
cago. Your committee is also of the opinion, as expressed by our international 
president, that in instances where industrial strife confronts our allies, and they 
are desirous of the assistance of the International Typographical Union, that 
assistance should be sought before a strike is permitted to occur, if such oppor- 
tunity presents itself, and not after the strike has been actually put into effect. 
For, as our president points out, if our influence is of any value, it is of the 
greatest value when it can be exerted while industrial peace maintains, rather 
than after industrial warfare is actually in effect. 

Your committee has reached its conclusions after a long and painstaking 
examination of the history of the Chicago strikes, from their inception to the 
present time, and earnestly recommends this report to the convention for its 
approval and adoption. 

ADDRESSES BY DISTINGUISHED VISITORS 

On the morning of the third day's session, President 
Lynch announced that the time had arrived for hearing 
from the representatives of various associations to whom 

1051 



History of The Typographical Union 

the privilege of the floor had been granted at the first 
day's session. The chair said : "There being no objection, 
I will now introduce to you a gentleman who has ad- 
dressed several of our conventions, and with whom a 
number of you are acquainted, and who is known in the 
printing industry all over the continent, and is held in 
high esteem by the printing trade artisans in the city in 
which he conducts a large printing establishment, and I 
take pleasure in presenting to you, therefore, Mr. Charles 
Francis, president of the Printers' League of America, 
who will now address you." Mr. Francis spoke as follows : 

Mr. President and Brethren of the Printing Fraternity: It gives me 
great pleasure to be with you this morning, and to congratulate you upon the 
very large gathering that has gotten together here in the city of Cleveland, to 
attend the business which the best institution of labor in the country can do, 
which is the International Typographical Union. They have shown the greatest 
regard for the employer as well as for the employe, and it has always been 
my idea that the employer and the employe's interest are one and the same, 
where we are inclined to be fair one with the other. 

I want, in beginning my remarks, to thank you for the presence of your 
president at a dinner which was tendered to myself before leaving for an ex- 
tended trip, and for his remarks at that dinner, which were very complimentary 
not only to myself but to the cause which I represent, the Printers' League of 
America. 

I would like to say just a few words about your own organization. I am 
a pretty close reader of the Typographical Journal. Perhaps some of you may 
think that the employer ought not to read the Typographical Journal. I think 
there has been that kind of a feeling sometimes, and yet if our interests are 
identical, why shouldn't we look into what one another are doing? 

Now, regarding the progress of the International Typographical Union, I 
find that the earnings per member from 1909 to 191 2 have increased from 
$897 to $974, an increase of 10 per cent, or a total of $3,600,000 per year, and 
that the membership has increased 20 per cent in that time. Now, that is a 
very roseate view for your own organization, and I want again to congratulate 
you upon this assurance of your members that you are doing a work that is 
necessary for them. 

Now, in the Typographical Journal I also noticed a little paragraph by 
your president; since making these remarks I find that one of my confreres is 
going to talk upon the same subject, but perhaps he won't talk the same as I 
do. Your president says: "One association of commercial printers will mean 
much for the industry, if advancement is with the unions and not against 
them." I might interpolate there that if the advancement is against the unions 
it will also be against the employer, because the majority of the employes means 
the unions; they must work together. Printing trades unions working under 
agreement with such an association can be of immense assistance in placing 
the book and job industry on a profitable basis. That the unions are ready to 
assist in this way is indisputable. All that they desire is fair treatment under 
a working agreement, and they will carry their share of the load. 

Now, under the agreements made by the Printers' League I want to say to 

1052 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

you here that I have found that to be the absolute fact. We have received a 
great deal of assistance from the unions themselves whenever we could show 
reason for that assistance, and there are some times when the unions don't 
exactly catch the thought that would come if they got it from the employer, 
but as a rule the International Typographical Union has seemed to catch that 
thought. 

Now, the question of the necessity of the employes getting together goes 
without saying, but it remains to be seen whether they will or not. There is 
another article in the Typographical Journal which I shall not read, which has 
a great deal of talk about the typothetae. Now, I know very well that you and 
the members of the typothetae have not been very good friends for quite some 
time, but there are some things that ought to be before you, and I think it 
will not be detrimental to the interests of everybody if we understand that 
there has been a change in the membership and in the sentiments of the typoth- 
etae. What is said in that article is perfectly true in a great many instances. 
It speaks of $60,000 being expended by them for the purpose of organization, 
but for the purpose of organization is also to get cost information, and cost 
information is a very necessary thing for the printer. All of you have heard 
of it throughout the country in the last little while, and the work of the typoth- 
etae in that direction is not to be derided. It will eventually help the organ- 
izations to which we belong. That is not a large sum. I understand they are 
spending even more this year, but it is for the purpose of installing a cost sys- 
tem. It is not for a defense fund, as was the purpose prior to 1906, and the 
newer members which they are getting in are broader and have a higher motive 
than those who were the old members of the typothetae; and I want to say that 
the complexion of the typothetae has changed considerably, and the best thing 
we can do is to try and help it to change some more. 

Now, I would like to say just a few words about Denver. A number of us 
went out to Denver for the very purpose that I was speaking of just now. We 
wanted to get together, and the United Typothetae of America appeared to be 
the only strong national organization of America, and the Ben Franklin Clubs 
of America had a large membership, but were all locals, therefore they couldn't 
offer anything collectively. The Printers' League of America had a national 
organization, but it was so small and so infinitesimal that it was impossible for 
us to cut very much of a figure in the proposition. I am sorry to say this, be- 
cause I believe in the Printers' League of America, and I believe the progress 
is only the progress that might be looked for. It is not any worse than the 
International Typographical Union had at its start. We haven't been in exist- 
ence very long, and we haven't made the progress that I think we ought to 
make, but we have made progress, and I have very encouraging words from a 
number of the larger cities that will become members of the Printers' League 
and enter into the collective bargaining proposition, the co-operative proposition. 

In that convention there was a meeting called, of which I was made chair- 
man. We had four representatives from the Ben Franklin Clubs and five from 
the typothetae, and we went to work and we made practically a new constitution 
and by-laws for the typothetae, or, rather, for the one organization that was 
spoken of, but subsequently adopted by the typothetae, which changed very 
largely their old constitution and placed new matters before them, bringing in 
a paragraph by which they would allow collective bargaining by their members. 
Don't mistake one thing, and that is this, that was a large step in advance for 
them. The Benjamin Franklin Club of America, at its first annual convention 
in this city, adopted that very same constitution and by-laws with a little more 
liberal clause than was put in by the typothetae, and from what we have at the 
present time we believe that the Benjamin Franklin Club and the Printers' 
League, if they can not amalgamate with one another, will in the future be 
found working side by side with a mutuality of interest which will very greatly 

1053 



History of The Typographical Union 

enhance the effectiveness of the Printers' League, and I think will also do 
the same thing for the Benjamin Franklin Club. I feel in my bones that it 
is almost impossible at the present time for that one organization to be put 
through. I hope it will be. I would be willing to concede a good deal that was 
not against my positive principles to see it put through, but we as a committee 
— I am on that committee of organization — but as a committee if we agreed to 
deliver over something that we could not deliver, what would be the use of 
making the agreement? And I think it is almost impossible for us to under- 
take under certain conditions to turn over the Ben Franklin Club to the Print- 
ers' League, or either of them, into the typothetse, because I don't believe the 
rank and file would stand for it. I hope that will not come about. 

I am going to Chicago in September, arid I shall work with the greatest 
earnestness for the purpose of getting them together, but only with the pur- 
pose that the principles for which I stand and for which my organization 
stands, for which the Ben Franklin Club stands, shall be maintained. 

There has been a ' great deal of talk about the name. Now, what is in a 
name? The principle is what you want to stand for? It matters very little 
about the name, and personally I wouldn't care whether they called it the 
typothetae or some other name, except for this reason, that that name has be- 
come obnoxious to a certain number of people, and it would be almost impossible 
to have them understand that this is an old name with a new principle; there- 
fore, I think a new name would be better than the old name. It was suggested 
to me this morning that this was not a matter to be brought before you, but I 
think you are very much interested in it, and I think what you want to see is 
to have the employers get together. What I want to see is the employes get 
together more closely than they ever have been, and then see the employers 
get closer together than they ever have been, and then see the employes and 
employers get together, and then we will have a condition by which we can get 
more dollars than we could in any other possible way. If we are going to 
have profit we must have harmony between ourselves, and the only way to 
have harmony is to be fair on both sides. 

Anything that tends to decrease output or anything of that description, or 
any loafers in the office, are loafing on the man who produces, not upon the 
employer so much as he is upon the man who produces, because there is only 
one way to pay a man and that is upon the basis of what he produces. The 
employer is entirely dependent upon you for his salary or profit, because if 
you don't produce that salary or profit it is absolutely impossible for him to 
get it. 

I have said before that the employes are half partners in every business, 
and I hope you will understand me as talking from the commercial end of the 
business, because I don't know very much about the newspaper end, although 
I have run a newspaper. I am talking from the commercial end. In the com- 
mercial end the employe is, after all, a half partner, because according to my 
experience he takes the first half of the money, and has to have his whether 
the employer gets anything or not. That makes him a half partner, and if he 
don't produce his half it is impossible for the employer to get his half. As 
the work goes through the only thing we can quarrel about is the rake off 
that the employer will get. That hasn't been so much in the last few years as 
it ought to be in any business, but we can congratulate ourselves on this, that 
the business has increased wonderfully. We have made strides until we have 
become the sixth industry in the United States, and the second in the state of 
New York, and if we have any luck in the state of New York maybe we will 
get to the top in a few years. We have climbed up a long way to be the sec- 
ond industry in the state of New York, and we hope to be at the head of the 
list. 

The principal thing that I have to say I am through with, but there is one 

1054 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

thing I want to quote from the Typographical Journal again. I saw a para- 
graph in there where the employers of the United States were paying 
$100,000,000 to secure themselves against liability to accident to the employe. 
Now, that is a necessary business precaution, but it seems a shame that so 
much money should be wasted. I delved into that myself, and found that $52,- 
500,000 of that money goes into the treasuries of the insurance companies and 
never comes out; $30,000,000 of it goes to Europe; that leaves $17,500,000, 
and by the time that it is trimmed off by the lawyers and the courts, and one 
thing or another, the employe gets $10,000,000 out of that amount, at 10 cents 
on the dollar. I have learned since I came here that the state of Ohio has 
taken up the very matter that I had on my mind. The state of Ohio is prac- 
tically going to charge the employer the same rates as he would pay to the 
insurance company for that protection, and see that the employe gets the dollar 
instead of the 10 cents. It will not go through these legal processes, and a 
man will not have to wait ten years before he can get his award for any- 
thing that may happen. 

The suggestion that I wanted to make before I heard of this was this: that 
the employer and the employe agree upon a plan by which this amount that they 
would pay to the insurance companies should go into a trust fund for the pur- 
pose of being awarded in case of accidents, so that instead of the employe 
getting 10 cents, he would get at least 90 cents out of every dollar that is paid 
in; then I think there would be enough to pay for these accidents at the ratio 
they ought to be paid for. I am going to leave that with this convention, and 
I should like to see a committee appointed to look into this matter, and if pos- 
sible I think this state arrangement may be the best, this Ohio state arrange- 
ment — if they get it through — but otherwise I think it would be well to get 
into a compact with the employer and employe that that amount of money 
should be placed into a treasury and awarded by an award committee of em- 
ployes and employers. In anything that will tend to the harmony of the em- 
ployer and the employe, you can always count on me. 

The chair then introduced W. J. Hartman, president 
of the Ben Franklin Clubs of America. Mr. Hartman 
said: 

Mr. President and Delegates to the International Typographical 
Union Convention: This is the first time that I have ever been called upon 
to talk to the employes in the printing trades. I want to assure you that I 
esteem it a very great honor to be asked to talk to the men whom we meet 
every day in our business. 

Your president has asked me to talk on one international organization of em- 
ployers. That is something that we have been hoping for for the past two years, 
but up to the present time we have not accomplished what we tried to do last 
year in Denver. The United Typothetae of America has been in existence about 
twenty-five years; it started out and was organized in the first place when you 
gentlemen made demands on the employers, and for some time they made con- 
tracts with you. Those contracts, I believe, were lived up to on both sides, but 
when you demanded the eight-hour day you split, and you were at loggerheads, 
and you were fighting, which was detrimental to the printing industry of this 
country, both to you and the employer. What we want in the printing business 
is co-operation between the employes and the employers, a square deal. If it 
were possible to organize one great big organization of employers, so that we 
could make contracts with you that were fair, contracts that would give you 
good big wages and enable us to make some money out of our business, that 
would be something that everybody would welcome. 

1055 



History of The Typographical Union 

You know, if you will look along back in the years, that the master printer 
has not been successful as a rule, he has failed nine times out of ten after going 
into business, and the reason of that was that he did not know the business end 
of the game, and I will tell you why he didn't know it. The average employer 
was an employe, came out of the shop, and did not know anything about the busi- 
ness end of the game, and he imagined, as we did twenty-five or thirty years ago, 
that if we could sell hand composition at 60 cents an hour, and pay you 40, we 
were making 20 cents an hour. We have discovered, since we have got a scien- 
tific cost-finding system, that we must multiply your wages practically by three to 
get the cost of hand composition. You may not believe that is true, but in that 
hour we have to take care of the foremen, we take care of the distribution, 
we take care of the errand boys and all those things, the selling expense, the 
administration, the rent, the power where used, light, heat, insurance, taxes, 
depreciation and interest on investment. Now, when we first started out in 
our shop to demand a daily time ticket from the employes, they imagined we 
were trying to check them up, trying to get a line on them. We were, for the 
purpose of finding out the cost of our production, so we could see it at a profit, 
and afterward to pay you good wages. You who have been in the game as long 
as I have, know that there are many master printers today that are going along 
only getting an existence out of the game. Many of you possibly who are here 
today have started small shops, and were satisfied with a day's wages if it was 
possible to earn that much. You disregard your investment, you disregard 
your investment of machinery and type, and you were responsible, to a great 
extent, in reducing the profits of the master printer. 

I want to see one organization of employers, and if possible, one organiza- 
tion of employes, working in harmony, working for the best interests of the 
trade, and when we get it up to a point where we can afford it, you can all get 
more money every time, without a great deal of trouble. 

I have been interested a great deal in the system in vogue in Germany. 
They have zones there, both for wages and prices of printing. Now, I may be 
saying something to you that you have heard a great many times. We in the 
large cities like Chicago have a high scale of wages. Within forty or fifty 
miles of Chicago your scale may be 25, 30 or 40 per cent less than ours. Now, 
I do not believe that is right. I think a man's work in any town is worth 
just as much, say, in Joliet, in Aurora, or in Elgin, as it is in Chicago, because 
he has got to put in the hours and give the best that is in him while he is at 
work. On the same basis, a job of printing is worth just as much in a small 
town as it is in big towns, and I would like to see you establish zones, get your 
wages more uniform, so as to give us in the large cities a better chance to com- 
pete with the country printer. 

A great many of you no doubt come from small towns, and some of you 
are working for a great deal less than we pay, and I believe that you are inter- 
ested in getting that scale up where your scale is low. 

I am getting away from the subject your president said I was going to 
speak on. We expect to meet a committee of the United Typothetae of America 
in Chicago on September 1, for the purpose of talking amalgamation. As Mr. 
Francis told you, the membership in the typothetae has changed a good deal in 
the last two or three years. We who have been in the very forefront of the 
Ben Franklin movement eliminated the labor proposition from our platform, 
and let a man run any kind of a shop he wanted to, and that is why we were 
successful in building up a membership in a short time. We started out to 
educate the master printer, but the vast majority of men in the Ben Franklin 
Clubs today are employers of union labor; they are fair, they are broad minded, 
they have the sympathetic spirit that Benjamin Franklin taught, and we hope 
when we see that committee that we will be able to bring about that amalgama- 
tion on such broad lines, under whatever name, and that you gentlemen will 



IO56 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

assist to build up the greatest industry in this or any other country, the print- 
ing business. 

If I were talking to the master printers, gentlemen, I could entertain them 
a good deal better that I can you, because I am familiar with that subject, but 
I have been asked to talk about something that I haven't given any great 
amount of study; but I hope that one great big organization will be brought 
out, that harmony will prevail between the employer and the employe, and if 
that is accomplished and business is brought up to the point where it should 
be, you will all be enjoying bigger envelops on pay day, and you will all be 
happy. I thank you. 

President Lynch stated that the previous speaker, re- 
ferring to the equalization of wage scales, had said that 
in his opinion the wage should be as high in Joliet and 
Aurora and Elgin as in Chicago. The amalgamation of 
employers' associations into one association, said the pres- 
ident, and the changed spirit that was animating these 
various associations, might make an effort at the equaliza- 
tion of wage scales easier of accomplishment than it had 
been in the past, for in the past, whenever the union tried 
to equalize the wage scales in Joliet and Aurora and in 
towns contiguous to New York and the other large cities, 
the employers in New York and Chicago, who were vi- 
tally interested in having competition placed on a fairer 
basis, assisted the employers in the small towns to combat 
the raise in the wage scale. 

"In introducing the next speaker," the president con- 
tinued, "I have to say that we have had our differences 
with the association that he represents; we fought those 
differences out, and I believe that aside from the other 
good results from that campaign, that the clarifying of 
the atmosphere in the printing industry was one of the 
best things that could have happened, for I believe that 
all recent progress that has been made in the commercial 
industry dates from the establishment of the eight-hour 
day in the industry, and that this applies equally to 
employer and employe, for it certainly brought the em- 
ployer to a realization of the senseless basis on which he 
was doing business. I had occasion to refer to that the 



I057 



History of The Typographical Union 

other day when I explained the manner in which we give 
out the printing of the International Union. I am happy 
to say that friendly relations now exist between the Inter- 
national Typographical Union and the United Typothetae 
of America, and I attribute that largely to the attitude 
and the efforts of the gentleman who is about to address 
you. After he became secretary of that organization, it 
was not very long until the president of the International 
Typographical Union and the secretary of the United 
Typothetae of America were able to write letters to each 
other, and then we got to know each other, and found that 
neither one was very bad, and finally we got so we can do 
business right along, when there is business to do in rela- 
tion to both organizations. This is the first time, to my 
knowledge, at least in recent years, that the United 
Typothetae has sent a speaker to our convention, and I 
hope that this is also an augury of better relations between 
the employers and employes in the printing industry and 
better conditions in that industry. I take great pleasure, 
therefore, in introducing to you Mr. Franklin W. Heath, 
secretary of the United Typothetae of America." Mr. 
Heath said : 

Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen: I realize that it is an event 
in the history of the International Typographical Union that the secretary of 
the United Typothetae of America should be present with you at one of your 
meetings, and it certainly is an event in the life of the secretary. A few years 
ago it would not have been possible, and I don't think it would have been safe. 

I am not going to make an extended address. I am only here to give you 
greetings, and to express the pleasure I feel in being with you for the first 
time — and I hope it will not be the last — and to leave just a word with you 
when you go home. 

The fact of the matter is that the preceding speakers have taken away 
some of my thunder. They both made good typothetae speeches, but I want to 
go into it a little more deeply. You represent the employes and I represent 
the employers; we don't always agree, we don't always look at things from the 
same point of view, but we are certainly getting together, and if we were not 
I would not be here today. You have probably all of you had experience in 
trying to better your conditions, especially in the matter of wages. I have in 
the earlier days, and sometimes I got the raise and sometimes I didn't, but I 
always get a strong protest and a holler from the boss. Now that I have been 
representing the employers, and I think I have met most of them in the United 
States in the last four years, I begin to realize that the employer had pretty 

I0 5 8 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

good grounds for putting up a protest whenever an increase in his expenses 
confronted him, whether it was in wages or rent or material. 

An epoch in the history of the International Typographical Union and in 
the life of the secretary of the United Typothetse is when the latter addresses 
a convention of the former. 

It is an occasion that a few years ago would have been thought not only 
unlikely, but impossible. 

The first time representatives of international unions ever appeared at a 
typothetae convention was in 1898, when J. H. Bowman, president of the Inter- 
national Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, and George W. Harris, or- 
ganizer of the International Typographical Union, addressed the delegates in 
Milwaukee, when assembled in our twelfth annual meeting. The subject of 
their addresses was the nine-hour day. Mr. Bowman remarked on leaving the 
hall that he was fortunate to get through alive; and yet neither Mr. Bowman 
nor Air. Harris was roughly handled. 

The occasion of the appearance of Mr. Bowman and Mr. Harris led to 
the Syracuse conference in October of 1898, when committees from the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, the International Printing Pressmen and Assist- 
ants' Union, and the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders met with a 
committee from the United Typothetae of America to confer upon the subject 
of the shorter workday, and how it might be made practicable. As many of 
you know, the result of this meeting was that the fifty-seven-hour week or 
nine-and-one-half-hour day, was inaugurated, to go into effect in November, 
1898, and the nine-hour day, or fifty-four-hour week, m November, 1899; it was 
hoped then that a new era had been inaugurated for the settlement of diffi- 
culties between the allied printing trades and the employers. 

Six years later it was found that the new era had not entirely arrived. 
But the employe is getting closer to the employer all the time; he is co-oper- 
ating with greater interest, loyalty, faithfully and true; he is a broader man, 
and he knows that his interests are better conserved by faithful application to 
his employer's concerns than by indifference and lukewarm interest in the 
work in which they both are mutually interested. Self-interest naturally pre- 
dominates — it is human nature. 

Some of you may question how such faithful application to the affairs of 
your employer is to your personal advantage. It is very simple, because the 
employer usually profits and advances in the same ratio that his employes co- 
operate and assist in building up his organization; if the organization consists 
of honest, well-meaning men, who labor faithfully in their endeavors to stop 
leaks and deliver an hour's labor for an hour's pay, then that employer is go- 
ing to enjoy a greater prosperity, and is enabled to treat his employes more 
liberally and with greater consideration. 

On the contrary, a shop loosely organized with careless, indifferent work- 
men can not prosper, can not do for the men as the proprietor would like, but 
he leads the hand-to-mouth existence that is the lot of so many printing-house 
proprietors in the land today. So I say, "Co-operate, help build up the busi- 
ness, and recognition is sure to come." 

The printing industry is the sixth in commercial importance in the United 
States; but where does it stand in credits? 

A Wall street statement recently issued put the printer next to the bottom 
of the list; I'm almost ashamed to tell you who that last man was; he was the 
saloon keeper, but the printer was next door to him. 

The country has too many printing offices; in every city in the United 
States there probably exists an over-equipment of at least 30 per cent; is it 
any wonder the printer has a hard time of it? Since the workday reduced 
from ten hours in 1898 to the present eight-hour day the cost of production 
has increased nearly 50 per cent. Think of it!" It costs about one-half more 

1059 



History of The Typographical Union 

today to produce a catalogue as it did in 1898, and yet the selling prices re- 
main nearly stationary. Prices are now increasing though gradually and 
slowly the printer is coming into his own; but he needs your help and I think 
it will be found that usually he is ready to divide his good fortune and pros- 
perity; when he has intelligent, wide-awake people working for him and with 
him, he realizes their value to him, and in the end they lose not by their atten- 
tion and faithfulness. This is not a fairy story. 

The United Typothetae of America has during the past two or three years 
installed in printing offices in the United States fully 2,000 or more standard 
cost systems and this is going to prove the solution of the problem — a cost 
system properly installed and operating, upheld by the workmen. 

The cost system is not intended as a check upon the workman. It is a 
check upon the hours. The proprietor has nothing to sell but hours.- He buys 
them by the week, and he sells them singly. Of eight hours he buys, he is 
rarely able to dispose of more than five and one-fourth, say 65 per cent. The 
rest of it, two and three-fourths hours that he buys and pays for, he can not 
sell, because it is spent in foremanship, errand boys, distribution and other 
non-producing work; the cost system is designed to separate this productive 
time from the non-productive, so that the proprietor can tell at the end of the 
week just how many of the hours he has bought have been sold, and thus he 
can arrive at his actual cost per hour. 

So much has been printed about this subject in the trade magazines that 
you are doubtless familiar with it. Two or three years ago the prevailing rate 
for selling composition was 60 cents to 75 cents an hour; the cost system shows 
it costs from $1.16 to $1.25 per hour; the average cost last year throughout 
the United States was $1.20. Is it any wonder then that the printing house 
proprietor has never made but a struggling existence ever since printing has 
been a commercial industry? Is it any wonder he fights against reductions of 
hours and increase of wages? To make these things possible, to put the em- 
ployer in a position where he is financially able to meet reasonable requests 
from his employes for the improvement of their conditions the employe must 
co-operate to the fullest extent possible. He must watch the leaks, make every 
minute count, for the minutes make up the hours, which the proprietor buys 
and sells, and he can never in the best regulated shop sell all he buys. 

When such co-operation is practiced the condition of both the employed 
and the employer will improve and life will be the pleasanter and happier for it. 

At the conclusion of Mr. Heath's remarks, President 
Lynch said that on Monday, at the opening exercises, the 
convention was welcomed by the president of the Amer- 
ican Newspaper Publishers' Association, and that the 
president took occasion at that time to express his high 
regard for that association and its officers, and continued : 
"I now have the pleasure of being able to present to you 
the labor representative of that association, a gentleman 
who has the most intimate relations with the presidents of 
four of the great international unions that operate in this 
industry. You have all met him, I think, all of those who 
have attended conventions, and you all know of him. I 

1060 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

take pleasure in introducing Mr. H. N. Kellogg, labor 
commissioner for the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association." Mr. Kellogg said : 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is a great pleasure for me to 
be here this morning. I want to say to you, however, that Mr. Lynch is 
slightly mistaken in saying that I represent solely an employers' association, 
because some of our members have stated that our committee is the tail of Mr. 
Lynch's kite. If that is the case, perhaps we represent the International Typo- 
graphical Union in some respects. 

I have been very much interested in listening to the remarks of the gen- 
tlemen who represent the organizations of commercial printers. I have no 
doubt they will ultimately succeed in organizing an international association or 
amalgamating the various associations. They will then be in a position where, 
as the publishers' association has done, their association will be enabled to 
follow the lead of the lion and the lamb, the publishers being the lamb. 

Of course, when they refer to the equalization of scales, we expect, when 
that halcyon day shall come, that the newspaper scales will be equalized down 
to the jobmen's scales. I understand that a member of a local union met Mr. 
Lynch on the street and said: "Say, Jim, where do these publishers get all 
the money we take away from them?" 

When I had the pleasure of addressing you a year ago in that charming 
metropolis of the Pacific coast — San Francisco — my remarks related principally 
to the new arbitration agreement between your organization and our associa- 
tion, which was to be considered by you. I believe we should congratulate each 
other on the fact that that contract is now in effect, and that we are thus as- 
sured of industrial peace and the continuance of harmonious and pleasant 
relations between the American Newspaper Publishers' Association and the 
International Typographical Union for another five-year period. After that 
agreement had been fully executed by authorized representatives of both par- 
ties, a contract identical in its terms was concluded by our representatives and 
the executive board of the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union. 
This agreement was ratified by referendum vote of the stereotypers and ap- 
proved by a very substantial majority. Therefore, we are assured that peace 
and harmony will prevail between the American Newspaper Publishers' Associa- 
tion and the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union for the next 
five years. A contract on similar lines, though differing somewhat in detail, 
between the American Newspaper Association and the International Photo 
Engravers' Union has also been concluded, and we are confident that friendly 
relations will prevail with that organization for five years more. An arbitra- 
tion agreement was also negotiated by representatives of the American Publish- 
ers' Association and the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union. 
The representatives of this organization explained that their action in nego- 
tiating the agreement must be submitted to the referendum vote of the mem- 
bership of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union. The 
meetings between representatives of our association and the officers of the in- 
ternational pressmen's union during which the terms of the new arbitration 
agreement were decided upon were held at my office in Indianapolis in Janu- 
ary of this year. The directors of the international pressmen's union agreed, 
at the close of our conferences, that the referendum vote upon the arbitra- 
tion contract would be taken in February. About ten days after the meetings 
referred to I received a letter from the president of the international press- 
men's union in which the statement was made that the directors of that union 
had found it impracticable to have the vote upon the arbitration contract 
taken during February. The letter stated, however, that the matter would be 

I06l 



History of The Typographical Union 

submitted to the membership in March, and I would be officially informed of 
the result during the latter part of that month. . I objected to the delay, but 
was unable to induce the directors of the pressmen's organization to comply 
with their original agreement, and have the vote taken during February. Bear 
in mind that I had the written assurance of the pressmen's organization that 
the vote would be taken in March, and he would inform me of the result during 
the "latter part of that month." On February 28 I received the February 
number of the American Pressman, which, as of course you know, is the 
official journal of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union. 
It contained a copy of the new arbitration contract with instructions to local 
unions to vote upon it and to see that their reports on this matter reached 
headquarters at Rogersville not later than the first day of May. I supposed, 
of course, this was a typographical error, and immediately took the matter up 
with Mr. Berry. I was astonished to receive a reply that the date as printed 
in the American Pressman was correct. I protested vehemently against this 
delay and pointed out the fact that this would result in an interim during 
which we would have no arbitration agreement, and proposed, since it was 
stated the delay was unavoidable, that the arbitration contract then in effect 
be continued in operation for ninety days after May first. The suggestion was 
made because that agreement contained a clause permitting such a course. The 
directors of the international pressmen's union declined to accept my sugges- 
tion, but assured me the delay in taking the vote would make no difference. 
The referendum vote on the arbitration contract was reported in the May 
number of the American Pressman, which was issued during the. latter part 
of that month. It gave the vote as 2,020 against the agreement and 1,569 for 
it. A majority against it of 451, less than 3,600 votes being reported, though 
there are nearly 23,000 members of the International Printing Pressmen and 
Assistants' Union. The published list of local unions voting on the proposition 
did not contain the /votes of the largest locals in the country, those of New 
York city, although shortly before the vote was announced an officer of the 
international pressmen's union told me personally the three largest New York 
unions had voted in favor of the agreement. You are thoroughly familiar with 
the local phases of the pressmen's strike, which occurred in Chicago on May 
1, as your officers in their reports have covered this difficulty most thoroughly. 
You may, however, not be aware that shortly after the strike occurred tele- 
grams were sent to local pressmen's unions all over the country directing them 
to be ready to call sympathetic strikes in the offices of our members every- 
where. These orders were sent broadcast throughout the country in utter 
disregard of the fact that nearly all the unions that were ordered to strike 
had contracts with the newspaper publishers in their cities. This of course 
explains the action of the directors of the international pressmen's union in 
delaying the referendum vote so that on the first of May there would be no 
arbitration contracts in effect between members of the American Newspaper 
Publishers' Association and the International Printing Pressmen and Assist- 
ants' Union. You know that it has been charged that the pressmen in Chicago 
were "locked out." If there is any one present who up to this time has had 
any doubt in his mind on this point, I am sure what I have said will remove 
'that doubt, as it clearly indicates the officers of the international pressmen's 
union last February fully expected there would be a strike in Chicago on or 
about May 1. This is further confirmed by the fact, as explained in your 
officers' reports, that the Chicago Stereotypers' Union, on two occasions prior 
to May 1, voted that if the pressmen struck on that date they would strike in 
sympathy. Fortunately nearly all the local pressmen's unions declined to 
violate their contracts and go out on sympathetic strikes. There were only 
two cities in which this action was taken; namely, Atlanta and San Francisco. 
In Atlanta the pressmen remained out less than a week and then resumed 

I062 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

work. In San Francisco the pressmen are still on strike. Efforts have been 
made to boycott the San Francisco Examiner, and everything possible has been 
done to embarrass that newspaper, regardless of the fact that the officers of 
the local union have assured the management they have no grievances what- 
ever. Though there can be no denying the fact that the web pressmen's union 
in San Francisco went out on sympathetic strike because it was ordered to do 
so by the international officers, the July number of the American Pressman 
contains repeated statements to the effect that the pressmen in Chicago and 
San Francisco had been "locked out." 

You no doubt know statements have been sent broadcast throughout the 
country that the American Newspaper Publishers' Association has decided to 
inaugurate an "open shop" policy, and that it proposes to destroy all the 
unions of the printing trades. These statements are almost too foolish to deny. 
The fact that we have negotiated arbitration contracts with four international 
unions, that three of them are in effect, and that the fourth one is not in effect 
because it has been rejected by the membership of the fourth union, clearly 
disproves the allegation. The American Newspaper Publishers' Association 
desires to continue dealing with labor unions if it can be assured unions will 
respect their agreements and international officers will deal honestly with the 
representatives of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association. The 
American Newspaper Publishers' Association, however, believes that unions 
which follow the lead of men who openly assert they would "break any con- 
tract," and that they believe "the ethics of trade unionism demand the viola- 
tion of the best contract ever made if necessary to assist a union in distress," 
must inevitably meet with disaster. Such remarks you will recollect were 
made by the president of the international pressmen's union during the trouble 
in / Chicago, as stated in the report of Representative Colbert. 

In this connection, the American Newspaper Publishers' Association heartily 
and sincerely appreciates the action of President Lynch and the executive 
council of the International Typographical Union, and the action of the Chicago 
Typographical Union No. 16, in standing firmly for the right and upholding 
the integrity of contracts during the stress of the recent storm in Chicago. I 
can not let this opportunity go by without also expressing our sincere appre- 
ciation of the action of President Freel and the executive board of the Inter- 
nationad Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, in standing for the right. 

We are also gratified at the action of President Woll and the officers of the 
International Photo Engravers' Union, in preventing sympathetic strikes by 
local photo engravers' unions. This applies also to the officers of Mailers' 
Union No. 2. 

In closing, I wish to congratulate you on having re-elected for another two 
years' term the international officers who have labored so long and faithfully 
and have accomplished so much in your behalf. I thank you for your kind 
attention. • 

When Commissioner Kellogg had concluded his re- 
marks President Lynch introduced James J. Freel, one of 
the officials who had been much in the public eye in con- 
nection with the pressmen's strike in Chicago. Mr. Freel 
spoke as follows : 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: I am much pleased to have the 
opportunity to again appear before your convention, and tender on behalf of 
the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union their congratulations 
on the magnificent showing that the International Typographical Union has 



IO63 



History of The Typographical Union 

made during the past year. I read the reports of your officers with a great 
deal of satisfaction, and, realizing as I do, that the International Typographical 
Union is one of the largest organizations that make up the great American 
Federation of Labor, I appreciate the fact that if you progress it certainly 
means progress for the trade union movement in general throughout this 
North American continent. I do also know that, being the largest organization 
in the printing industry, any progress you may make in that industry directly 
affects the interests of the other four international printing trade unions, and I 
think that that was very thoroughly demonstrated when you successfully inaugu- 
rated the eight-hour day. I believe, and I don't think any other international 
trade organization will deny the fact, that it was a great benefit to them 
latterly in securing what you had first secured, the eight-hour day. 

Your president has requested that I briefly outline from the standpoint of 
the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union the unfortunate con- 
dition at present existing in the newspaper industry in the city of Chicago. 
In connection with this matter I desire to call your attention to the fact that 
this subject has been very thoroughly, and let me say with as much emphasis 
as I can, truthfully presented to you by the president of your international 
organization, by the executive council of your international organization, by 
Typographical Union No. 16 of Chicago, 111., by Representative Colbert, and 
by the representative of the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' 
Union, who represented our union on the ground after I was obliged to go 
to our convention in San Francisco. Let me again emphasize that you have 
that before you in the report of your officers, and that it is absolutely truthful. 

It will, therefore, not be necessary for me to take up your time in attempt- 
ing to further enlarge upon that subject, but I feel that as the representative 
of the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union, it is my duty, it 
is my obligation, to present to you officially the views of our organization in a 
brief manner in regard to this' unfortunate affair. So that you will thoroughly 
understand it, it will be necessary, I believe, for me to go back and state 
some ancient history that perhaps some of the younger delegates to your con- 
vention are not familiar with. 

In 1898, in the city of Chicago, we had a stereotypers' organization, and at 
that time the stereotypers and electrotypers were affiliated with the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, that is, as a subordinate body. We had two 
organizations, but I want to refer particularly to the stereotypers' organiza- 
tion. We had a 100 per cent stereotypers' organization in that city. There 
was not a non-union stereotyper in the city of Chicago at that time, and a 
dispute arose between the newspaper publishers in the city of Chicago and 
the stereotypers' union over a new wage scale. I believe the stereotypers 
were asking for an increase in wages and a reduction in hours. Fortunately, 
at that time there was no agreement in existence. The stereotypers had no 
agreement with the publishers at that time. I won't go into the details 
particularly of what transpired between the two parties that were negotiating, 
but I will tell you what happened. On July 3 or 4, 1898, at the time of the 
battle of Manila, a lockout occurred which resulted in the Chicago newspapers, 
that is, all the large newspapers, suspending publication for three or four 
days, if you remember. They suspended publication, I presume, for the reason 
that they were unable to obtain stereotypers. I call attention to the fact 
that we had at that time a 100 per cent organization, and there were no 
non-union stereotypers in Chicago. They suspended publication for three or 
four days; at" the expiration of the third or fourth day they finally reissued, 
and I believe they reissued by publishing four-page papers, and improved until 
they were able in a very short time to publish the requisite number of pages 
that they had always been doing, and the reason was that the stereotypers in 
the city of Chicago were absolutely defeated, and we had a non-union condition 

IO64 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

in every newspaper office in that city. That occurred in 1898. In 1902 the 
International Stereotypers and Electrotypers' Union was organized, and from 
1898 to 1904, with the assistance of the International Typographical Union — 
and I want to give them all the credit for that — we made every possible effort 
to unionize the city of Chicago and restore the union conditions that had 
existed in those newspaper offices previous to the strike or lockout of 189S; 
and in 1904 we succeeded in doing that, and we did it largely through the 
able assistance rendered by your present president, and when the final nego- 
tiations were concluded, and while they were on, we had the assistance, as 
your president's representative, of Michael Colbert, who is now one of your 
representatives, and we succeeded in organizing that entire newspaper industry, 
in unionizing every paper, and we restored the conditions that had been in 
existence previous to the trouble. At the time of the trouble the stereotypers 
were getting $3.25 a day, and the agreement that we made in 1904, or six 
years afterwards, provided for a scale of $3.75 a day, an increase of 50 cents 
over the previous wage scale. Not only that, but we made an agreement that 
would be in effect for three years, or until June 1, 1907, and in order to 
prevent anything occurring again like what had occurred in the past, we 
provided in that agreement that in the event of the publishers and union 
being unable to agree upon a scale, that the matter would have to go to 
arbitration. In other words, we provided that in Chicago, in future, a strike 
could not occur. As a lesult of that provision, when the scale expired in 1904,. 
the publishers and the Chicago Stereotypers' Union endeavored to get together 
on a scale by conciliation or negotiation, but were unable to do so, and they finally 
decided to go to arbitration, and they got, as a result of that arbitration, one 
of the best awards I ever heard of a trade union receiving. The scale, as I 
stated at that time, was $3.75. The arbitrators decided that the scale should 
be immediately increased to $4.25 a day. That was an increase of 50 cents 
over the scale, and a year afterwards it was provided to be increased to 
$4.50. They were working ten hours on Saturday night in those newspaper 
offices, and the arbitrator decided that the Saturday night work should consist 
of eight hours. They negotiated for almost a year, and went to arbitration, and 
the arbitration proceedings took almost a year. The matter was pending for 
about two years altogether, and it was not until June 1, 1909, that it was 
settled. When the arbitration matter was taken up in 1907 it was agreed 
that any award that was made would date from June 1, 1907, and the result 
was that every stereotyper in the city of Chicago that held a situation got 
about $300 back pay. They got back pay for the ten hours on Saturday nights 
for two years. They had a provision so far as apprentices were concerned that 
every office should have one apprentice for ten men, two for eleven men, and 
three for twenty-one men. The arbitrator decided that every office should 
have one apprentice for ten men, the second when they had the major portion 
of twenty, and the third when they had the major portion of thirty-one. In 
other words, they could not have the second apprentice until they had sixteen 
men, nor the third apprentice until they had twenty-six men. We felt that 
that award was a very fair one, and the international representatives felt 
that we would never have any more trouble in the city of Chicago. 

At that time Hearst had no newspaper in Chicago. He did not have a 
newspaper in 1900, and when he established a newspaper he made a blanket 
contract with all the unions in that city. Hearst had a separate agreement 
which expired May 1 last. Our local had agreements with all the other 
newspapers, which did not expire until 191 5. Some dispute occurred between 
the pressmen and the Hearst newspapers, and it was a matter of pretty gen- 
eral knowledge in the printing industry that the pressmen proposed to force 
Hearst to sign a contract that would be satisfactory to them on May 1. We 
were not aware that there was any dissatisfaction, so far as our stereotypers' 

IO65 



History of The Typographical Union 

organization was concerned, until I received an official communication on 
March 23 last, in which the local union in Chicago requested the sanction of 
the international union to strike the Hearst newspaper offices on May 1 in 
conjunction with the pressmen. I would like to say that as a result of this 
communication, our Vice-President Sumner and myself visited Chicago and 
attended a meeting of the local union on April 21. We investigated and 
found that the Hearst newspapers had offered the same contract to our men 
that they had with the other newspapers, and that they refused to accept that 
contract. On behalf of our international union we notified the members of the 
Chicago union that we would not sanction a strike in the city of Chicago. 
After we left the hall, however, we learned that they had taken a strike 
vote and decided to strike on May 1, 191 2. Whether we sanctioned it or not, 
they were going to strike anyhow. I simply want to make that point, so you 
will understand that they were determined to do this thing whether we sanc- 
tioned their action or not. That occurred on April 21. On April 30 the 
Chicago Stereotypers' Union held a meeting, and rescinded the action they 
took on April 21, and appointed a committee, and authorized that committee 
on behalf of the union to go to the Hearst newspapers and sign up an agree- 
ment permitting them to become parties to the agreement we had with the 
other newspapers, which did not expire until 1915. That committee met the 
representatives of the Hearst newspapers, and signed the contract to that 
effect, consequently on April 30 we had signed contracts with -all the news- 
papers, guaranteed by our national organization, which did not expire until 
191 5, and we made up our minds that there was not any possibility of contract 
violation in Chicago. I want to say to the members of the International Typo- 
graphical Union that we have about 200 contracts in various parts of North 
America that have been guaranteed by our international organization. Previous 
to the unfortunate occurrence in Chicago, our international organization had 
never violated a contract. Very much to our surprise we learned on May 2, 
that a lockout or strike of the pressmen had occurred on the Hearst news- 
papers, and immediately afterwards all the pressmen either struck or were 
locked out on the other newspapers. And up to that time, I want to say to 
the representatives of the International Typographical Union assembled here, 
we had no official communication with the president of the International Press- 
men and Assistants' Union. He never officially communicated with our inter- 
national organization at all, but on May 2, when his men were out on the 
street, I received a telegram requesting support. In all his dealings he dealt 
with our local union in that city. We were not aware that he required or 
wanted any assistance from us. On May 3, the day after the pressmen's 
strike or lockout occurred, I received over the long distance telephone word 
that our local in Chicago had struck in eight newspaper offices, and I was 
requested to declare just what the attitude of our international organization 
would be under those circumstances. The eight newspapers were the follow- 
ing: Tribune, Record-Herald, Inter Ocean, Daily News, Journal, Evening Post, 
American and Examiner. In all those offices we had contracts that the local 
union had negotiated and that our international union had underwritten and 
guaranteed. 

I have a statement here of our executive board that perhaps will make 
the matter a little more clear. I just want to explain our position in regard 
thereto: 

"Disregarding the laws of this union and in direct violation of section 69, 
general laws, also in violation of the terms of an agreement which it had 
negotiated with most of the daily newspapers of Chicago, 111., under date of 
June 1, 1909, and continuing until February 1, 1915, which agreement was 
underwritten and guaranteed by this union, Stereotypers' Union No. 4, of 
Chicago, 111., did, without any notice to, and without the sanction of this 

1066 



Convention at Cleveland, 191 2 

union, on the night of May 3 last, illegally call and institute a strike in the 
stereotype departments of the following Chicago Newspapers." I have already 
given you their names. 

"Immediately upon receiving notice of such strike (early on the morning 
of May 4, shortly after it occurred), the president of this union called up 
by long distance telephone President Straube, of Stereotypers' Union No. 4, 
of Chicago, 111., and informed him that the strike was illegal, and ordered 
the members of No. 4, who had struck, to immediately return to work. Presi- 
dent Straube, of No. 4, flatly refused to obey this order, or instruct the 
members of his union, who struck, to do so. 

'"The president of this union then sent telegrams to President Straube and 
Secretary Conklin, of No. 4, declaring the strike illegal, and ordering No. 4's 
members involved to immediately return to work, but until May 7, at 5:20 
p. m., no reply was received from No. 4. 

"On May- 6, at 9:00 a. m., President Freel and Vice-President Sumner 
reached Chicago, and on behalf of the executive board of this union used every 
possible endeavor to promptly meet President Straube and No. 4's local com- 
mittee, but were unable to do so until about 2:30 that afternoon, when we 
located President Straube at the office where he is employed." 

Imagine the president of the union, with almost one hundred members on 
strike in eight newspaper offices, holding down his situation under those cir- 
cumstances! I again quote: 

"President Straube stated he could not meet us until 5:00 p. M. that 
evening, at which time he appeared with No. 4's committee and representatives 
of pressmen and other unions on strike." 

I would like to say that we requested a meeting with the president of the 
Chicago Stereotypers' Union and the committee who had charge of that strike, 
who had agreed to meet us, and did come to the hotel where we were, and 
very much to my surprise, they had with them the president of the Interna- 
tional Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, and the secretary, and a Mr. 
Kennedy, representing the wagon drivers or newsboys. As soon as they 
were seated I said we desired to meet only the representatives of the stereo- 
typers' union in Chicago, for the reason that we had no jurisdiction over any 
other organization, and the president said that if we desired a meeting we 
would have to meet the representatives of these organizations who were with 
him, inasmuch as it was a joint matter, and he absolutely refused to meet us 
any other way. The statement says further: 

"He also admitted that the telephonic and telegraphic orders issued by the 
president of this union, declaring the strike illegal and ordering the members 
of No. 4 to return to work, had been received by him, but had not up to that 
time been communicated to the membership of No. 4, but were communicated 
to No. 4's committee. 

"President Freel then reiterated the decision of the executive board of this 
•union, that the strike was illegal, and ordered the members of No. 4 to return 
to work, which President Straube and No. 4's committee refused to obey." 

I would like to say, too, that we immediately requested a meeting of 
Stereotypers' Union No. 4, so we could go before them and order them to 
go back to work, and the president refused to permit us to meet them, and 
said the only way to meet them was collectively. There were about one hun- 
dred stereotypers and many wagon drivers, pressmen and newsboys affected. 
Of course, we refused to do that, and insisted on having a meeting of our own 
people, and he absolutely refused to permit that. To quote from the statement: 

"The representatives of this union, being debarred from meeting No. 4 
and its membership, did everything possible under the circumstances to induce 
the members of No. 4 whom they were able to reach to return to work, and 
being unsuccessful, did, on the afternoon of May 9, suspend the charter of 

IO67 



History of The Typographical Union 

Stereotypers' Union No. 4, of Chicago, 111., for striking illegally in violation 
of the laws of this union, and in violation of existing agreements, etc., as 
stated above." 

They absolutely refused to return to work, and we waited until May 9 
and then suspended the charter. Now, according to our laws, when a charter 
is suspended by the executive board of the international union, the suspended 
union has the right of appeal to our convention, and they did appeal to our 
convention, and they did send three representatives to present their side of 
the case to our convention, and I assure you that the representatives at that 
convention considered it a most important matter, for the reason that we gave 
them every possible opportunity to present their side of the case. They took 
it, and the discussion of the Chicago matter took up the first five days of 
the meeting of our international union in San Francisco, and the final result 
was that the action of the executive board of the International Stereotypers and 
Electrotypers' Union in suspending Chicago Stereotypers' Union No. 4, was 
unanimously endorsed, and the matter was placed in the hands of our executive 
board with full power to act. I would like to say that we have acted, and 
have chartered a new union of stereotypers and electrotypers in Chicago. 

I would like to call your attention to the fact that I see in the records 
that the privilege of the floor was asked for the man who was formerly presi- 
dent of the Chicago union, and who is responsible for the unfortunate condi- 
tions that exist in that city. I refer to Mr. L. P. Straube. I want to say 
to you gentlemen that iX> is entirely up to you to give the privilege of the 
floor to any one, but Mr. L. P. Straube is no longer a member or representa- 
tive of the local No. 4, and anything that he would say he would not say 
as a representative or member of that organization. 

I want to say further that I understand everything that was done in 
Chicago, I know that every possible effort was made to induce union No. 16 
to violate their contracts, I know that they were abused, vilified and called 
everything that honest men should not be called, designated as strikebreakers, 
but to their honor and credit be it said that they maintained the true principles 
of organized labor. 

Now, gentlemen, there is no one who more deeply regrets the unfortunate 
conditions that exist in Chicago than I do. When Vice-President Sumner and 
myself went to Chicago on May 6, we felt that we would have liked to be in 
the position to get behind our local union in that city. We much prefer to be 
in that position than to oppose them. We did not want to declare that strike 
illegal, it was against our desire to do that, but our international union had 
made the contract, which had been violated, and there was nothing else for us 
to do. It was a great crisis in our history. I want to say if our international 
union in San Francisco had refused to sustain our action that I would as an 
official have severed my connection with that body. I don't want to have any 
official connection with any organization that won't keep a contract it has made. 

The unfortunate condition that exists, so far as our organization is con- 
cerned — and I am only speaking for the stereotypers' union of Chicago — I 
haven't any desire to criticise any other organization in the printing industry, 
but I have the right to speak for our organization — that the trouble in Chicago 
was caused entirely by violation of contract. Another thing, while I was in 
Chicago, and while your president was in Chicago, two papers there that are 
supposed to represent the trade union side, deliberately and maliciously mis- 
represented my position and misrepresented the position of your president, and 
they accused me of committing every crime possible against the trade union 
movement; they accused me of doing things that none but a degenerate would 
be guilty of. I want to say as emphatically as I can that the only thing I did 
in the city of Chicago was to get our people to return to work, and to keep 
their contract with the publishers in Chicago, which they had violated. 

I068 









i*i < 







IIL'GO MILLER, Indianapolis 
Typographia Vice-President International Typographical 
Union, 1894-19 — . Secretary-Treasurer German- 
American Typographia, 1886-19 — 



Deutsch-Amerikanische 
Typographia 



Deutsch-Amerikanische 
Typographia 

By HUGO MILLER 

Second Vice-President International Typographical Union 

SOON after the close of the civil war, in 1865, the 
German printers in a number of cities, of the United 
States organized local unions, or typographias, as they 
are called. But these organizations were instituted more 
for social and benevolent purposes than for the extension 
of trade union principles, and therefore did not have a 
solid foundation. 

In July, 1872, the Gutenberg Society of Philadelphia, 
composed of German printers, addressed a circular to the 
other unions of German printers in this country, with the 
object of bringing about a closer affiliation. The Typo- 
graphia of New York, which was organized in 1869, at 
once endorsed the project and requested the Philadelphia 
Union to send two delegates to its next general meeting, 
for the purpose of discussing the subject. This was done 
and a committee composed of members of both unions 
was created. This committee, in December, 1872, ad- 
dressed an appeal to all German printers of the United 
States, and all the local unions, to organize a national 
union of the German printers of the United States. This 
appeal was so well received that the joint committee 
decided to call a convention, or "Buchdrucker-Tag" 
(Printers' day), to be held in Philadelphia, beginning 
April 22, 1873. The order of business in this call was 
stated to be : ( 1 ) Framing of a general constitution ; 
(2) founding a general sick or benevolent fund; (3) 
starting a printers' journal; (4) to discuss the advisability 
of affiliating with the International Typographical Union. 
The delegates to this convention also were requested to 

1071 



History of The Typographical Union 

bring with them statistics relating to the number of Ger- 
man printers in the different cities and the wages paid 
them. 

The convention met on the date mentioned, with nine 
delegates present, representing the cities of New York, 
Philadelphia, Cincinnati and St. Louis. The Typo- 
graphias of Buffalo, Cleveland and Detroit had expressed 
their willingness to join in the proposed national union, 
but were not represented by delegates. The convention 
was in session for three days- and adopted a constitution 
(which in its main features is in operation to-day), and 
a platform, as follows : 

First. Forming of printers' unions to elevate and pro- 
mote their calling, by obtaining and maintaining a scale 
of prices. 

Second. The regulation and improvement of the ap- 
prenticeship system. 

Third. Union with other trade organizations to obtain, 
by way of political activity, laws for the protection of 
labor and the abrogation of those detrimental to it. 

Fourth. Supporting members in case of sickness or 
when unable to obtain work or when on strike ; also at the 
death of a member's wife, and paying the stipulated 
amount to the heirs of a deceased member. 

Fifth. Support in the event of starting co-operative 
printing offices. 

Sixth. Elevating and promoting the intellectual 
capacity of members by collecting libraries, instruction 
by scientific and technical lectures and discussion of the 
labor cause in general. 

Seventh. Close union of members during all condi- 
tions and dangers of their calling. 

It was decided at this convention to establish a monthly 
journal bearing the title, "Deutsch-Amerikanisches Jour- 
nal fur Buchdruckerkunst" (German-American Journal 

1072 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

for the Printing Art), and this publication is now the 
oldest trade union paper in this country, with a con- 
tinuous existence of forty years on July I, 191 3. The 
convention also recommended that the local unions should 
avoid strikes in so far as it was possible, in order to 
strengthen the organization and build up its treasury. 
Philadelphia, as the originator of the movement to bring 
the several organizations together as an affiliated body, 
received the first number in the allotment of charters, 
and the other numbers were drawn for, with the follow- 
ing result: No. 2, Cincinnati; No. 3, St. Louis; No. 4, 
Buffalo; No. 5, Detroit; No. 6, Cleveland; No. 7, New 
York. 

The Philadelphia convention selected Cincinnati as the 
place in which to hold the next session, the first-named 
city to be the headquarters (Vorort) or seat of the exec- 
utive board, the members to be selected from the roll 
of the local body. In the matter of affiliating with the 
International Typographical Union, the executive board 
was instructed to address a communication to that 
organization, asking for the interchange of certificates 
of membership, and the members of the typographias 
were advised to advocate the adoption of the plan among 
the English-speaking printers in the various jurisdictions. 
It was at this convention that a resolution was adopted 
demanding the abolition of night work in printing offices. 

The total membership of the seven unions which 
formed the National Typographia was 316. It may seem 
strange that such a small number could undertake and 
carry through a great enterprise of this character, but 
it should be remembered that most of these men had been 
trained in the printers' union movement in Germany, 
which organization had a strong, well-founded and far- 
reaching beneficial system in operation. 

The first number of the official paper, Journal fiir 

1073 



History of The Typographical Union 

Buchdruckerkunst, was issued in' Philadelphia on July I, 

1873. It was not compulsory on the part 6f the member- 
ship to subscribe for the publication, so it was necessary 
to depend on voluntary subscriptions and advertisements 
to insure its existence. The paper was first issued as a 
monthly, but at the end of a year's time it was changed 
to a semi-monthly publication. 

The new organization at once started off at a lively 
pace. Although the first convention had warned the 
membership against strikes, it was necessary that several 
industrial battles be fought during the first year of exist- 
ence of the affiliated typographias, with the result that 
the organization gained both in numerical strength and 
in number of subordinate bodies. Four new local unions 
(Newark, Chicago, Milwaukee and Baltimore) were 
added during the first year, and as a consequence the 
membership increased to 499. In October, 1873, Typo- 
graphia No. 7, of New York, established the first out-of- 
work (or employment) bureau for German printers. 

Nothing of great importance to the membership was 
enacted at the second convention at Cincinnati, in May, 

1874, except that it was decided to hold conventions bi- 
ennially, instead of annually, and to receive the cards 
of German printers coming from Europe. 

In the year 1874 there was a panic throughout the 
country, and the printers' unions had to struggle hard for 
existence. But the young Typographia stood up well 
under the fire, and held its ground firmly, losing only 
one union (Newark, N. J.) and twenty-five members up 
to the time of holding the third convention, at St. Louis 
in June, 1876. On May 1, 1875, a union of German 
printers was organized at Indianapolis, composed of 
twelve men from that city, nine from Fort Wayne, and 
one each from Logansport and Terre Haute. But in 
April, 1876, the printers of the Telegraph at Indianapolis 

1074 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

were compelled to go on strike, in order to uphold the 
union rules. The strike was lost and the union was dis- 
solved. 

In October, 1875, the officers of the different locals 
were instructed to compile statistics covering the number 
of printers, apprentices, etc. Of course, these statistics 
were far from being complete, but nevertheless the com- 
pilation is worth while mentioning. It showed that in 
179 German printing offices in this country 724 journey- 
men were employed (about one-fifth of them pressmen) 
and 447 apprentices. Although quite a number of the 
so-called apprentices were running small platen presses, 
the enumeration of apprentices was enormous in com- 
parison with the journeymen employed, and it shows the 
conditions the Typographia had to contend with at that 
time. The price paid for 1,000 ems ranged from 30 cents 
in Cleveland to 60 cents in San Francisco. The hours 
of labor worked were not given in detail, but were from 
thirteen to fourteen on daily papers and from ten to 
twelve in book and job offices. 

At the third convention, held at St. Louis in June, 
1876, eleven delegates, representing eight unions and 409 
members, were present. It was resolved to tax the mem- 
bers 10 cents per month for the creation of a defense 
fund, out of which $6 per week should be paid to mem- 
bers on strike for a period of four weeks. The convention 
further decided to remove the seat of the national exec- 
utive board and its official journal from Philadelphia to 
New York and to change the name of the paper from 
"Journal fur Buchdruckerkunst" to "Buchdrucker- 
Zeitung, Organ of the German-American Typographia, 
Published Under the Control of its Executive Board," and 
to furnish the same free of cost to every member. The 
convention also went on record as favoring the alphabet, 
or letter, system, instead of the old and unjust em system 

1075 



History of The Typographical Union 

for piece work, with 22 cents and 24 cents per 1,000 letters 
and a minimum scale of $15 per week for ten hours' work 
per day. The convention also declared in favor of 
creating a board of arbitration, but it took many years 
before this object was accomplished. 

During the panic years from 1876 to 1879 the Typo- 
graphia was hard pressed by the publishers and had to go 
through strikes at Cincinnati, Chicago, Philadelphia, Mil- 
waukee and Detroit, which reduced both the ranks and 
the treasury. At Cincinnati the German printers refused 
to work on July 4, 1876, because, this being centennial 
year, they wanted to celebrate this glorious day also. The 
men were locked out, and as the national executive board 
could not sanction the strike, it was lost and the union 
went to pieces. At Chicago a strike on the Illinois Staats- 
Zeitung against a reduction in wages was lost. At Detroit 
the German printers lost interest in the organization, so 
they left the national union and only survived thereafter 
as a benevolent society. At New York the union called 
several mass meetings of all the German printers, union 
and non-union, and by harmonious and energetic action 
they were strong enough to stem the tide against trade 
unionism until the trouble had passed. Under the circum- 
stances the executive board decided to postpone the next 
convention, which was slated for June, .1878, until May, 
1879, so that its enemies would not so plainly see the 
weakened condition of the Typographia. 

The German printers of St. Paul organized in March, 

1878, as Typographia No. 13, but dissolved in December, 

1879. The German printers of Louisville had organized 
as No. 12 in October, 1877, but this union could not live 
longer than seven months. At the end of 1877, No. 4, 
of Buffalo, dissolved, and in November, 1878, No. 10, of 
Milwaukee, went out of existence. 

At the fourth convention, held at Chicago in May, 
1879, only six local unions (Philadelphia, Cleveland, 

1076 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

New York, Chicago, Baltimore and St. Paul) were repre- 
sented, showing a total membership of 306. Here it was 
decided to hold regular conventions in the future every 
five years only. The establishment of a central burial 
fund was decided upon, and the old age pension discussed, 
but action upon both plans was postponed. It was also 
decided to send organizers to several cities east of the 
Mississippi, where a sufficient number of German printers 
were employed to form a local union, and to make every 
effort for the reduction of the hours of labor. 

The year 1880 found the German printers with renewed 
courage. Increases in wages were gained in New York, 
Philadelphia and Baltimore. In December, 1880, No. 9, 
of Chicago, proposed the calling of a special convention 
for the purpose of centralizing the sick and out-of-work 
funds, which then were under control of the different 
local unions. Two-thirds of the affiliated unions favored 
the plan, and the special convention was called for July 7, 
1 88 1, at Philadelphia. This convention decided to cen- 
tralize the several beneficial funds, with equalization at 
stated periods, and again postponed action on the 
inauguration of an old age pension. But all the work 
of this convention was useless and the money expended 
for that purpose was wasted, because at the referendum 
the majority of the local unions rejected the proposed 
new laws. 

Notwithstanding this setback, the Typographia now 
made a good advance. No. 10, of Milwaukee, was 
reorganized in April, 1881 ; No. 2, at Cincinnati, and No. 
12, of Louisville, soon followed the example, so that at 
the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 1881, the national 
union had grown to 579 members. In November of the 
same year the German printers of Pittsburgh were 
organized as Typographia No. 16, but this union never 
showed real life, because the Knights of Labor, at that 
time very strong in Pittsburgh — and, in fact, in the whole 

1077 



History of The Typographical Union 

country — succeeded in organizing a German printers' 
assembly, and No. 16 dissolved in October, 1882. No. 
15, of Evansville, was organized in the spring and No. 13, 
of St. Paul, was reorganized in October, 1883, and at the 
same time the German printers of Newark, N. J., who 
had belonged to No. 7, of New York, again started their 
own union, No. 8. 

In May, 1883, the matter of the centralization of funds, 
adopted by the special convention of 1 88 1, but afterward 
defeated by the membership, was again submitted to the 
referendum and at this time was adopted by a good 
majority, to take effect July I, 1884. Many battles were 
fought with employers during the years 1 88 1 to 1883; 
some of them the union won, in some of them the men 
were defeated, but the organization kept on growing, and 
when the sixth (and last) convention was called at New 
York in May, 1884, all the eleven local unions then in 
existence were represented by sixteen delegates, showing 
a membership of 684. This full representation was made 
possible by the creation of a general fund, out of which 
part of the expenses of the delegates was paid. 

At this convention the long-sought-for recognition of 
the Typographia by the International Typographical 
Union was again tried. The convention adopted the 
following, which was confirmed by the thirty-second con- 
vention of the International Typographical Union, held 
at New Orleans at the same time — first week in 
June, 1884: 

[Mutual agreement entered into by the German-American Typographia and 
the International Typographical Union of North America at the sixth 
convention of the german-american typographia, held in new york 
city, May 28 to 31, 1884, AND confirmed by THE THIRTY-SECOND CONVENTION 
of the International Typographical Union, held on June 2 to 6, 1884, 
at New Orleans, La.] 

First. The International Typographical Union recognizes 
the certificates of the German-American Typographia, and the 
latter recognizes the cards of the International Typographical 

1078 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

Union. This recognition shall entitle the members of either 
union to join the other without paying initiation fees, and gives 
them the privilege to work in any office controlled either by the 
English or German union without being obliged to join both 
unions. In cases where the validity of a certificate of member- 
ship is doubtful, an acknowledgment of the same from the 
secretary of the union to which the member belongs has to be 
furnished. Members of either organization that have left or 
wish to leave their union to join a union of the other organiza- 
tion must pay their dues to the union they leave up to the date 
of their withdrawal. 

Second. Where there is a German department in an English 
union office, or single members of the German union are work- 
ing, or vice versa, where there is an English department in a 
German union office, or single members of the English union 
are employed, the members of both unions shall act in unity in 
all disputes about wages, or possible strikes, after having re- 
ported the case to their respective unions, and having obtained 
the permission of the authorized officers, as the constitutions of 
both organizations may provide. 

If a strike results from such action, and it becomes necessary 
to pay relief money to members, the following maxim shall 
prevail : the union which orders the strike shall also pay the 
relief to the members of the sister union it orders out. 

In reference to chapel organizations, the following rules 
shall be binding to both parties. Those members of a union 
that are in the minority in an establishment shall subordinate 
themselves to the majority of the other union in all matters 
pertaining to the common interest of union members there em- 
ployed. If there is a separate department for the members of 
the unions, they may, even if they are in the minority, have a 
separate chapel, but they must adopt such rules and regulations 
that unity of action is insured in all cases where the common 
interest is at stake. 

Third. It shall be the rule that German compositors not 
belonging to either union, setting German in an office con- 
trolled by the English union, shall be compelled by the chair- 
man to join the German union. English compositors in a 
German union office, not yet belonging to either union, shall be 
compelled to join the English union. 

Unfortunately, some of the English unions — especially 

1079 



History of The Typographical Union 

"Big Six," in New York — refused to abide by this mutual 
agreement, claiming the convention had no power to 
adopt the same. 

At the New York convention it was resolved to do 
away with regular conventions altogether, and only to 
call a convention when, on the motion of three local 
unions, a majority of the membership by referendum vote 
should decide in favor of holding one. Since that time 
(nearly thirty years) the Typographia has managed to 
get along without conventions and had all its important 
transactions, including its amalgamation with the Inter- 
national Typographical Union, accomplished by refer- 
endum after discussion at the meetings and in the official 
journal. Several times the question of holding a conven- 
tion has been before the membership and twice was voted 
on by the referendum, but was defeated both times. This 
convention also decided in favor of one general fund for 
all the beneficial features of the Typographia (out-of- 
work, sick, traveling and burial), which fund should be 
kept in the hands of the different local unions, but should 
be equalized every six months. Later on this was changed 
to every year. By this action a strong foundation of 
the Typographia was built. Unfortunately, No. 9, of 
Chicago, where at that time the radical or anarchistic 
element was very strong, withdrew from the national 
organization and tried to induce other locals to do like- 
wise. In this effort No. 9 did not succeed. A small 
number of its members remained loyal to the national 
union and formed local No. 16. This union, in the course 
of time, gained more strength than the independent union, 
and at the beginning of 1 891 both Chicago unions were 
reunited as No. 9. 

In the fall of 1885 the labor movement of this country 
received a great impetus, which had its climax in the 
eight-hour movement of May 1, 1886. The Typographia 

1080 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

stood in the front rank of this movement and undertook 
an aggressive campaign. By energetic action and making 
use of the boycott — at that time a powerful weapon — 
No. 7, of New York, gained one office after another and 
increased from 198 to 322 members. Other locals fol- 
lowed this example, especially Milwaukee, which union, 
by energetic work, climbed up from eighteen to seventy- 
six members, and nearly everywhere the German unions 
increased their scales and their membership. It was a 
glorious period, a period that stands alone in the labor 
history of this country. So great was the enthusiasm of 
its members and the success of the Typographia, that 
in May, 1886 — the time set for the inauguration of the 
eight-hour day in all the German printing offices of this 
country — the fight had practically been won, and the 
great achievement was accomplished without much trou- 
ble. At New York, the proprietors of the German book 
and job offices got together quickly and tried to form a 
defense organization, but were unsuccessful. So the eight- 
hour day of the Typographia was established by one 
concerted movement and without any reduction in wages. 
On the contrary, in New York, Newark and other cities, 
the scales were increased, direct, and ini the whole juris- 
diction indirect by substituting the alphabet system for 
the old and disadvantageous em system. 

But, of course, the proprietors of German printing 
offices had a hard struggle to compete with the proprietors 
of the English offices, the men working only eight hours 
in the German offices and the others working ten hours 
in New York and some other cities for the same wages. 
In order to protect the German eight-hour offices, the 
Typographia adopted the first printers' union label used 
in any country, which label bore the inscription "Union 
Printer" and was soon well known and well supported by 
the progressive element in the labor movement and the 

1081 



History of The Typographical Union 

public in general as the eight-hour label, and did an 
immense amount of good, until the other printing trades 
unions succeeded in gaining the eight-hour day also, some 
twenty years later, when the old eight-hour label of the 
Typographia was withdrawn in favor of the allied label, 
the former having accomplished its purpose. 

Only one reverse marked the great eight-hour struggle 
of the Typographia in May, 1886, and this was in Cin- 
cinnati. Here the union had neglected to join in the 
movement on the date named, and went into the battle 
at the end of May, at a time when the employers in the 
printing industry, as well as in other industries, had 
gained new courage to stop the onward march of the vic- 
torious working masses. The strike on the German news- 
papers of Cincinnati in 1886 was therefore a failure, and 
the union lost many of its members, retaining only the 
German department of the Methodist Book Concern and 
a few small offices. But some of the striking members of 
No. 2 started a German daily labor paper on the 
cooperative plan, and with its assistance the union was 
kept afloat until it could gain renewed strength. 

Another dark spot in the glorious period of 1886 should 
be mentioned to make a true history of the Typographia. 
This was a lockout of the union men on the Philadelphia 
Tageblatt (a German daily with socialistic theories). 
It would require too much space to go into the details that 
led to this trouble, but the fight was very calamitous, the 
united German trade unions of Philadelphia taking the 
side of the Tageblatt against the Typographia, while 
the central labor union of that city stood by them. The 
management of the Tageblatt had engaged non-union 
men prior to the lockout, and thereby the paper could 
continue publication, while the Typographia issued a 
lively boycott paper to fight the Tageblatt. The non- 
union men on that paper formed a "fake" union under 

1082 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

the name "Gutenberg Society," and also tried to get into 
the Knights of Labor, an organization very strong at that 
time. In order to prevent this, some of the members of 
the Typographia formed a German printers' assembly 
and obtained a charter from the Knights of Labor before 
the "rats" on the Tageblatt could do so. The battle 
lasted more than a year, until it was ended by a board of 
arbitration (composed of two members of the executive 
board of the American Federation of Labor, Samuel 
Gompers and P. J. McGuire) in favor of the Typo- 
graphia. 

Despite these two obstacles occurring in Cincinnati and 
Philadelphia, the national union flourished during the 
next few years up to 1890 and gained new or reorganized 
locals at Indianapolis, Belleville, 111., Buffalo, Cleveland, 
St. Paul, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Omaha, Detroit and 
San Francisco, making a total of twenty-one locals witli 
1,233 members. Only a few strikes occurred during that 
time, the principal one being at St. Louis in the summer 
of 1890 on two of the German papers of that city, which 
lasted for some time, until an agreement could be reached. 

The next chapter in the history of the Typographia is 
the most important one since its formation, being the first 
cause for the amalgamation of this organization with the 
International Typographical Union. At New York city, 
where Typographia No. 7 had control of all the German 
printing offices, the proprietor of the English daily Morn- 
ing Journal, on September 1, 1890, started also a German 
daily under the title "Morgen-Journal." The foreman of 
the Morning Journal had picked a force for the new Ger- 
man daily from among the German printers belonging 
to "Big Six," and wanted the office to be placed under 
the jurisdiction of that union. Against this Typographia 
No. 7 protested, claiming jurisdiction over all the German 
papers in New York. The management of the Morgen- 

1083 



History of The Typographical Union 

Journal, in order to avoid trouble with any labor 
organization, recommended that the matter of having 
jurisdiction over this office should be decided by arbitra- 
tion. All three parties agreed to this, and Samuel Gom- 
pers, president of the American Federation of Labor, was 
unanimously appointed as arbitrator. But after he 
decided in favor of the Typographia, the members of 
"Big Six" refused to accept his decision, claiming their 
officers had no right to agree to such an arrangement. So 
the members of No. 7, working at the Morgen-Journal 
and refusing to join No. 6, were discharged, and replaced 
by members of the latter union. No. 7 then started a 
vigorous boycott against the paper and a fierce struggle 
between the two unions was waged for several months, 
with the result that at last a conference committee agreed 
that the office of the Morgen-Journal should come under 
the jurisdiction of the Typographia, but that this union 
should take out a charter from the International Typo- 
graphical Union. This was done and the New York 
Typographia received charter No. 274 of the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union, but at the same time 
remained as No. 7 of the Typographia until this 
organization as a body amalgamated with the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union in 1894. 

The onward march of the Typographia continued until 
the summer of 1891, the greatest victory being gained in 
New York, where the price of 1,000 letters was raised 
4 cents for day and 5 cents for night work, and the time 
scale to $18 for book and job offices, $20 for evening 
papers and $24 for morning papers, at eight hours per 
day. The first obstacle was struck at Buffalo, in 1891, 
where the Volksfreund agreed to the new scale of No. 4, 
but not to the recognition of the union, and therefore its 
printers did not join the ranks. On the other German 
dailies of Buffalo — Demokrat and Freie Presse — a strike 

1084 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

was declared and all the members, with the exception of 
two on the Demokrat, came out. But with the help of a 
number of apprentices and the use of many plates both 
papers managed to make their appearance. No. 4 then 
started a lively boycott against this paper, but in the 
course of time went out of existence, and it was February. 
1895, before the union could get a new foothold, and 
soon after regained its old strength. 

The boycott during that time played an important part 
in the warfare of the Typographia, and battles at Cincin- 
nati, Evansville, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Kansas City 
and Chicago were won through the energetic use of the 
boycott. 

The year 1892 witnessed heavy battles on the part of 
the Typographia. The first one was with the New Yorker 
Staats-Zeitung, which office, although partly employing 
union men, and as a rule paying the scale of the union, 
had up to that date never been a union office. This con- 
dition could not be tolerated any longer, as the Typo- 
graphia could not run the risk of losing the other Ger- 
man papers of the city as strictly union offices. So, on 
February 22, 1892, No. 7 decided to call its members out 
of the New Yorker Staats-Zeitung. Of the forty-three 
men employed there, only twenty-six came out; seventeen 
members and ten non-members remained at work. 
Through this treacherous action the publication of the 
paper continued and No. 7 again started a lively boycott 
against it. Every effort was made to make this boycott 
effective. Committees were sent to all German societies, 
mass meetings were called at Cooper Union and other 
places, and the city was placarded with boycott circulars 
and posters. A weekly paper, "O. O." (named after the 
proprietor of the Staats-Zeitung, Oswald Ottendorfer), 
was published by No. 7 and did good work. But the 
wealthy Staats-Zeitung was in a condition to hold out, 

1085 



History of The Typographical Union 

with the assistance of linotype machines installed shortly 
before and during the fight. The publication of an 
evening edition was started in order to make up for the 
loss. An understanding was then reached that the men 
out on strike on the Staats-Zeitung should be employed 
on the new evening edition, and the strike was called 
off after a duration of seven months. 

While this great and expensive battle was going on in 
New York, No. 9, of Chicago, had to stand an attack of 
the proprietors of three daily papers and one weekly 
paper, the latter having combined, thinking this a good 
time to kill the union. But the members in Chicago made 
a good fight. They also issued a boycott paper, the 
Agitator, and received able assistance from the Chicago 
Trades and Labor Assembly and organized labor in gen- 
eral. After one of the dailies had been compelled to 
give in, a settlement was reached with the others by which 
the Typographia again secured control over all the 
papers, but promised to whitewash some of the "rats." 

Having shown its courage and great resources during 
this battle, the second half of the year 1892 turned out 
to be better for the Typographia. No. 2, of Cincinnati, 
regained its foothold and obtained jurisdiction over all 
the printing offices of that city. The unions at Columbus, 
Rochester and Chicago raised their scales. The unions 
at Indianapolis, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh fol- 
lowed their example in the early part of 1893. But soon 
after another great battle had to be fought, at this time 
with the Cincinnati Freie Presse, whose proprietor had 
installed linotype machines and wanted to get rid of the 
union. Another lively boycott was inaugurated against 
this paper, which lasted for years and even reached the 
courts, but at last No. 2 regained control over this office 
also. 

1086 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

The plan to amalgamate the Typographia with the 
International Typographical Union had now ripened, 
and the proposed treaty of amalgamation, agreed upon by 
the executive boards of both organizations, was adopted 
by referendum, with 840 for and 224 votes against, 
while the motion to call a convention for the purpose of 
making the necessary arrangements was defeated by a 
vote of 627 for to 435 against. Later on it was agreed that 
the amalgamation should take effect on July 1, 1894. 

The fiscal year from July 1, 1893, to June 30, 1894, 
was the worst ever experienced in the history of the Typo- 
graphia. Typesetting machines were installed in a great 
number of offices, and owing to the slack condition of 
business in general, a number of German newspapers 
consolidated and others went out of existence. The 
treasury of the Typographia and the good will of its 
members had to stand a great pressure. The dues had 
to be raised and extra assessments levied to meet the 
great demand on the out-of-work fund. Statistics com- 
piled in October, 1893, showed that out of 1,350 mem- 
bers 270 (or over twenty per cent) were out of work. 
The worst showing was made in Cleveland, where, 
through the amalgamation of two German dailies and the 
introduction of typesetting machines, two-thirds of the 
membership were unemployed for a while. During this 
period the general fund of the Typographia paid $17,- 
262 in out-of-work benefits, and benefits paid out of the 
local treasuries of some unions for the same purpose 
brought this amount up to $23,000 for the fiscal year. It 
is very doubtful if there is another trade union in this or 
any other country which could have stood such a great 
stress. Nevertheless, the Typographia never lost courage 
and continued its battle for the betterment of its members 
and the laboring people in general. Strikes at Detroit 

1087 



History of The Typographical Union 

and Pittsburgh were won, but a strike on the California 
Demokrat at San Francisco was lost and the union in 
that city went out of existence in June, 1894. 

At Chicago the German printers employed in the office 
of Simon Brothers, which furnished plates to a large 
number of German papers in this country, refused any 
further to pay the high dues in effect at that time and 
had, therefore, to be suspended from the union. They 
then started an assembly of the Knights of Labor, under 
the name "D. A. Typographia No. 1, L. A. 1037." Later 
on the printers of the Chicago Freie Presse joined this 
"fake" union, which led to an energetic boycott against 
the paper that lasted for some time and cost a large 
amount of money, but was won in the end, as were all 
the other battles which the Typographia had to fight. 

On July 1, 1894, the new constitution, necessary under 
the treaty of amalgamation with the International Typo- 
graphical Union, went into effect. The old executive 
board of the Typographia, located in New York and 
elected by that union, adjourned sine die, and the general 
secretary of the Typographia, who had been elected since 
1888 by referendum, moved the headquarters of the 
Typographia and its journal in October, 1894, after the 
convention of the International Typographical Union at 
Louisville, from New York to Indianapolis, where the 
headquarters of the International Typographical Union 
are located. Under the agreement he became fourth 
vice-president of the International Typographical Union 
and automatically later on third and second vice-presi- 
dent, as the pressmen and the stereotypers left the Inter- 
national Typographical Union. The secretary-treasurer 
of the Typographia, who is also the editor of its official 
journal, Buchdrucker-Zeitung, in accordance with the 
agreement made with the International Typographical 

1088 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

union, then took general supervision of the German 
branch. He is supported by an advisory board of three 
(now five) members who are elected from the three (now 
five) largest local unions of the Typographia. 

The fiscal year 1895-96 started out well. All the non- 
members of the New Yorker Staats-Zeitung, forty strong, 
joined the union, and this was made a strictly union office, 
and has so remained since. The unions at Cincinnati, 
Pittsburgh and Columbus raised their scales without trou- 
ble. At Toledo, No. 24 was organized in November, 
1895, and at Wheeling, No. 25 in March, 1896. In order 
to take better care of the great number of unemployed 
printers, the Typographia in December, 1896, decided by 
referendum vote to reduce the working time in all news- 
paper offices using typesetting machines to five days per 
week. In New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore, 
Cincinnati, St. Louis and several smaller cities this deci- 
sion was enforced while a number of other cities remained 
passive on this important subject, owing to local contracts 
or other circumstances. The year 1896-97 was very quiet, 
only a few small strikes occurring. In August, 1897, a 
revolution in the German newspapers of St. Louis took 
place. Two dailies, Tageblatt and Tribune, went out of 
existence, and later the Anzeiger des Westens was con- 
solidated with the Westliche Post. This threw a number 
of German printers in St. Louis out of work. Some of 
them found situations on the Volks-Zeitung, a daily paper 
started by workingmen, but this paper did not exist very 
long. At Philadelphia the daily Gazette was gained for 
the union, after the men employed there had been organ- 
ized. But at the same city the daily Volksblatt went out 
of existence in May, 1898, and at Milwaukee the daily 
Seebote was consolidated with the Herold. Twenty-five 
years had passed now since the formation of the Typo- 

1089 



History of The Typographical Union 

graphia, and this occasion was celebrated in the spring 
of 1898 with great enthusiasm by all the local unions of 
the Typographia. 

In October, 1900, No. 1, of Philadelphia, was compelled 
to order a strike on the Philadelphia Demokrat for viola- 
tion of union rules. This strike, in which the boycott 
again played an important part, lasted for over five years, 
until the office was regained. But the jDaper had been 
hit so hard by the boycott that it did not live much 
longer and was consolidated with the Philadelphia 
Gazette in May, 1907. At Chicago, in June, 1902, the 
daily Illinois Staats-Zeitung was bought up by Mr. 
Michaelis, an arch enemy of the Typographia, and he 
discharged all the union men formerly employed on that 
paper. Again the boycott was enlisted in the assistance 
of the Typographia, and the office of Mr. Michaelis was 
unionized in October, 1902. The office of Simon 
Brothers had been unionized prior to that date, and the 
typographia printers' assembly, Knights of Labor of Chi- 
cago, mentioned heretofore, went to pieces. No. 20, of 
Omaha, dissolved in February, 1901. A new union, No. 
23, was formed at Winnipeg in March, 1906, and another 
one, No. 20, at Davenport, Iowa, on New Year's day, 
1907. 

From 1902 on nothing of great importance occurred in 
the Typographia. It had a one hundred per cent or- 
ganization now and covered almost the whole field. The 
consolidation and suspension of German papers in this 
country went on, the trade in German book and job offices 
also slacked, and therefore, slowly but steadily, the mem- 
bership of the Typographia decreased. But nevertheless 
all its locals showed the old spirit, and one after the other 
succeeded in raising the scale from time to time, with 
only a few and very short strikes. 

For the first time in the history of the Typographia, 

1090 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

arbitration was tried in the dispute between the com- 
bined publishers of the German dailies of Greater New 
York and Typographia No. 7 in 1903. These arbitration 
proceedings were conducted in accordance with the agree- 
ment between the American Newspaper Publishers' 
Association and the International Typographical Union. 
Commissioner Driscoll acted for the publishers, Organ- 
izer McLoughlin for the Typographia, with Bishop 
Potter, of New York, as umpire. The decision was mostly 
in favor of the union, giving the men an increase of 30 
cents per day and the five-day system for evening papers. 
Previous to this time the men on evening papers worked 
five days in one week and six days in the other. The 
decision included the proviso that the men should set 
22,500 ems per day on the linotype, but owing to the 
fact that no man can accomplish more than what is in 
his power, this proviso remained a dead letter. 

When the great eight-hour battle of the International 
Typographical Union began in the fall of 1905, the Typo- 
graphia, being a part of the organization, of course had 
to help carry the burden of the battle, and contributed 
$66,445.05 to the strike fund. Having gained the eight- 
hour day twenty years before, it was only necessary to 
call small strikes of German printers at St. Louis and 
Milwaukee, where some of the book and job offices had 
not lived up to the eight-hour rule, owing to the competi- 
tion of the English offices and the withdrawal of the 
German eight-hour label. At Toledo the men in the book 
and job room of the Express, a German daily, who 
belonged to No. 63, went on strike for the eight-hour day. 
Later on the members of Typographia No. 24, who 
worked on the paper mentioned, were called out in sup- 
port of No. 63 ; but several of them "ratted," the strike 
was lost and the union had to dissolve at the end of the 
year 1906 and the Toledo Express has been conducted as 

1091 



History of The Typographical Union 

a non-union office ever since. Another strike had to* be 
called at Buffalo in March, 1910, in order to enforce a 
new and increased scale; but this strike was won in a 
very short time. All the other increases obtained by the 
different locals of the Typographia during the past few 
years were granted without serious trouble. 

In July, 191 1, the German daily at Wheeling, W. Va., 
suspended publication and No. 25 had to be dissolved. 
At the end of the year 191 1 No. 18, of Belleville, 111., and 
No. 23, of Winnipeg, also went out of existence, there 
not being sufficient German work in those cities to justify 
the further existence of German unions. 

This, briefly, is the history of the Typographia during 
its thirty-nine years of existence, from July, 1873, to 
June, 1 91 2. A study of this chapter will show that the 
German printers of this country, although small in num- 
ber, have been very active and aggressive during all that 
time, and that they have made their mark in the trade 
union movement of America. The organization was 
founded in 1873 by seven local unions with 316 mem- 
bers. In 1877 the list showed ten locals, but only 270 
members. The year 1881 showed nine locals and 579 
members, and from then on made a steady increase, until 
it reached its high-water mark, with twenty-one locals 
and 1,382 members in 1892. Then the decline began, 
and the end of the fiscal year 191 2 showed nineteen locals 
with 887 members. 

The first general secretary of the Typographia and 
editor of its journal was Charles G. Bachmann, who held 
office from July 1, 1873, to June 30, 1876. Then followed 
Jean Weil, of New York, from 1873 to 1883; then 
Frederick Milke, of New York, from 1883 to 1886, and 
then came Hugo Miller, also of New York, who holds 
the office up to the present time. 

Before closing this chapter, it would be well to say a 

1092 



Deutsch-Amerikanische Typographia 

few words regarding the beneficial system of the Typo- 
graphia. As stated in an earlier part of this history, the 
first convention made it compulsory on the locals of the 
Typographia to establish out-of-work and sick benefit 
funds; then came a joint burial fund, and later on the 
traveling fund. In 1884 a U tne different funds were 
centralized, with yearly equalization of the money in the 
treasury of the different locals; the general secretary- 
treasurer having the fund only for administrative pur- 
poses in his hands, but he keeps control over all the 
benefits paid by the different locals. The present benefits 
are the following: 

Five dollars sick benefit per week in case of sickness for 
fifty weeks and fifty weeks more at $3 per week, a total of 
$400 sick benefit. 

Six dollars out-of-work benefit per week, the maximum 
sum allowed in one fiscal year to be $96, in periods of $24. 

Seven dollars old age pension per week ($5 from the 
International Typographical Union and $2 from the 
Typographia). 

Five dollars strike benefit per week for single men and 
$7 for married men or heads of families. (This is paid 
out of the treasury of the International Typographical 
Union). 

' Burial benefit of from $75 to $400, according to the 
length of membership. 

Burial benefit of $50 for the deceased wife of a member. 

Admission to the Union Printers Home, under the rules 
of the International Typographical Union. 

The traveling benefit has been discontinued since 1908, 
there being no further necessity for such benefit under 
existing conditions in the printing trade. 

Since July 1, 1884, the time when the funds and ben- 
efits of the Typographia have been centralized, until 
June, 1912, a period of twenty-eight years, the amount 

1093 



History of The Typographical Union 

of benefits paid to its members and their families is as 
follows: Out-of-work benefits, $173,645.91; sick ben- 
efits, $120,906.75 ; burial benefits, $87,840; strike benefits, 
$37>79°-54; traveling benefits (up to 1908), $8,317.01; 
old age pensions (for four years), $18,951.00, making 
a total of $447,508.21. Add to this the contribution of 
the Typographia for the eight-hour struggle of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union ($66,445.05), making a 
grand total of $513,953.26, or in other words, the 
Typographia in a period of twenty-eight years expended 
more than a half-million dollars for beneficial purposes, 
with an average membership of about one thousand, cer- 
tainly a good showing. But high benefits, of course, 
demand high dues. The members of the Typographia 
are paying now forty-five cents per week into the general 
fund, besides the local dues and the one per cent assess- 
ment for the pension and burial fund of the International 
Typographical Union. However, these high dues bring 
them very high returns in the form of shorter hours and 
better wages, clear proof that a trade union is the best 
savings bank for the workingman. 



1094 



Technical Trade Education 

Public Copyright Acts 

Union Printers Home 



Technical Trade Education 

By W. B. PRESCOTT 

Secretary International Typographical Union Commission 
on Supplemental Trade Education 

Does not the beauty and grandeur of our country — aye, the lives of the 
people — depend more on the efficient handiwork of the tradesmen than on all 
other vocations? Why then should not the trades receive even more protec- 
tion from incompetency than the professions? Other trades look to you, in 
a measure, to lead the onslaught against incompetency. Are you equal to the 
emergency? — Mark L. Crawford, President International Typographical Union 
for the -fiscal year 1883-4. 

THUS spoke Mr. Crawford to the thirty-fourth 
session of the International Union at New Orleans, 
in June, 1884. It is the first appeal for a trade educa- 
tional system that can be found in the records. It was 
prefaced by a review of the situation that has now become 
so familiar as to be regarded as a matter of course. The 
president declared that the future of the organization 
depended on the wise treatment of apprentices, and he 
asserted "our unions are being filled with incompetent 
men," making a burlesque of the claim that a union card 
is sufficient evidence of competency. He emphasized the 
fact that the International had declared time and again 
as being in favor of an indenture system — a system that 
would bind both parties in such a manner that a higher 
grade of workmanship would unquestionably be obtained. 
He repudiated the charge that the unions were responsi- 
ble for the incompetents in their ranks, placing the blame 
primarily on employers who exploited rather than 
taught apprentices, and who afterward "are only too 
willing to use these incompetent men to cut our throats 
when occasion arises," thus compelling the unions "for 
self-protection to admit those men to membership." 

Mr. Crawford conceded that machinery had "to a great 
extent revolutionized matters," but maintained that the 
fundamental fault was the lack of stringent apprentice 

1097 



History of The Typographical Union 

laws which would compel employers to do their duty 
toward apprentices. In support of his plea the president 
regretfully stated that in trades ether than printing the 
positions of importance were held by men hailing from 
countries where the laws required indenture systems. It 
would appear the training of apprentices was one of Mr. 
Crawford's hobbies, as the first article in the first issue 
of The Inland Printer (October, 1883) was from his pen 
on that subject under the caption of "An Era of Botches." 
There were other articles along similar lines and a lively 
discussion persisted for months and years which probably 
reflected the state of mind of union printerdom on the 
issue more than the official proceedings of conventions. 

Always there has been more or less controversy about 
the education of apprentices and the competency of jour- 
neymen. In the early eighties, however, the situation 
had become acute from the standpoint of those interested 
in sustaining the reputation for skill of union members. 
Then apprentices were coming from offices that had 
grown large and in which modern specialization meth- 
ods were beginning to bear f ruit^in the shape of printers 
who knew naught of presswork and could set only 
straight-matter or small jobs. In the eyes of some of the 
members who participated in this discussion — men who, 
like the late William J. Kelly, were an authority on either 
presswork, straight or job composition — these applicants 
were too poorly equipped to call themselves printers. This 
writer's case is an illustration of the change that had been 
effected in the trade within a short period before 1883. 
When he made his timorous bow to the industry, com- 
ing from the office in which he commenced the trade, 
the force numbered not more than ten to fifteen men, 
all on one floor, and the apprentice worked on a press or 
at the case, as suited the convenience of the foreman. In 
1883 that office employed more than a hundred and fifty 



Technical Trade Education 

persons, and though the same man was superintendent few 
composing-room boys ever got a "look-in" at presswork, 
and to put a pressroom boy at the case was unthinkable. 
In the composing-room specialization was even then hav- 
ing its effect on apprentices. There was a book room 
on one floor with a job room on another, and where the 
boy started there he stayed. That was in a compara- 
tively small city, where industrial development was 
slower than in the great centers which were in the eyes 
of Mr. Crawford and others who figured most promi- 
nently in shaping union policy. Specialization of this kind 
became more general as old-established offices became 
larger, and employers starting in business found it neces- 
sary to secure equipment to do specialty printing, and 
thus developed a condition which made it impossible for 
many employers to teach boys the trade, even if they 
were ever so willing. 

The instances in which circumstances compelled neg- 
lect of education were so numerous that neglect soon 
became the normal state. Those offices which were in 
a position to educate apprentices did not feel that they 
should carry the burden of providing good men for the 
trade, and there was no one to call them to account, even 
if their position was not a reasonable one when viewed 
from a business standpoint. 

New working conditions tended to make it more diffi- 
cult for journeymen to maintain an interest in the youths 
with whom they worked. Devices for lowering the cost 
of production compelled journeymen to show results in 
profit-making work, which led to the abandonment of all 
systematic attempts to teach boys. 

The youths were not without friends willing to protect 
them. Almost every person connected with the craft 
recognized conditions and many bemoaned the inevitable 
results. There did not seem to be a remedy. The craft 

1099 



History of The Typographical Union 

floundered; employers were inclined to blame the unions 
when they spoke collectively or officially. Of course, as 
the union does not hire boys, it is not responsible for the 
competency or incompetency of apprentices, so the super- 
ficial conclusion was that employers were wholly blam- 
able, and many union resolutions said as much. Among 
employers and employes who sought a remedy, a num- 
ber proposed a 'reversion to the old-style indenture sys- 
tem. This was not feasible, however, as emplo3^ers 
regarded the obligations imposed as too onerous and prof- 
itless, for it is a question in many offices whether the 
employment of boys is profitable. The greatest obstacle, 
however, was the attitude of the public mind and of the 
boys toward an indentured apprenticeship. It came to 
be regarded as a species of slavery, incompatible with 
modern conceptions of the rights and liberties of youth. 
Everybody knew that the haphazard methods would lead 
nowhere, but everybody would rather have that than 
curtail the liberty and privileges which an advancing 
civilization bestows on the young. 

Slowly but surely the world began to realize that the 
shop apprenticeship system had broken down. Some 
other system was required. Looking at other commer- 
cial countries where the opportunities are less spacious, 
it was found that in order to develop good mechanics 
and artisans training supplemental to the work in the 
shop was a necessity. This fact was brought strongly 
to the attention of the American public in 1902, when 
the United States commissioner of labor issued a volumi- 
nous report on the subject. A first fruit of this publica- 
tion was the formation in 1907 of the National Society 
for the Promotion of Industrial Education. 

In the same year the International Typographical 
Union took the initial step toward answering the ques- 
tion asked by President Crawford a quarter of a century 
before: "Are you equal to the emergency?" This tardi- 

1100 



Technical Trade Education 

ness was due to the fact that for most of the intervening 
period there was no clear idea about what could be done, 
and when it was discovered that supplemental education 
was the most practical remedy it was found that appren- 
tices and journeymen, worked to the point of exhaustion, 
were not in the proper frame of mind to absorb instruc- 
tion during their limited leisure. 

In 1907 the eight-hour workday had been established 
and the union was preparing to institute new, attractive 
features. The convention was held at Hot Springs, Ark., 
and on "talkfest day" the writer was asked to make a 
few remarks to the assembled delegates. He took for 
his subject the need of technical education, pointing out 
that the reduction in the hours of labor had made it 
possible for all but a very few to put in some time at 
perfecting his knowledge of the trade. The delegates 
adopted a resolution authorizing the executive council to 
appoint a commission "whose duty it shall be to formulate 
some system for the technical education of our members 
■and apprentices." 

President Lynch appointed as members of the commis- 
sion, A. H. McQuilkin, editor of the Inland Printer, of 
Chicago, 111. ; Frank M. Walker, of Houston, Tex., who 
resigned and was succeeded by Robert E. Darnaby, of 
Indianapolis, Ind., and W. B. Prescott, of Chicago, 111., 
with the president serving ex officio. 

The commission and executive council met in Chicago 
in joint session on December 9 and 10, and, to quote the 
report published in the Typographical Journal, "thor- 
oughly canvassed trade education as it is applicable to 
the compositor's art and the welfare of the union." 

After the conclusion of their deliberations the members 
of the executive council and the commissioners in a signed 
address to the membership said: . 

"The decadence of the apprenticeship system under 
which the employer took direct personal interest in the 

noi 



History of The Typographical Union 

youth is now generally recognized, as modern shop con- 
ditions and the specialization of labor place it beyond 
recall. The problem before the commission and the union 
officials was how best to fill the void, and, if possible, 
lay the foundation for a system of trade training that will 
in the light of present-day conditions prove more helpful 
to the craftsman than the apprenticeship system could be. 

"Obviously, the first suggestion would, be the estab- 
lishment of schools equipped with material at which 
instruction could be received. This was rejected on the 
score of expense and the fact that its benefits would be 
limited to those living in the larger printing centers. 
Several unions — notably those at Indianapolis and Los 
Angeles — have established classes for instruction in 
typography — an effort which merits the approval of the 
commission, which will at all times be willing to cooper- 
ate and aid such schools or classes. The paucity of men 
fitted to act as teachers — for the capable workman is not 
necessarily an efficient instructor — convinced the com- 
mission that it would fall far short of meeting the 
requirements of the craft if, it placed its chief reliance 
on such methods, dependent wholly on local enthusiasm 
and local talent for their success. It should also be noted 
that these commendable efforts are confined to the edu- 
cation of apprentices, while there is need for some 
means whereby journeymen may improve themselves and 
thereby increase their earning capacity, by keeping in 
step with the advance of the graphic arts. 

"Heartily as the commission approves of such agencies, 
their cost and the experimental nature of the venture 
warned it that some other method must be adopted. The 
Inland Printer Technical School has in preparation a 
correspondence course consisting of more than thirty-six 
lessons, ranging from elemental details to the most 
advanced methods of artistic display. Other efforts to 

1 102 



Technical Trade Education 

import similar knowledge by correspondence have not 
been successful, but it is the conviction of those competent 
to judge that the causes of previous failures have been 
largely anticipated. 

"Certain that the widest possible appeal could be made 
by the correspondence method and that the course in 
preparation would be as nearly perfect as possible, the 
commission devoted its attention to devising ways and 
means whereby the student could receive the instruction 
as close to cost price as possible. The Inland Printer 
Technical School undertakes to furnish the course — which 
shall be known as 'The I. T. U. Course of Instruction 
in Printing' — for $20, payable in monthly installments. 
This will include personal examination and written criti- 
cisms of the work of each student by experts, as well as 
the necessary apparatus — drawing-board, pencils, ink, 
rulers, etc. The scholarships are interminable. Scholars 
have the aid of the school for an indefinite period ; in 
other words, the scholarship lasts a lifetime. 

"Though $20 is a low price for the course, the com- 
mission, in the hope of stimulating interest in this 
comparatively new but important work, decided to offer 
a prize of $5.00 to every student who, in the opinion of 
the commission, is deserving. Briefly, the qualities which 
will determine the awarding of these prizes will be pro- 
ficiency and assiduity. 

"This plan of reward was adopted for the purpose of 
reducing the cost to the average man, who is the object 
of the union's solicitude and who suffers most by reason 
of inadequate educational facilities, in preference to the 
common one of granting a small number of large prizes 
to a few of the most advanced students. 

"At this writing, the system on which the prizes will 
be awarded can not be given, but the rules will be drafted 
in accordance with the most approved educational meth- 

1103 



History of The Typographical Union 

ods. In addition to the prize of $5.00, and as a further 
incentive to all to take advantage of the plan, the com- 
mission will make special arrangements for tuition fees 
with needy apprentices and others who may desire to 
take the course. 

"Full details relating to the correspondence course will 
be furnished later; this is but a brief outline of what 
the commission had to present to the membership, though 
it by no means exhausts what it has in view, and of 
which this is the initial step. Those interested in the wel- 
fare and advancement of our members, especially those 
engaged in job and ad composition, have been impressed 
by the invasion of the commercial artist or designer in 
the domain that once was exclusively the printer's. The 
tendency of this innovation has been to reduce the com- 
positor to the position of a mere copyist. Some few excep- 
tional workmen have maintained the traditional place in 
the art, but the great mass can not make good under exist- 
ing conditions. Not only is this prejudicial to the worker 
as a craftsman, but it prevents the best possible results 
in product and consequently retards the development of 
the craft and its followers. As a rule, the commercial 
artist or designer who directs is not understood by the 
printer who does the work. The commercial artist's con- 
ception is never fully grasped by the mind trained in 
mechanics and accustomed to working with type, while 
the commercial artist fails to acquire an adequate idea of. 
the possibilities or limitations of the material with which 
the mechanic does his work. Here we have a waste of 
effort and imperfect work, which should be obviated. 
But how? Manifestly not by making printers of the 
commercial artists or vice versa. The commission believes 
the solution is to be found in the printer acquiring an 
elemental knowledge of pertinent art principles, which, 
when applied to his daily work, will make him master 

1 104 



Technical Trade Education 

of the typographic field. Mechanical skill and artistic 
conception combined in one person will result in the cur- 
tailment of wasted effort, produce better work and greatly 
enhance the economic value of the worker, who, with this 
knowledge, becomes in truth an artisan. 

"The arrangement made with The Inland Printer 
Technical School places the complete faculties of that 
institution and the services of its experts under the control 
and at the disposal of the commission." 

It will be seen from the foregoing that the commission 
endeavored to give an ocular demonstration of the two 
principal factors in trade education, namely : ( I ) the 
whole purpose of the course is to bestow benefit on the 
student, all other considerations being secondary to his 
advancement, and (2) the application of the best and 
most advanced educational methods to trade training. As 
intended, the object lesson in these features given by the 
I. T. U. Course have had a decided influence on the gen- 
eral discussion of industrial education. 

The March Typographical Journal contained the first 
advertisement of the "I. T. U. Course of Instruction in 
Printing," and the world was told that a trade union 
had quit talking about industrial education and was put- 
ting its resolutions into effect under novel auspices. Had 
the Course been put on the market as a commercial ven- 
ture by The Inland Printer it would cost $50 or $60 at 
the lowest, but owing to the liberality of the union, com- 
positors could secure the instruction for the net cost of 
$15. The price — $20 — was found to be too low, and was 
subsequently raised to $23 for cash and $25 if paid on 
the installment plan. 

The second meeting of the National Society for the 
Promotion of Industrial Education saw the Course almost 
ready for students, and at that session the first public 
exposition of the methods to be employed was given. 

1 105 



History of The Typographical Union 

Progress was slow when compared with other activities 
in which the union had identified itself, for, as an illus- 
tration, an augmented burial fund is diffusing benefits 
within a few months after the scheme is adopted. After 
making its bow, the commission found itself confronted 
by the justifiable suspicion of the correspondence method 
of instruction, and the natural and commendable hostility 
to some of the phases of trade education that are paraded 
as technical training or industrial education, in which 
the productiveness rather than the advancement of the 
student is the prime consideration. 

Another impediment was the trade tradition that the 
office was the place to learn type composition, and also 
the wholly foundationless belief that the commission was 
trying to make more printers. That would be preposter- 
ous, for there is a sufficiency of printers, many of whom 
could be more efficient workers if given an opportunity 
to learn what they had no opportunity of learning when 
serving their apprenticeships. 

By dint of much reasoning and persuasion, printers 
began to realize the principles underlying display work 
could be taught by correspondence, and that a knowledge 
of those principles was of great advantage when applied 
to everyday work. Some of the most accomplished com- 
positors were induced to take the Course and declared 
it good. 

When the Boston convention met in August, 1908, 
there was a respectable display of work done by students, 
and the convention endorsed enthusiastically a system of 
trade education that gave such promise and was devoted 
solely to the advancement of the student and not for the 
purpose of piling up fortunes or otherwise exploiting the 
ambitious learner. 

As with some of its other features, the policy of the 
Typographical Union quickly demonstrated its utility and 

1 106 



Technical Trade Education 

practicability. Those not in close touch with the labor 
movement expressed amazement that a trade union 
should be interested in industrial education, and inci- 
dentally they learned the lesson that there were several 
different kinds of industrial education, some of which 
should be opposed vigorously, while others were entitled 
to support. Naturally, the influence of this movement 
first became manifest in printing trade organizations. 
The International Pressmen's Union took up the subject 
and quickly made a move toward establishing a technical 
school. Simultaneously the photo engravers' organiza- 
tion and the bookbinders' brotherhood became the forums 
of pertinent discussion. These organizations were not as 
fortunate as the typographical union in that they did not 
find a system of education already developed and await- 
ing the best method of application. The photo engravers 
and bookbinders were constrained to content themselves 
by conducting in their official papers departments devoted 
to technical subjects while hopefully developing more 
effective methods of instruction. 

The ever-expanding circle of the influence of the 
Course was demonstrated by the American Federation of 
Labor, which appointed a committee on industrial educa- 
tion composed of its most influential and prominent mem- 
bers. They gave unqualified endorsement to the efforts 
of the typographical union and their report on industrial 
education was in consonance with the general principles 
that had governed the commission. 

Slowly, but surely, employers began to take more inter- 
est in this effort. Some have gone so far as to give 
increased wages to any I. T. U. students, and others deal 
liberally with apprentices who take the Course. The 
most significant action on the part of organized employ- 
ers, however, is that of the Chicago Employing Printers' 
Association, which entered into an agreement with Chi- 

1107 



History of The Typographical Union 

cago Typographical Union No. 16, whereby apprentices 
are required to take the Course during the last year of 
their apprenticeships, a special increase of wages being 
provided for this purpose. 

Throughout our jurisdiction the preachings of the com- 
mission and literature distributed in behalf of the Course 
have quickened the union's conscience regarding appren- 
tices. A common form of expression is to have the union 
pay all or a portion of the apprentice's tuition fee, and 
not the least important is the fact that where this has not 
been done, men are organizing committees for the pur- 
pose of protecting the interests of the youths of the trade. 
Five years after the enrollment of the first student it is 
not an exaggeration to say that no working hour passes 
in which some person is not advised to take the Course, 
and the relation of the craft to apprentices and journey- 
men of limited skill is discussed as never before. 

Outside union circles and in foreign lands the Course 
has duplicated the cultural success it achieved among its 
own people and at home. The commission has two exhib- 
its and a series of stereopticon slides showing the work of 
students. These have been displayed in a number of cities 
and at gatherings of employing printers and publishers. 
In many cases employers and buyers of printing display 
more interest than do compositors, though there are now 
thousands of enthusiastic I. T. U. Course men. 

The education department of New South Wales secured 
permission to use the principles employed by the I. T. U. 
Commission and changed its studies in composition to 
conform to our methods. 

Instructors in technical schools of Great Britain, 
France, Germany and Australia have taken the Course 
and are commending it to their countrymen. 

The Fourth International Congress on the Relation of 
Art to the Crafts, held under the auspices of the Ger- 

1108 



Technical Trade Education 

man government at Dresden in August, 191 2, afforded 
a demonstration of the excellence of the Course and its 
far-reaching effects. The American committee selected 
the Course as being the best and most informing example 
of the application of art to the crafts. At the earnest 
solicitation of this committee of prominent educators the 
commission was represented by an exhibit and Chief 
Instructor Trezise, who explained in detail the instruc- 
tion given students. Eulogistic comment was unanimous, 
and a delegate from South Africa spoke on the value of 
the education from observing a student in his home town. 

Noticias Graficas, the leading trade paper of South 
America, has translated the advertising matter and the 
enthusiastic editor has had some specially printed so that 
patrons could benefit from illustrations showing the 
lessons. 

At home more than four thousand compositors have 
enrolled as students. They .range from the teens to the 
sixties, and include men who have won fame as com- 
positors as well as those who never had an opportunity 
to set a display line. Men who were formerly indifferent 
workers are now designing work; others have become 
advertising men, while in every nook and corner of the 
jurisdiction there are men to whom life is sweeter and 
better because of the knowledge gained through the 
Course. 

And that is how the union of 191 3 answers the ques- 
tion of President Crawford in 1884 — "Other trades look 
to you to lead the onslaught against incompetency — are 
you equal to the emergency?" 



1109 




J. T. SULLIVAN, Washington, D. C. 

International Typographical Union Copyright 

Representative, 1897 - 19 — 



Public Copyright Acts Passed 
by Congress 

International Typographical Union Copyright Legislation, with 
a Resume of the Work Connected Therewith 

By J. J. SULLIVAN 

International Typographical Union Copyright Representative 
Washington, D. C. 

THE International Typographical Union builds 
wisely. In its broad constructive policy it includes 
every feature that has a bearing on the interests of its 
members. Not only the essentials but the non-essentials 
are included in its policy. Its work not only embraces all 
the prime factors of trade unionism generally, but it also 
contemplates educational features of a practically scien- 
tific and necessary character in order to meet the require- 
ments exacted of the up-to-date typographer, as well as 
beneficial features that insure substantial aid and comfort 
to its sick, aged and superannuated members. 

Legislating wisely and with the broadest scope within 
the walls of its own conventions, the International Union 
also found it necessary to secure from congress such 
national legislation as it deemed necessary for the protec- 
tion of its membership. This feature of its work, con- 
ducted solely upon trade union lines, has been devoted to 
copyright legislation, bearing directly on what is termed 
the mechanical or manufacturing features of copyright 
law. Nearly a quarter of a century ago the attention of 
the International Union was directed to the question of 
American copyright on account of the important bearing 
that that subject had on the printing industry in the 
United States, and for twenty-five years copyright legis- 
lation has been included in the work of the International 

mi 



History of The Typographical Union 

to which it has given close and constant care. The Inter- 
national Union has been broad and generous in its policy 
in dealing with this subject, for it not only legislated for 
its own members but for all the organized workers in the 
printing industry in the United States. It alone has borne 
all the expenses of copyright legislation. No other inter- 
national union in the printing trades has expended a dol- 
lar to secure the copyright legislation, equally beneficial 
to all the workers in the printing industry, which it has 
taken the International Typographical Union twenty-five 
years to have incorporated in the law. For years it main- 
tained a copyright committee in Washington, and upon 
the elimination of that committee, with many other of 
the old standing committees, a copyright representative 
was appointed to continue the copyright work. 

The early struggles of the International to secure a 
copyright act beneficial to its members, and its persistent 
efforts in protecting the workers in the printing trades 
in the United States by the enforcement of the copyright 
acts, is a long story. It was a struggle of twenty-five 
years, but the International won. Previous to the drafting 
of the copyright act of 1891, the president of the Interna- 
tional appointed a delegate to represent the interests of 
the organization in the construction of that bill, for that 
was the first copyright act that contained any provision 
covering the interests of the members of our craft. That 
act contained a provision, known as the "manufacturing 
clause," which required that in order to secure an Amer- 
ican copyright on a book the same must be printed from 
type set or plates made within the limits of the United 
States. We thought that this was a fairly good provision, 
but we soon found that it contained some defects. We dis- 
covered in the case of stereotype plates for books printed 
abroad that were afterward reproduced in American edi- 

1112 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

tions that the type was set and the mats made abroad and 
the mats were then imported into the United States from 
which plates were made from which books were printed 
that carried American copyright. The manufacturing 
clause of the copyright act then in force required that in 
order to secure an American copyright on a book that the 
said book be printed from type set or plates made within 
the boundaries of the United States. The purpose of the 
law was in the case of a book bearing American copyright 
that the typesetting and the plate making of said book 
should be done in the United States. Some publishers 
imported mats from Europe from which plates were made 
in this country, and claimed they were complying with 
the provisions of the law. An amendment was added to 
the copyright law that required, that in order to secure 
American copyright that "the type must be set either by 
hand or machine within the borders of the United States, 
or from plates made from type set within the borders of 
the United States. By this addition the law was greatly 
strengthened. When it is understood that the wage of the 
American printer is about 75 per cent higher than the 
wage of the printer in any of the countries abroad with 
which we have to compete, the above statement relative to 
making two sets of mats or plates will not seem so remark- 
able. But there are stranger features than this to relate. 
From a compilation of public copyright enactments pre- 
pared by Mr. Thorwald Solberg, register of copyrights, 
under the direction of Mr. Herbert Putnam, librarian of 
congress, we find that there have been thirty-one public 
copyright acts passed by congress, the first in I 790 and 
the last in 1909, covering a period of 119 years. These 
acts are given in chronological order with a brief synopsis 
of each. The copyright act of March 4, 1909, which is 
the principal act relative to our craft, as well as all the 

1113 



History of The Typographical Union 

other organized workers in the printing industry in the 
United States, is not included in this list. The full text 
of the "manufacturing clause" contained in that act is 
later given in this article. 

Public Acts Relating to Copyright Passed by the Congress of the United 
States, From 1790 to 1905, Inclusive. 

May 31, 1790 [Original Copyright Act], First Congress, Second Session, Chap- 
ter 15: 
An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of maps, 
charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies during 
the times therein mentioned. (Statutes at Large, vol. 1, pp. 124-126.) 
April 29, 1802, Seventh Congress, First Session, Chapter 36? 

An act supplementary to an act entitled "An act for the encouragement 
of learning by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the 
authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein men- 
tioned," and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, 
engraving, and etching historical and other prints. (Statutes at Large, 
vol. 2, pp. 171-172.) 
February 15, 1819, Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 19: 

An act to extend the jurisdiction of the circuit courts of the United States 
to cases arising under the law relating to patents [and copyrights]. 
(Statutes at Large, vol. 3, pp. 481-482.) 
February 3, 1831 [First Revision], Twenty-first Congress, Second Session, 
Chapter 16: 
An act to amend the several acts respecting copyrights. (Statutes at 
Large, vol. 4, pp. 436-439.) 
June 30, 1834, Twenty-third Congress, First Session, Chapter 157: 

An act supplementary to the act to amend the several acts respecting 
copyrights. [Requiring the recording of assignments of copyrights.] 
(Statutes at Large, vol. 4, p. 728.) 
August 10, 1846, Twenty-ninth Congress, First Session, Chapter 178, Section 10: 
An act to establish the "Smithsonian Institution." [Requiring the delivery 
of one copy of book, etc., to the librarian of the Smithsonian Institution 
and one copy to the Librarian of Congress.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 
9, p. 106.) 
March 3, 1855, Thirty-third Congress, Second Session, Chapter 201, Section 5: 
An act making appropriations for the service of the postoffice department 
during the fiscal year 1856. [Providing for the free transmission of 
copyright deposits.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 10, p. 685.) 
August 18, 1856, Thirty-fourth Congress, First Session, Chapter 169: 

An act supplemental to an act entitled "An act to amend the several acts 
respecting copyright," approved February 3, 1831. [Securing the sole 
right of representation in the case of dramatic compositions.] (Statutes 
at Large, vol. 11, pp. 138-139.) 
February 5, 1859, Thirty-fifth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 22, Sections 
6 and 8: 
An act providing for keeping and distributing all public documents. [Pro- 
viding for the removal of all copyright deposits and records from the 
department of state to the Department of the Interior.] (Statutes at 
Large, vol. 11, pp. 380-381.) 

III4 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

February 18, 1S61, Thirty-sixth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 37: 

An act to extend the right of appeal from decisions of circuit courts to 
the supreme court of the United States [in copyright cases]. (Statutes 
at Large, vol. 12, pp. 130-131.) 
March 3, 1865, Thirty-eighth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 126: 

An act supplemental to an act entitled "An act to amend the several acts 
respecting copyright," approved February 3, 1831, and to the acts in 
addition thereto and amendments thereof. [Extending copyright pro- 
tection to photographs, etc.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 13, pp. 540-541.) 
February 18, 1867, Thirty-ninth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 43: 

An act amendatory of several acts respecting copyrights. [Imposing a 
penalty of $25 for failure to deposit copies in library of congress, and 
providing for the free transmission by mail of "copyright matter."] 
(Statutes at Large, vol. 14, p. 395-) 
July 8, 1870 [Second Revision], Forty^Hrst Congress, Second Session, Chapter 
230, Sections 85-1 1 1 : 
An act to revise, consolidate, and amend the statutes relating to patents 
and copyrights. (Statutes at Large, vol. 16, pp. 212-217.) 
June 8, 1872, Forty-second Congress, Second Session, Chapter 335, Section 184: 
An act to revise, consolidate, and amend the statutes relating to the post- 
office department. [Providing for the free transmission through the 
mails of copyright matter addressed to the librarian of congress.] (Stat- 
utes at Large, vol. 17, pp. 283, 306, 307.) 
December 1, 1873 [Third Revision] — Revised Statutes, Title 13, The Judiciary, 
Chapter 7, Section 629; Chapter 11, Section 699; Chapter 12, Section 711; 
Chapter 18, Section 972: 
(Statutes at Large, vol. 18, part 1, pp. no, in, 130, 134, 135, 183.) 
December 1, 1873 [Third Revision] — Revised Statutes, Title 60, Chapter 3, 
Copyrights: 
(Statutes at Large, vol. 18, part 1, pp. 957-960.) 
June 18, 1874, Forty-third Congress, First Session, Chapter 301: 

An act to amend the law relating to patents, trade-marks, and copyrights. 
[Notice of copyright required; fees, registration of prints for articles of 
manufacture at patent office, etc.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 18, part 3, 
pp. 78-79-) 
March 3, 1879, Forty-fifth Congress, Third Session, Chapter 180, Section 15: 
An act making appropriations for the service of the postoffice department 
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, and for other purposes. [Pro- 
viding against transmission through the mails of any publication which 
violates copyright.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 20, p. 359.) 
August 1, 1882, Forty-seventh Congress, First Session, Chapter 366: 

An act to amend the statutes in relation to copyright. [Position of notice 
of copyright in the case of decorative articles.] (Statutes at Large, 
vol. 22, p. 181.) 
March 3, 1891 [So-called International Copyright Act], Fifty-first Congress, 
Second Session, Chapter 565: 
An act to amend title 60, chapter 3, of the Revised Statutes of the United 
States, relating to copyrights. [Extending copyright in certain cases to 
works by foreign authors.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 26, pp. 1106-1110.) 
February 9, 1893, Fifty-second Congress, Second Session, Chapter 74, Sec- 
tion 8: 
An act to establish a court of appeals for the District of Columbia, and 
for other purposes. [Providing for a writ of error or appeal from the 
court of appeals of the District of Columbia to the supreme court of 
the United States in all copyright cases.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 27, 
pp. 434, 436.) 

III5 



History of The Typographical Union 

March 3, 1893, Fifty-second Congress, Second Session, Chapter 215: 

An act relating to copyrights. [Enabling act, giving, the same effect to 
copies deposited prior to March 1, 1893, as to copies deposited "on or 
before publication."] (Statutes at Large, vol. 27, p. 743.) 
January 12, 1895, Fifty-third Congress, Third Session, Chapter 23, Section 52: 
An act providing for the public printing and binding and the distribution 
of public documents. [Providing that no government publication shall 
be copyrighted.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 28, p. 608.) 
March 2, 1895, Fifty-third Congress, Third Session, Chapter 194: 

An act to amend section 4965, chapter 3, title 60, of the Revised Statutes 
of the United States, relating to copyrights. [Providing damages in 
cases of infringement of photographs and works of art.] (Statutes at 
Large, vol. 28, p. 965.) 
January 6, 1897, Fifty-fourth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 4: 

An act to amend title 60, chapter 3, of the Revised Statutes, relating to 
copyrights. [Enacting that unauthorized representation, wilful and for 
profit, is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment.] (Statutes at 
Large, vol. 29, pp. 481-482.) 
February 19, 1897, Fifty-fourth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 265 [Sec- 
tion — Library of Congress} : 
An act making appropriations for the legislative, executive and judicial 
expenses of the government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898, and 
for other purposes. [Providing for the appointment of a register of 
copyrights.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 29, pp. 545, 546.) 
March 3, 1897, Fifty -fourth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 392: 

An act to amend title 60, chapter 3, of the Revised Statutes of the United 
States, relating to copyrights. [Providing penalty for printing false 
claim of copyright and prohibiting the importation of articles bearing 
false claim of copyright.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 29, pp. 694-695.) 
April 17, 1900, Fifty-sixth Congress, First Session, Chapter 192: 

An act making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial 
expenses of the government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1901, and 
for other purposes. [Copyright office.] (Statutes at Large, vol. 31, p. 95.) 
January 7, 1904, Fifty-eighth Congress, Second Session, Chapter 2: 

An act to afford protection to exhibitors of foreign literary, artistic, or 
musical works at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. (Statutes at Large, 
vol. 33, part 1, pp. 4-5.) 
March 3, 1905, Fifty-eighth Congress, Third Session, Chapter 1432: 

An act to amend section 4952 of the Revised Statutes. (Statutes at Large, 
vol. 33, part 1, pp. 1000-1001.) 

None of these acts had any bearing, either directly or 
indirectly, on the interests of our craft, except the acts of 
1 89 1 and 1909. As previously stated, in the act of 1891 
a provision was included covering the interests of typog- 
raphers only, which required that in order to secure an 
American copyright on a book the same must be printed 
from type set or plates made within the boundaries of the 
United States. After some time we found that this pro- 

11 16 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

vision was being violated by the importation into the 
United States of practically perfect plates under the head 
of "old type metal," from which books were printed and 
American copyright secured, and also by the importation 
of "mats" from which plates were made. 

Under the tariff act of July 24, 1897, passed by the 
Fifty-fifth Congress, it is provided under section 533 of 
the free list that : 

"Old copper, fit only for re-manufacture, clippings 
from new copper, and all composition metal of which 
copper is a component material of chief value not specially 
provided for in this act, shall be admitted free of duty." 

Section 403 of the same act provides that : 

"Books of all kinds, including blank books and pam- 
phlets, and engravings bound or unbound, photographs, 
etchings, maps, charts, music in books or sheets, and 
printed matter, all the foregoing not specially provided 
for in this act, shall be dutiable at 25 per cent ad 
valorem." 

Many of the American publishers have branch houses 
in Europe, and if an American publisher who brought out 
a copyrighted book in Europe wished to bring out an 
American copyrighted edition of that book it was decid- 
edly to his interest to have the plates from which the 
European edition was printed shipped into the United 
States under the head of "old type metal" free of duty, 
instead of having the type reset and the plates remade 
in this country as the law required. I do not wish to be 
understood as saying that this practice was general, for 
there are hundreds of honest, legitimate American pub- 
lishers who would not stoop to such methods, but we do 
know that the practice was carried on extensively. This 
information was obtained from members of our own craft 
in various book printing establishments and from other 

1117 



History of The Typographical Union 

reliable sources. It used to be an easy matter to secure 
copyright in this country previous to the copyright act of 
1909. All that was necessary for an author or publisher 
who wished to secure copyright was to fill out a blank 
application stating, for illustration, that John Jones, of 
No. 12 Park Row, New York city, desired copyright on 
his book entitled "The Lost Key," and forward two copies 
of the book and one dollar for registration fee to the 
register of copyrights at Washington. Upon the receipt of 
the application by the register of copyrights, the title of 
the book, the name and address of the applicant for copy- 
right were recorded and John Jones was informed that his 
application had been registered, and this procedure 
granted him full copyright on his book. It was not the 
duty of the register of copyrights nor of any other desig- 
nated official to inquire when an application was made for 
copyright whether the provisions of the copyright act 
under which copyright was desired had been complied 
with or not, nor is it the duty of any official to do so now, 
but we have so strengthened the manufacturing clause of 
the present copyright act as to make this almost unneces- 
sary, as will be seen when we quote this act later on. 

Year after year we contended with the chief of the 
customs division in Washington that the manufacturing 
clause of the copyright act, referring to the act of 1891, 
was being vitiated and the government defrauded of its 
just revenue by the continued importation into this country 
of practically perfect plates and "shells" under the head 
of "old type metal," but we could not get the customs 
official to agree with our contentions. On different occa- 
sions we secured a set of plates showing the perfect plate, 
the slightly imperfect plate, and the battered or worthless 
plate, and these we presented to the chief customs officers 
in Washington to demonstrate our contention that all the 

1118 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

plates shown with the exception of the battered or worth- 
less plate were practically perfect and should be made 
dutiable, but we failed in every instance to carry our 
point. The reply always was: "Old type metal; free of 
duty." We doggedly persisted in our efforts and finally 
through Mr. Charles Montgomery, law officer of the 
customs division in Washington, who fully agreed with 
our contention, succeeded in reaching the secretary of 
the treasury, who at that time was Hon. Leslie M. Shaw. 
We demonstrated to the secretary with a set of plates what 
our contentions were relative to perfect plates and "old 
type metal," and it did not take the secretary thirty min- 
utes to agree with us in every respect. We respectfully 
suggested to the secretary that he ought to issue specific 
instructions to the collectors of customs at all ports in the 
United States relative to perfect plates and "old type 
metal," and that the subject ought to be illustrated by the 
reproduction of the plates shown him, so that the customs 
officials at all ports would be able to distinguish between 
perfect, slightly imperfect and imperfect or worthless 
plates. The secretary agreed to do this later on, but in 
order to expedite matters we had a set of halftones made 
reproducing the plates we wished to demonstrate and 
furnished them to the treasury official in charge of the 
printing division of the treasury, and the next month the 
secretary of the treasury issued a special official circular 
in which the plates were shown with instructions relative 
to them, and these circulars were sent to the collectors 
of customs at every port in the United States. This put 
a stop to a great extent to the importation of slightly 
imperfect but practically perfect plates under the head of 
"old type metal." A plate could be made slightly imper- 
fect, but practically perfect for the purpose for which it 
was intended, by punching a hole in the blank space pre- 

II 19 



History of The Typographical Union 

ceding a chapter page, or in the blank space concluding a 
chapter, or by mashing a word or two which could be 
easily remedied. 

The official circular issued by the treasury department 
is herewith reproduced. 

[Stereotype and Electrotype Plates and Shells, fraudulent entry of.] 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, July 3, 1906. 

To the Collectors and Other Officers of the Customs. 

It is represented to this department that perfect stereotype 
and electrotype plates and "shells" for printing, which are duti- 
able, are imported into the United States and entered as fit only 
for remanufacture and passed free of duty under paragraph 533 
of the tariff act of July 24, 1897. It is also alleged that by this 
method the provision in section 4956 of the Revised Statutes, 
as amended by the act approved March 3, 189 1, requiring the 
two copies of books delivered or deposited for copyright pur- 
poses to be printed from type set within the limits of the United 
States, or from plates made therefrom, is violated, in that not 
infrequently books delivered and deposited in the copyright 
office for registration are printed from the plates and shells 
manufactured abroad and so imported. See in this connection 
T. D. 20404 of December 10, 1898. 

There are printed herewith fac-similes of plates and shells 
perfect in all respects, plates and shells slightly imperfect, but 
which may be made perfect at trifling expense, and a plate or 
shell which is in reality fit only for remanufacture ; all properly 
designated. 

A "shell" is defined to be "a thin film of copper which forms 
the face of an electrotype, and is afterward backed with type 
metal to the required thickness." 

Plates and shells entered as fit only for remanufacture, free 
of duty under paragraph 533, ante, should be carefully in- 
spected and compared with the fac-similes herewith, and 
whenever it appears that plates or shells so entered are, in fact, 
perfect plates or shells, or plates or shells which may be made 
perfect without remanufacture, or that they are imported in 
violation of section 4956 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, 

1 120 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

you will apply the provisions of sections 6 and 9 of the act of 
June 10, 1890, relating to false and fraudulent declarations, 
invoices, etc. Leslie m< Shaw? 

Secretary. 
Mindful of the easy manner of securing copyright 
under the copyright act of 1 891, we endeavored when the 
present copyright act was under consideration to so 
broaden and strengthen the manufacturing clause of the 
act as to secure the full protection to our craft which that 
provision was intended to give. Under the copyright act 
of 1 89 1, the first act which contained any provision rela- 
tive to our craft, only typographers were included in the 
provision. When the act of 1909 was under considera- 
tion all the other crafts in the printing industry sought 
protection under its provisions. That bill was under con- 
sideration for two years. Numerous conferences were 
held, but the only representatives present were those from 
the lithographers and typographers, and on one occasion 
the president and secretary of the bookbinders. At the 
request of the officers of the other crafts and under 
instructions from President Lynch, who has always taken 
a keen interest in copyright matters and who has given 
the International copyright representative his warmest 
support, we were instructed to represent all the crafts not 
represented and endeavor to have the manufacturing 
clause in the proposed new act broadened so as to provide 
that in order to secure copyright in this country the com- 
plete manufacture of the book must be done in the United 
States. This feature we succeeded in having incorporated 
in the act. We also sought to have the method of securing 
copyright made more secure by requiring that copyright 
could only be secured by the applicant filing with his 
application for copyright an affidavit under the seal of 
a registered notary that the provisions of the manufactur- 
ing clause had been complied with in all respects, and that 

1121 



History of The Typographical Union 

the two copies of the book required to be filed with the 
application had been produced under the provisions of the 
manufacturing clause of the law. Great opposition was 
offered to this provision, the publishers claiming that such 
a requirement would subject them to annoyance and 
expense. The publishers would not stand for the affidavit 
feature. We would not stand for anything less. Just at 
this critical time there was imported into San Francisco 
from Japan a large consignment of school books of the 
standard American series then used in our public schools. 
This same class of books was selling on the American 
market at from 45 to 70 cents per copy. The same class 
of books imported into the port of San Francisco were 
invoiced at 7 cents per copy. The collector of the port 
held up the books on the ground that they were improp- 
erly invoiced. Upon a further examination of the books 
he found the imprint of a prominent Philadelphia pub- 
lisher on the title page, and on the back of the title page 
a notice of American copyright by the same publisher. 
The treasury department was notified and I was called 
into the case. Under the copyright act of 1891 the owner 
of the copyright had to be notified and given thirty days 
to reply. The Philadelphia publisher replied that he was 
the owner of the copyright and that all the plates had 
been stolen. That story was about as thin as a knife blade 
and is in line with many more stories that have come up 
during my experience in copyright matters. Every hon- 
est man will say that the Philadelphia publisher entered 
into an arrangement with some Japanese publisher to 
have the plates shipped to Japan, the books produced 
there, and then a bold attempt made to import them into 
the United States. Under the copyright act the books were 
not allowed entry into this country and had to be returned. 
But it is a safe proposition that they found their way 
into the United States at some other port. This fact was 

1 122 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

called to the attention of the publishers at the next con- 
ference on the present copyright act and it opened their 
eyes pretty wide. We told them that it would not take 
many years under such conditions to put the American 
publisher out of business, and we further told them that 
in legislating for the typographers we were also legis- 
lating for the publishers. The affidavit feature went 
through without any further opposition and the honest, 
legitimate publishers of the United States are just as 
stanch advocates of the manufacturing clause of the 
current copyright act as the printers, and they desire to 
see every provision of that clause observed. The copy- 
right act of 1909, which is the current act, follows : 

Section 15. That of the printed book or periodical specified 
in section 5, sub-sections (a) and (b) of this act, except the 
original text of a book of foreign origin in a language or lan- 
guages other than English, the text of all copies accorded 
protection under this act, except as below provided, shall be 
printed from type set within the limits of the United States, 
either by hand or by the aid of any kind of typesetting machine, 
or from plates made within the limits of the United States from 
type set therein, or, if the text be produced by lithographic 
process, or photo engraving process, then by a process wholly 
performed within the limits of the United States, and the print- 
ing of the text and binding of the said book shall be performed 
within the limits of the United States ; which requirements shall 
extend also to the illustrations within a book consisting of 
printed text and illustrations produced by lithographic process, 
or photo engraving process, and also to separate lithographs 
or photo engravings, except where in either case the subjects 
represented are located in a foreign country and illustrate a sci- 
entific work or reproduce a work of art ; but they shall not apply 
to works in raised characters for the use of the blind, or to books 
of foreign origin in a language or languages other than English, 
or to books published abroad in the English language seeking 
ad interim protection under this act. 

Sec. 16. That in the case of the book the copies so deposited 
shall be accompanied by an affidavit, under the official seal of 
any officer authorized to administer oaths within the United 

1 123 



History of The Typographical Union 

States, duly made by the person claiming copyright or by his 
duly authorized agent or representative residing in the United 
States, or by the printer who has printed the book, setting forth 
that the copies deposited have been printed from type set within 
the limits of the United States or from plates made within the 
limits of the United States from type set therein ; or, if the text 
be produced by lithographic process', or photo engraving process, 
that such process was wholly performed within the limits of the 
United States, and that the printing of the text and binding of 
the said book have also been performed within the limits of the 
United States. Such affidavit shall state also the place where 
and the establishment or establishments in which such type was 
set or plates were made or lithographic process, or photo 
engraving process or printing and binding were performed and 
the date of the completion of the printing of the book or the 
date of publication. 

Sec. 17. That any person who, for the purpose of obtaining 
registration of a claim to copyright, shall knowingly make a 
false affidavit as to his having complied with the above condi- 
tions shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon 
conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than 
one thousand dollars, and all of his rights and privileges under 
said copyright shall thereafter be forfeited. 

It is a well-understood proposition that the workers in 
the printing industry in the United States cannot compete 
with the workers in the printing industry of Europe. That 
is the reason that we have followed copyright legislation 
for years in order to secure protection from the competi- 
tion of European typographers. That is the reason that 
we contended that on every American book bearing copy- 
right, and on every American edition of a foreign book 
applying for copyright, the same should be printed in the 
United States. 

The United States Bureau of Labor in September, 
1904, in Bulletin No. 54, in an article prepared by Mr. 
G. W. W. Hanger on wages and hours of skilled workers 
in the United States and Europe, included a table and 
chart relative to compositors in the United States and 
four European cities. With three of these cities we come 

1 124 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

in direct competition in the printing of books. These cities 
are in Great Britain, Germany and France. The table and 
chart are herewith produced : 

COMPOSITORS 



YEAR 



WAGES PER HOUR 



United 

States 

(b) 



Great 
Britain 



Germany 
(Nurem- 
berg: 
only) 



France 



Belgium 



1891. 
1892. 
1893. 
1894. 
1895. 
1896. 
1897. 
1898. 
1899. 
1900. 
1901 . 
1902. 
1903. 



$0.3980 
•3997 
.4013 

• 3933 

• 3796 
.3827 
.3897 
•3925 
•3934 
.4086 
.4071 
.4252 
•4352 
.4467 



$0.1572 
.1651 
.1689 
.1692 

.1693 
.1689 
.1695 
.1697 
.1697 
.1699 
.1699 
•I730 
.1768 
• 1795 



$0 



1065 
1048 
1109 
1 141 
ii53 
1238 
1215 
1295 
1282 
1294 
1299 
1364 
1369 
1411 



$0. 



1207 
1207 
1207 
1207 
1207 
1207 
1207 
1207 
1255 
1255 
1255 
1255 
1255 
1303 



Jo. 0788 
.0756 
.0772 
.0762 
.0790 
.0794 
.0796 
.0825 
.0820 
.0825 
•0833 
.0820 
.0907 
• 0955 



COMPOSITORS 



YEAR 



HOURS PER WEEK 



United 

States 



Great 
Britain 



Germany 

(Nurem- 
berg- 
only) 



France 



Belgium 



1890. 
1891. 
1892. 
1893. 
1894. 
1895. 
1896. 
1897. 
1898. 
1899. 
1900. 
1901. 
1902. 
1903. 



53-15 
52.62 
52.58 
53-13 
52.75 
52.73 
52.58 
52.47 
52.06 
51.26 
51.09 
50-37 
49.96 
49.81 



54-33 
52.67 
52.17 
52.17 
52.17 
52.17 
52.17 
52.17 
52.17 
52.17 
52.17 
51.67 
50.83 
50.00 



57-40 
57.78 
57-32 
57-10 
56.36 
53-41 
53-6o 
51.16 
51-13 
51-47 
50.80 
50.47 
51.21 
51.08 



60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 



60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
60.00 
54-00 
54.00 



This table covers a period of 14 years, from .1890 to 
1903, inclusive. These data were secured for compositors 
generally, regardless of their union or non-union affilia- 
tions, and therefore include both union and non-union 



1 125 



History of The Typographical Union 

men. If the data had been secured for union compositors 
the rate shown would be materially higher. Coming 
down to the last year shown in the table, 1903, we find 
that the wages of compositors in the United States were 
44.67 cents per hour, those in Great Britain 17.95 cents 
per hour, those in Germany 14. 1 1 cents per hour, those in 
France 13.03 cents per hour, and those in Belgium 9.55 
cents per hour. Bringing these figures down to a percent- 
age basis, we find that the wages of compositors in the 
United States in 1903 were 60 per cent higher than those 
in Great Britain, 68 per cent higher than those in Ger- 
many, 73 per cent higher than those in France, and 
79 per cent higher than those in Belgium. I believe it 
will be readily seen that we can not compete with the 
typographers of Europe. Our rates have advanced very 
materially and our hours have been materially reduced 
since 1903, so that the rates shown do not represent the 
wages or hours of our craft. They are given for com- 
parative purposes, viz. : to show the rates and hours of 
compositors in the United States and Europe. The accom- 
panying chart shows the average wages per hour for the 
same years and the average hours per week. The chart 
is very simple and needs no explanation. 

Under the present act the duration of copyright is 
twenty-eight years, with a renewal at the end of that 
period of twenty-eight additional years, so that the length 
of time of American copyright is fifty-six years. During 
the life of an American copyright on a book all foreign 
importations of that book are prohibited under section 30 
of the act of 1909, which is herewith given. There are 
some exceptions to that prohibition which are also given 
and herewith follow : 

Section 31. That during the existence of the American 
copyright in any book the importation into the United States of 
any piratical copies thereof or of any copies thereof (although 

1 126 



Wages and Hours of Labor 
United States and Europe — 1890 to 1903 

COMPOSITORS 



CENTS 
PER HOUR 


AVERAGE WAGES PER HOUR 
1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 


CENTS 
PER HOUR 


70 
65 
60 
55 
50 
45 
40 
35 
30 
25 
20 
15 
10 
5 
























• 








70 

65 
60 
55 
50 
45 
40 
35 
30 
25 
20 
15 
10 
5 
























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































HOURS 
PER WEEK 


1890 1891 18 


AVERAGE HOURS PER WEEK 

92 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 


HOURS 
PER WEEK 


85 

80 
75 
70 
65 
60 
55 
50 
45 


1 . 


























85 
80 
75 
70 
65 
60 
55 
50 
45 




















































































































































— 

















































































































UNITED STATES ■■■ = GREAT BRITAIN HBB = GERMANY 

Nurenberg- Only 



Public Copyright Acts Passed by Congress 

authorized by the author or proprietor) which have not been 
produced in accordance with the manufacturing provisions spec- 
ified in section 15 of this act, or any plates of the same not made 
from type set within the limits of the United States, or any 
copies thereof produced by lithographic or photo-engraving 
process not performed within the limits of the United States, in 
accordance with the provisions of section 15 of this act, shall be, 
and is hereby, prohibited : Provided, however, That, except as 
regards piratical copies, such prohibition shall not apply : 

(a) To works in raised characters for the use of the blind; 

(b) To a foreign newspaper or magazine, although contain- 
ing matter copyrighted in the United States printed or reprinted 
by authority of the copyright proprietor, unless such newspaper 
or magazine contains also copyright matter printed or reprinted 
without such authorization ; 

(c) To the authorized edition of a book in a foreign lan- 
guage or languages of which only a translation into English has 
been copyrighted in this country ; 

(d) To any book published abroad with the authorization of 
the author or copyright proprietor when imported under the 
circumstances stated in one of the four subdivisions following, 
that is to say : 

First. When imported, not more than one copy at one time, 
for individual use and not for sale ; but such privilege of impor- 
tation shall not extend to a foreign reprint of a book by an 
American author copyrighted in the United States ; 

Second. When imported by the authority or for the use of the 
United States; 

Third. When imported, for use and not for sale, not more 
than one copy of any such book in any one invoice, in good faith, 
by or for any society or institution incorporated for educational, 
literary, philosophical, scientific, or religious purposes, or for 
the encouragement of the fine arts, or for any college, academy, 
school, or seminary of learning, or for any state, school, college, 
university, or free public library in the United States ; 

Fourth. When such books form parts of libraries or collec- 
tions purchased en bloc for the use of societies, institutions, or 
libraries designated in the foregoing paragraph, or form parts 
of the libraries or personal baggage belonging to persons or 
families arriving from foreign countries and are not intended 
for sale. 

1 127 



History of The Typographical Union 

Under the above provisions, which are known as the 
privileged sections of the law, there will be seen under 
paragraph three, a reference to libraries, literary societies, 
etc. These public libraries and societies are allowed to 
import one copy at any one invoice of a prohibited book. 
When it is understood that there are over 10,000 public 
libraries and literary societies in the United States, the 
magnitude of their importations of prohibited books can 
be better understood. 

While these institutions can import only one copy at 
any one invoice, there is nothing to prevent them sending 
out invoices, continually. We know of a number of cases 
where librarians have publicly stated that they purchased 
a great many books abroad on account of their cheapness. 
It was never intended by congress that public librarians 
should exploit books from abroad to the detriment of the 
American publisher and printer. They were only sup- 
posed to purchase a book abroad when the same could not 
be found on the American market, but it is a pretty well- 
known fact that some librarians are purchasing books 
from abroad for the profit there is in it for themselves. 
This is the one feature that violates the manufacturing 
clause of the present copyright act, and it is a feature that 
we are giving close attention to. We have followed this 
matter for some time and we have put^plans under way 
which we believe will give us a direct line to what extent 
these libraries and societies are importing books from 
abroad. When we have these data, if the facts warrant it, 
we intend to ask congress to withdraw the privileged pro- 
visions relative to public libraries, etc. With this amend- 
ment added to the current act we believe that we will have 
finally secured a copyright law that will insure to the 
members of our craft the protection that we have so long 
sought to obtain. 

1 128 







CHARLES DEACON 

Superintendent Union Printers Home 
Colorado Springs, Colo. 



Historical Sketch of 
The Union Printers Home 

IN May, 1857, the first proposition to establish a 
home, or asylum, for invalid, aged or infirm union 
printers, was made to the National Typographical Union 
at its session in New Orleans, La. The proposition, how- 
ever, did not meet with serious consideration and was 
dropped until i860, when it was again discussed, but no 
action taken. Ten years elapsed when the question was 
renewed at the eighteenth annual session, held at Cin- 
cinnati in 1870, but the delegates of the International 
Typographical Union deemed the measure impracticable. 
Similar action was taken in 1877, and the subject was 
lost sight of until the session of 1882, when a committee 
was appointed to consider the advisability of devising 
ways and means for the maintenance of a home for dis- 
abled union printers, on the plan of the national soldiers' 
homes. Nothing came of this action, and the consumma- 
tion of the project seemed as far off as ever, until George 
W. Childs and A. J. Drexel presented the International 
Typographical Union with a check for $10,000, at the 
thirty-fourth annual session, held at Pittsburgh in 1886. 
The gift was accepted and the disposition thereof was 
referred to a special committee of five. 

At the next session of the International Typographical 
Union, held in Buffalo in 1887, the trustees of the fund 
reported $11,020.04 m their possession. At this meeting, 
S. J. Triplett, of Austin, Tex., presented an offer from 
the mayor and council of that city, in which they agreed 
to donate seven acres of ground, provided the Interna- 
tional Typographical Union would erect thereon a Home 
for sick and indigent printers. The communication was 
referred to a special committee and they deemed it advis- 

1129 



History of The Typographical Union 

able to establish such a Home, provided the plan could 
be demonstrated to be feasible, a point which it was 
impossible for them to determine in the limited time given 
for consideration. John D. Vaughan, one of the mem- 
bers of the committee, made a report to the Kansas City 
convention in 1888, in which he suggested that the fund 
be used to endow hospitals at Austin, Tex. ; Denver, 
Colo., and Los Angeles, Cal., and have wards assigned 
to sick printers. The report was received and ordered 
placed on file. 

Thus the matter went over to the Denver convention of 
1889, before which Will Lambert appeared and asked 
that the Home be established in Austin. In addition to 
the proposition of Mr. Lambert, four others were pre- 
sented, one of the most important being that of Charles 
S. Semper, of Semper, Jefferson County, Colorado, who 
proffered the International Typographical Union eighty 
acres of land, nine miles north of Denver, for a Home 
site; but the proposition made by Louis R. Ehrich, of 
Colorado Springs, Colo., was the most popular. On 
behalf of the board of trade of that city, Mr. Ehrich 
offered to deed to the International Typographical Union 
eighty acres of land one mile east of Colorado Springs, 
conditioned : 

That the International Typographical Union would 
commence the erection of a Home on said tract within 
two years, to cost not less than $20,000, and to be com- 
pleted within one year from date of commencement. 

Mr. Ehrich addressed the convention at length on the 
subject of locating the Home at Colorado Springs. He 
directed attention to the fact that the leading physicians 
of the country had agreed in characterizing Colorado 
Springs as the most perfect sanatorium and health resort 
in the world for the cure of all forms of throat and 
lung diseases — diseases to which printers were especially 

1130 



Union Printers Home 

liable — and urged that the establishment of such a home, 
in the highway of trans-continental travel, would natu- 
rally attract the attention of many wealthy and charitably 
disposed citizens, and prove a source of strength and 
influence to the International Typographical Union. 

At the conclusion of Mr. Ehrich's remarks, a resolution 
recommending "that a committee of three be appointed, 
consisting of the president, second vice-president and 
secretary-treasurer, to arrange the details to formally 
accept the proposition, and to take such legal steps as 
may be necessary in connection therewith," was adopted. 

Pursuant to the provisions of this resolution, the com- 
mittee proceeded to carry out its instructions, and on 
June 22, 1889, an agreement for the transfer of the land 
was entered into between the committee, as trustees of 
the International Typographical Union, and A. A. Mc- 
Govney and F. L. Martin, the latter gentlemen repre- 
senting the board of trade of Colorado Springs. The 
question of finally accepting the proposition was voted 
upon by the membership of the International Typograph- 
ical Union in the fall of 1889, and the action of the 
Denver convention was ratified by a vote of 4,828 to 
1,532, only about one-third of the members voting. 

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS SOLICITED 

At the Denver convention the sum of $21,689.45 was 
reported in the hands of the trustees of the fund. The 
convention having made no provision for the raising of 
additional money to erect a Home, an appeal for volun- 
tary contributions, to be applied toward the building of 
the institution, was immediately issued to the members, 
in which it was stated that under the terms of the gift 
it would be necessary to commence the erection of a 
building by June 22, 1 89 1. The appeal was responded 
to by many unions and members, and at the time of the 

1131 



History of The Typographical Union 

meeting of the Atlanta convention, in 1890, the contribu- 
tions amounted to $4,199.55, which was turned over to 
the Home corporation, the creation of which was author- 
ized at this session. 

The Atlanta convention also ordered the Childs-Drexel 
fund transferred to the new board of trustees of the 
Home, to be used for building and maintenance; that a 
per capita tax of $1.00 be levied, collectible at the rate 
of 10 cents per month, to be applied to the Home fund; 
and that the board of trustees should have power to 
regulate and determine the uses and purposes of the 
Home. On September 24, 1890, the trustees filed articles 
of incorporation in the office of the secretary of state of 
Colorado. 

HOME BUILDING DECIDED UPON 

At a meeting of the board of trustees, on November 19, 
1890, it was determined to build a $50,000 edifice, and a 
building committee was appointed to have charge of the 
work. On March 17, 1891, this committee awarded the 
contract for the main building at a cost of about $60,000. 

A recommendation that an assessment of 10 cents per 
month be levied on the membership, to be applied to the 
building and maintenance of the Home, was submitted to 
the Boston session of the International Typographical 
Union, in 1891, by the trustees, and was adopted by the 
convention. It was further decided that the anniversary 
of the birthday of George W. Childs, May 12, 1892, 
should be celebrated by the dedication of the Home. 

THE DEDICATION 

As previously noted, May 12, 1892, was set aside for 
the dedication of the Home. The city of Colorado Springs 
was crowded with people from all parts of the state, and 
many distant points. The trade unions and civic societies 
joined in a monster parade through the city, after which 
they adjourned to the Home, where the visitors were 

1132 



Union Printers Home 

received by a committee of ladies from Denver and Colo- 
rado Springs. The exercises were held in the open space 
in front of the Home. Vice-President Aimison, of the 
board of trustees, opened with a short address, and was 
followed by Rev. James B. Gregg with a fervent prayer 
of dedication. The Colorado Springs band and the 
Pueblo Cowboy band rendered several selections, after 
which Governor Routt, of Colorado, was introduced. His 
speech was brief but appropriate. Following him came 
Mayor Ira G. Sprague, of Colorado Springs, who deliv- 
ered a short address, in which he paid a high tribute to 
the printer and his work, and extended a cordial welcome 
to all strangers present. James McKenna, first vice-presi- 
dent of the International Typographical Union, re- 
sponded to the mayor's address of welcome. The most 
conspicuous figure on the platform, Mr. George W. 
Childs, was then introduced. Cheers greeted his introduc- 
tion and followed the conclusion of his talk. Leon 
Hartigan, a Creede printer, read a specially prepared 
poem by Eugene H. Munday, the poet-printer. August 
Donath gave an interesting history of the Home, and was 
succeeded by Senator Jacob H. Gallinger, of New Hamp- 
shire, an old typo, who delivered the principal oration of 
the day. Short talks were made by Mr. Capeller, presi- 
dent of the National Editorial Association, and Bishop 
McLaren. Letters were received and read from John G. 
Whittier, George W. Curtis, and the acting editor-in- 
chief of the New York World, expressing good wishes. 
The benediction by Dean A. R. Keifer, of Grace Church, 
Colorado Springs, fittingly closed the services of the day, 
after which the building was opened for inspection. 

Colorado Springs, where the Home is located, is a city 
of 30,000 inhabitants, situated upon a plateau about 
6,000 feet above the sea. Electric cars will take you to the 
mountains only a few miles away. The charms and fasci- 

1133 



History of The Typographical Union 

nations of the surrounding mountain scenery have fur- 
nished a theme for many pens. Who has not heard of 
Pike's Peak, of Manitou, with its health-giving springs 
and picturesque villas, of the Garden of the Gods, Glen 
Eyrie, and Cheyenne Canon? All these and many more 
are close at hand, affording a never-failing delight at each 
visit. Medicinal springs, with healing waters, bubble up 
amid the foothills, and a light, dry atmosphere, with an 
abundance of clear weather and brilliant sunshine, has 
been and is doing wonders for thousands of invalids who 
seek health and life in this vicinity. 

The surface of the townsite is almost flat, with a 
gradual slope to the south. The annual precipitation — 
rain and snow — averages about fifteen inches. The sun 
shines almost constantly, and days are infrequent, summer 
or winter, when it is not pleasant out of doors. The shade 
affords relief from the summer sun, and the nights are 
always cool; and though the mercury sometimes drops 
below zero in winter, the dryness of the atmosphere 
prevents the low temperature from causing extreme 
discomfort. 

THE HOME SITE 

On a commanding eminence, overlooking Colorado 
Springs and the surrounding plains, stand the Home 
buildings. They face the west, and from this point we 
have a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains from 
Castle Rock on the north to the Spanish Peaks on the 
south, a distance of 120 miles. To the west the land 
slopes down to the city, and to the southwest to Prospect 
Lake. To the south and east the land inclines to a dry 
creek. The soil is dry and loose, but produces abundantly 
when properly irrigated. 

On each side of the driveway, -extending from the 
gateway to the main building — a distance of 650 feet — 
there is a broad cement walk; bordering it and surround- 

1134 



Union Printers Home 

ing the Home are lawns comprising an area of twelve 
acres. These lawns abound in flowers, shrubs and trees, 
maple and elm alternating in front and along the 
driveway. 

The main building is of white lava stone, with red 
sandstone trimmings. The main edifice is 144 feet long 
by 44 feet wide, with a wing in the rear of the north end 
85 by 40 feet. Porches extend from the wing to the south 
end of the building on the first and second stories, afford- 
ing easy access to any part of the building from the rear. 
Each story contains a central hall the entire length of the 
building, every room opening into the main hallway, in 
addition to having outer windows. A broad stone stair- 
way, protected by heavy balustrades, leads up to the 
massive archway of the portico. From the vestibule the 
open portals of the main entrance invite to spacious 
parlors, reception rooms and chambers on either side of 
the main hall. Above the portico, in the second-story cap 
course of sandstone, in raised gothic letters, are the words, 
"Union Printers Home," while on either side, throughout 
the front elevation, suitable carving ornaments the ex- 
terior. The inside finish is all natural white pine, except 
the stairway, which is white oak, with carved panels. The 
building contains seventy-five rooms, the kitchen, pantries, 
cold storage room, dining room, closets, etc., being on the 
basement floor. 

THE SANATORIUM BUILDING 

Consumption being one of the diseases to which print- 
ers are especially liable, it is not surprising that the 
ravages of this disease caused many to seek shelter and 
care at the Home. This class of inmates began increasing 
early in 1893, and at the Louisville session of the Inter- 
national Typographical Union in 1894 it was reported by 
the superintendent that the authorities of the state of 
Colorado were contemplating the enactment of a law to 

1135 



History of The Typographical Union 

compel the segregation of consumptives at such institu- 
tions as the Home. The erection of a hospital was 
suggested, but the convention failed to take any action on 
the subject. In the report of the executive committee of 
the Home trustees to the Colorado Springs convention in 
1896, the hospital proposition was taken up and the 
advisability of such a building discussed. As a result of 
this action by the committee, the following resolution to 
the convention was unanimously adopted : 

That an assessment of 50 cents on each member in the juris- 
diction of the International Typographical Union shall be 
levied to provide funds to build a hospital annex to the Union 
Printers Home, said assessment to be due and payable on 
Christmas day, December 25, and forwarded to the secretary- 
treasurer on or before February 1, 1897. 

This resolution was at once submitted to the member- 
ship, and resulted in its endorsement. When the result of 
the vote became known, a great rivalry as to which should 
be the first to pay the assessment was manifested by local 
unions, and though none of the money was due until 
December 25, 1896, a number of local bodies sent in their 
contributions previous to that date, • so as to make their 
offering in truth a Christmas gift. The assessment was 
rapidly paid, and the trustees lost no time in arranging 
for the building of the sanatorium. 

The hospital building is located just south of the main 
structure, covering a space of 50 x 90 feet, and was orig- 
inally but two stories in height. The demands for admis- 
sion to this building having outgrown its capacity, the 
board of trustees, at its annual meeting in September, 
1902, decided to increase the number of rooms by adding 
another story. The architects who designed the original 
building were instructed to prepare plans for the new 
addition and to carry out the general scheme of the lower 
stories. This method was followed and work was com- 
menced on the improvement early in January, 1903, and 

1 136 



Union Printers Home 

completed in April of the same year. The architecture of 
the hospit I is in keeping with that of the main building, 
the superstructure being of Castle Rock lava stone. 

In 1904 ten tents were erected near the hospital 
building for the use of tuberculous patients. They proved 
to be such a valuable acquisition to the hospital service in 
the treatment of lung trouble that ten more were added in 
1907. The tents are octagonal in shape, with framework 
as substantial as that of a house, are securely anchored on 
four sides, and will withstand the most severe winds. The 
covering is of the best 15 -ounce double-filler army canvas, 
and is impervious to snow, wind or rain. A circulation of 
air is secured by an arrangement of ventilators in the 
floor around f jur sides of the tent and in the peak. These 
ventilators can be closed, but are kept open except in 
extremely coh' weather. The tents are steam-heated, 
lighted by electricity, and have a system of electric call 
bells, by which the occupants can immediately summon 
a nurse. 

With twenty tents and the hospital given up to tuber- 
cular residents, there was need of a central building for 
their use. To supply this want a new building, called the 
solarium, was erected in 1907. 

The experimental stage in open air treatment for tuber- 
culosis has long since been passed. Fully 50 per cent, of 
the patients who have the advantage of "tent life" and 
the regenerating rays of the Colorado sun have recovered 
health and strength and have been enabled to again 
assume business duties. There are many tent colonies in 
Colorado, but few of them compare with the tuberculosis 
sanatorium at the Home. 

THE LAUNDRY AND HEATING PLANT 

The laundry and heating plant is located about ninety 
feet east of the main building and hospital, and covers 
6,100 square feet. The dimensions of the laundry are 

1*37 



History of The Typographical Union 

30x59 feet. Its machinery equipment is ample, and of 
the latest design and best quality. The sterilizing and 
disinfecting apparatus in use reduces to a minimum the 
chances of contagion through the medium of clothing, 
etc., used by the sick. 

To the south of the laundry is the engine room. The 
room is large enough to accommodate two dynamos, 
should the Home install an electric lighting system. Two 
151 horse-power water tube boilers have recently been 
installed to take the place of the two forty horse-power 
boilers which were originally purchased when the Home 
was first established. 

The second story contains fifteen large sleeping rooms, 
with necessary lavatory accommodations. These rooms 
are used by the male help of the institution. 

THE LIBRARY 

The original library of the Home contained about 
3,000 books, a large number of which were donated by 
employing printers, the principal promoters of this 
acceptable feature being H. G. Bishop and W. B. Mac- 
Kellar. In 1906 Frank Swigart, of St. Louis Union, 
interested a number of publishers, authors and prominent 
people in the Home library, and several thousand volumes 
were donated to the library through his efforts. At the 
suggestion of James Monroe Kreiter, of Washington, 
D. C, delegates and visitors to the 1906 Colorado Springs 
convention of the International Typographical Union 
were asked to bring a book with them for the Home 
library. As a result of the efforts of Messrs. Swigart and 
Kreiter, the library now contains almost 10,000 volumes. 
The Home also receives 228 papers, including many 
leading dailies, weeklies and monthlies, together with 
several religious and German papers. Eight magazines 
are received through the courtesy of their publishers, and 
the Home subscribes for two copies of each of the leading 

1 138 



Union Printers Home 

monthlies. The library is supplied with literature that 
would be a credit to any institution. 

GATEWAY AT ENTRANCE TO GROUNDS 

The magnificent stone gateway at the entrance to the 
grounds consists of a central elliptical arch, 12 feet 9 
inches wide by 13 feet 4 inches high, for vehicles, with a 
half-circle arch on each side, 5 feet wide by 8 feet high, 
for pedestrians. Between the center and side arches are 
heavy piers, 3 feet 9 inches square and 19 feet 6 inches 
high. Smaller piers are erected on the sides, with a 
curved wrought-iron railing. The driveway is furnished 
with double wrought-iron gates, £he side gates being of 
similar material. 

The face of the central arch stones bears the inscription 
in gilded letters : "Union Printers Home — Erected and 
Maintained by the International Typographical Union." 
The date of the erection of the Home — A. D. 1891 — is 
placed over the side arches. Light is provided from orna- 
mental wrought-iron electric lamps, placed on each side 
of the large piers. An ornamental iron fence extends 
some 450 feet on either side of the gateway. This im- 
provement, which was completed in 190 1, cost about 
$1,600. 

SUPERINTENDENT S COTTAGE 

The superintendent and his family occupy a six-room 
modern cottage, located a short distance north of the main 
building. This dwelling is heated by steam and lighted 
by electricity, and it is connected by telephone with the 
main building and hospital. The outside walls are of 
white lava stone, similar to that used in the other build- 
ings. This addition was completed in 1 900, its cost, in- 
cluding furnishings, being $3,400. 

BARNS AND LIVE STOCK 

In 1907 the stock barns erected some years previously 
were partially destroyed by fire. New barns and sheds, 

1139 



History of The Typographical Union 

presenting a handsome architectural appearance, and in 
keeping with the substantial character of the other Home 
buildings, were immediately erected at a cost of about 
$3,300. They are large enough to house twenty-five head 
of cattle and six horses. The cattle are Holsteins, and the 
herd is one of the finest in Colorado. 

SUPPORTED BY THE MEMBERSHIP 

Many people suppose that the expenses of the Home 
are defrayed by endowments. Such is not the case. Since 
the original gift of Messrs. Childs and Drexel, the Home 
has received but one endowment, that being made by 
Herman S. Hoyt, trustee of the estate of Julia A. Ladd, 
of Shirley, Mass. This bequest of $1,100, less the inherit- 
ance tax of the state of Massachusetts, brought the Home 
$1,045. Under the terms of the bequest it is known as the 
Julia A. Ladd Fund, and no portion of the original 
amount can be used, but such interest as may be received 
thereon goes toward the expenses of the Home. With this 
one exception, the Home has no endowments. 

Since its completion, all expenses of the Home, includ- 
ing cost of maintenance, have been paid from money 
contributed by the members of the International Typo- 
graphical Union, the revenue being provided by setting 
apart a certain portion of the monthly contributions to the 
union. At first an assessment of 10 cents per member per 
month, in addition to the International Typographical 
Union per capita tax, was levied for the support of the 
Home, but the Philadelphia session of the International 
in 1892 combined the Home assessment of 10 cents and 
the monthly per capita tax of 15 cents, classing the two 
as per capita tax, and crediting 20 per cent of the amount, 
or 5 cents per month per member, to the Home's support. 
This prevailed until March, 1897, when the increasing 
demands on the Home made an increase in revenue neces- 

1140 



Union Printers Home 

sary, and a new law, requiring 30 cents per capita tax per 
month, went into effect, the Home receiving one-third of 
the amount, or 10 cents per month per member. This 
revenue proved inadequate for the needs of the Home, and 
on March* 1, 1908, the monthly contribution of each mem- 
ber was increased to 15 cents, at which figure it now 
stands. 

AVERAGE COST PER RESIDENT 

During the year ended May 31, 191 2, the expenditures 
from the Home fund were $99,821.01. Included in this 
amount is all money paid for improvements and repairs 
on the buildings and grounds, farming expenses, insur- 
ance, food supplies, clothing, pensions, medical attend- 
ance, transportation of residents who vacate, burials, 
salaries of employes and officers, printing and the ex- 
penses of meetings of the board of trustees. Deducting 
$22,691.22 expended in building the library addition, 
sanatorium improvements, a smoke stack and in general 
repairs and improvements, and the purchase of additional 
land, the net cost of maintenance is found to be $77,- 
129.79, or $588.13 per year, $49.01 per month for each 
resident. When it is remembered that this sum covers all 
expenses in connection with the upkeep of the Home 
property and the care of its patients in a manner not 
excelled, if equaled, in any similar institution, the cost 
will not appear excessive. 

RESIDENTS ACCOMMODATED 

From the opening of the Home in July, 1892, to May 
31, 1 91 2, 1,312 applicants have been admitted to the 
Home. Any member of the International Typographical 
Union, who has been such for ten continuous years, may 
apply for admission to the Home. Members suffering 
from pulmonary tuberculosis may be admitted to the 
sanatorium at any time. Application must be made upon 



1141 



History of The Typographical Union 

the form provided by the trustees, be endorsed by the 
local union with which he is affiliated, and set forth his 
physical condition at date of application. If passed upon 
favorably by the admission committee, a certificate of 
admission is issued by the secretary of the board, which 
must be presented to the superintendent by the applicant 
upon his arrival at the Home. 

MANAGEMENT 

The management of the institution, which will accom- 
modate about 170, is in the hands of a superintendent, 
who acts under the direction of the board of trustees, one 
of whom is a resident of Colorado Springs. The superin- 
tendent's wife is the matron and is appointed by the 
president, with the concurrence of the trustees. The 
nurses and other employes, being selected by the superin- 
tendent, are directly under his supervision. The physician 
is appointed by the board of trustees. 

Everything possible is done by the board of trustees 
and the superintendent to make the residents of the Home 
comfortable and happy. They are furnished with suitable 
food and clothing, medical attendance is provided, and 
the necessary care and attention is given to those who are 
confined to their rooms. Each resident receives a pension 
of 50 cents per week, and an additional allowance is 
granted to those who assist in caring for the grounds or 
buildings. 

The annual meetings of the board of trustees are held 
at the Home. 

COST OF BUILDING AND MAINTAINING HOME 
AND SANATORIUM 

RECEIPTS 

Contribution of Childs and Drexel $10,000 00 

Contributions and interest from June, 1886, to October 31, 1890. 16,933 63 
Contributions, assessments and interest from November 1, 1890, to 

April 30, 1892 52,889 37 

Per capita tax and assessments from May 1, 1892, to June 30, 

1898 144.893 87 

1 142 



Union Printers Home 

Hospital annex assessment to June 30, 1898 $14,013 95 

Julia A. Ladd bequest 1,045 00 

Cummings memorial fund 1 3,203 43 

Per capita tax and all receipts of fund from July 1, 1898, to May 

31, 1912 897,92221 



Total $1,150,901 46 

EXPENDITURES 

Building and furnishing main building $70,114 44 

Building and furnishing hospital annex 22,082 54 

Building and furnishing superintendent's cottage and addition 

thereto 3,824 57 

Building laundry, machinery for same, etc 12,241 55 

Heating plant addition 14,376 87 

Library, building addition to and furnishings 36,714 2"] 

Additional land purchase 3, 500 00 

Maintenance, salaries, repairs, improvements, etc., from opening of 

Home to May 31, 1912 963,428 98 



Total $1,126,283 22 

Balance in fund May 31, 1912 24,618 24 



Total $1,150,901 46 

Trustees of the Home Since its Inception 

♦Aimison, William Nashville, Tenn \ 1890-1902 

I 1898-1903 
Ames, W. E Milwaukee, Wis 1913-1916 

*Black, Daniel Detroit, Mich 1900-1901 

Bramwood, J. W Denver, Colo 1896-1909 

Colby, F. A Colorado Springs, Colo 1893-1896 

Crowley, Thomas F Cincinnati, Ohio 1903-1910 

*Cummings, Amos J New York City, N. Y 1890-1892 

♦Dailey, James J Philadelphia, Pa 1890-1900 

♦Donath, August . Washington, D. C 1890-1892 

Donnelly, Samuel B New York City, N. Y 1898-1900 

Dorsey, Henry Dallas, Texas 1895-1898 

Duguid, Alex Cincinnati, Ohio 1894-1897 

Fennessy, Thomas D Los Angeles, Cal 1905-1910 

Hall, Columbus Washington, D. C 1890-1894 

Hays, John W Minneapolis, Minn 1909-1914 

""Lambert William Austin, Texas 1 890-1 892 

Lynch, James M Syracuse, N. Y 1900-1914 

McCaffery, Thomas Colorado Springs, Colo 1896-1914 

McClevey, W. S Chicago, 111 1890-1893 

McKee, Walter H New York City, N. Y 1910-1913 

Morgan, George W Bellingham Bay, Wash 1 890-1 892 

Parr, W. H Toronto, Ontario 1890-1892 

*Patton, E. W Washington, D. C 1900-1903 

Pelton, Frank S Chicago, 111 1890-1895 

*Plank, Edward T San Francisco, Cal : 1 890-1 894 

Powell, Michael Ottawa, Canada 1910-1915 

Prescott, W. B Toronto, Ontario 1 892-1 898 

Rogers, H. H Chicago, 111 1901-1905 

Shepard, L. C Grand Rapids, Mich 1894-1912 

Tatem, R. L Philadelphia, Pa 1899-1901 

*Deceased. 

1 143 



History of The Typographical Union 

*Vaughan, John D Denver, Colo 1890-1892 

White, J. W Kansas City, Mo 1897-1902 

White, W. J San Francisco, Cal 1903-1909 

Wilson, Anna C Washington, D. C 1909-1915 

Wines, A. G St. Louis, Mo 1893-1896 

Wood, C. L Fort Worth, Texas 1912-1915 

Woodward, James G Atlanta, Ga 1890-1893 

SUPERINTENDENTS 

1 John D. Vaughan Denver, Colo 1892 

W. C. Schuman Denver, Colo 1892-1896 

l C. E. Clark Omaha, Neb 1896-1898 

Charles Deacon Chicago, 111 1898-19 — 



Deceased. 



I 144 



Index 



CONVENTIONS 1850, 1851, 1852 

Convention at New York, 1850: page 

Address to journeymen printers of United States 120 

Apprentices 119 

Comment on address to printers 125 

Contract printing 119 

Formation of local unions 117 

Government printing office 119 

National executive committee appointed 1850 120 

National executive committee created 117 

Officers, 1850 117 

Convention af Baltimore, 1851: 

Call issued to form national union 131 

Committee to frame constitution appointed 130 

Constitution presented for approval 131 

Constitution to be ratified 130 

Government printing 128 

Memorial to congress 128 

National executive committee, 1851 136 

National Typographical Union constitution 131 

National Typographical Union suggested 129 

Officers, 1851 127 

Permanent committees 127 

Subordinate unions 130 

Convention at Cincinnati, 1852: 

Assigning charter numbers 138 

By-laws 138 

First officers National Typographical Union, 1852 139 

Form of charter 138 

National executive committee, 1852 139 

Officers, 1852 136 

Organization of the National Typographical Union 137 

Public printing 1 39 

Selecting convention city 1 39 

Sunday work 137 

NATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION 

Convention at Pittsburgh, 1853: 

Charters and traveling cards 1 49 

Death of John W. Peregoy 1 46 

Deaths of illustrious statesmen 1 48 

First traveling card 151 

Free use of telegraph lines 148 

General laws 150 

Measurement of type 151 

Membership for trade protection 146 

New York Co-operative Union 1 44 

Officers, 1853 152 

Official organ 145 

Opposed to strikes 151 

Password, grip, secret signs, etc 150 

1 145 



INDEX 

Convention at Pittsburgh, 1853 — Continued. PAGE 

Protest from Baltimore 145 

Scale of prices 1 5 x 

Seal , i 52 

Sunday labor „ 148 

Unique treasurer's report 146 

Convention at Buffalo, 1854: 

Charters issued 155 

Executive committee, 1854 155 

Female labor in composing rooms ., 153 

General laws 155 

Membership, traveling cards; seal, charter 154 

New York Co-operative Union ] 152 

Officers, 1854 156 

Offices of secretary and treasurer combined ." 153 

Official organ 155 

Convention at Memphis, 1855: 

Duties of executive committee 157 

Executive committee, 1855 160 

Officers, 1855 160 

Permanent convention city 158 

President's report 157 

Proprietor members 160 

Public printing 159 

Ritual 159 

Convention at Philadelphia, 1856: 

Charters 1 64 

Government printing office 163 

National executive committee, 1856 164 

Officers, 1856 164 

Pressmen 161 

Returns 1 64 

Convention at New Orleans, 1857: 

Baltimore union rechartered 166 

Biennial conventions 167 

Co-operative Union disbanded 1 68 

Joint stock printing plant 168 

National executive committee, 1857 169 

Non-member delegates 165 

Officers, 1857 169 

Official organ 169 

Separate branches 168 

Union Printers Home suggested 165 

Unique invitation 167 

Convention at Chicago, 1858: 

Copyright law 174 

Country unions 172 

National executive committee, 1858 175 

Officers, 1858 175 

President's address 170 

Pressmen organized 172 

Protecting the industry 174 



1 146 



INDEX 

Convention at Chicago, 1858 — Continued. page 

Public printing 173 

Rats 173 

Secretary-treasurer removed 171 

Slawson's history 175 

Subordinate unions advised to be cautious 172 

Toast: The National Typographical Union 175 

Traveling cards 174 

Versatility of the printer '. . 174 

Convention at Boston, 1859: 

Baton Rouge charter surrendered 179 

Contracts favored 181 

Critical period 178 

First president to be re-elected 178 

Head of Franklin on traveling card 183 

National executive committee, 1859 184 

Officers, 1859 185 

Official organ 179 

Pioneer organization to consider tuberculosis 179 

Pittsburgh rechartered 178 

Political conditions 181 

Proprietor members 183 

Providence union's charter stolen 182 

Public printing 181 

Secretary-treasurer resigns 184 

Convention at Nashville, 1860-1861: 

Authority to organize dual union in Washington 189 

Baton Rouge charter reissued 187 

Brooklyn's charter 194 

Charters 187 

Charters revoked 194 

Columbia Typographical Society refuses charter 188 

Jurisdiction over Canadian unions proposed 190 

National executive committee, 1 860-1 861 194 

Officers, 1860-1861 195 

Per capita tax 194 

President's address 185 

San Francisco charter preserved 193 

Union's lack of authority 187 

Convention at New York, 1862: 

Canadian unions 199 

Charters issued, reissued and surrendered 199 

Civil war period 195 

National executive committee, 1 862 199 

No general legislation 198 

Officers, 1 862 199 

Per capita tax for 1861 remitted 198 

Postponement criticized 198 

Postponement of convention of 1861 justified 197 

Postponing tenth session 195 

Convention at Cleveland, 1863: 

Interesting letter from New Orleans 201 

Laws 202 

1 147 



INDEX 

Convention at Cleveland, 1863 — Continued. page 

National executive committee, 1863 204 

Officers, 1863 „ 205 

Organization work 203 

Paper trust 202 

Proprietor membership in Portland (Ore.) union 203 

Resignation of President Farquhar 200 

Unique communication 202 

Convention at Louisville, 1864: 

Associated Press monopoly 208 

Chartering stereotypers' unions 209 

Charters issued and reissued 205 

Conditional membership , 209 

Delinquent southern unions 209 

Interchange of cards with foreign unions 206 

National executive committee, 1864 210 

Officers, 1 864 210 

Official organ 205 

Printing proceedings of 1862 and 1863 208 

Proofreaders 207 

Uniform constitution for subordinate unions 208 

Unique letter from Portland (Ore.) union 206 

Working cards 209 

Convention at Philadelphia, 1865: 

Boston's per capita tax 214 

Canadian unions 212 

Charters issued, reissued and surrendered. ; 212 

Columbia Typographical Society 213 

Death of President Lincoln 213 

Distinguished visitors 214 

Eight-hour day 213 

First fraternal visitor 214 

National executive committee, 1 865 215 

Officers, 1865 211 

Unique toasts 214 

Convention at Chicago, 1866: 

Charters 217 

Charters and membership 219 

Conditional membership 218 

Ex-delegates 217 

National executive committee, 1866 220 

No important legislation 219 

Officers, 1 866 215 

Official organ 219 

Original names on charters 219 

President's address. 216 

President's report 217 

Southern unions 217 

Convention at Memphis, 1867: 

Charters issued and reissued 225 

Columbia union receives charter 225 

Delegates set type 225 



1 148 



INDEX 

Convention at Memphis, 1867 — Continued. page 

Elective officers 22 4 

Female labor 22 6 

Form of charter 22 5 

Functions of delegates 22 4 

Local autonomy 222 

Minor legislation 22 6 

Name changed 22 4 

National executive committee 22 6 

National fund 22 3 

New constitution 222 

New constitution, etc 22 1 

Officers, 1867 226 

President's report 22 i 

Protest against new constitution 22 3 

Traveling cards 222 

Uniform constitution 22 3 

Convention at Washington, 1868: 

Amnesty 233 

Artemus Ward memorial 233 

Change of name 230 

Charters issued, reissued and surrendered 230 

Convict labor 231 

Copyright law 231 

Eight hours 231 

General amnesty 228 

High cost of living 231 

How can the non-union printers be organized? 228 

National executive committee 233 

National Labor Union 233 

Officers, 1868 234 

Rejecting new constitution 227 

Secretary-treasurer's report 230 

Strikes 228 

The legislation of the last session 229 

Visit to United States capitol 232 

Convention at Albany, 1869: 

Birth of International Typographical Union 235 

Charters surrendered 236 

General amnesty 236 

National executive committee, 1869 240 

National fund 237 

Negro members 239 

New constitution 234 

Officers, 1 869 24 1 

Passing of the National Typographical Union 234 

Per capita tax 235 

President's report 236 

Proxy delegates 235 

Representation 235 

Springfield (111.) union disrupted 237 

Unsatisfactory conditions in Boston 238 

Women's unions 235 

I 149 



INDEX 

INTERNATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION 

Convention at Cincinnati, 1870: page 

Apprentices 250 

Bids for printing 250 

Business in the south 247 

Charters 246 

Cincinnati first meeting place 245 

Divided jurisdiction 250 

First woman elected to office 246 

General prosperity 246 

Government printing office 246 

Home for disabled printers 248 

National executive committee, 1870 251 

Negro members 248 

Officers, 1870 246 

Organizing Canada 248 

Postal abuses 249 

Pressmen 251 

Strikes , . . . . 248 

Susan B. Anthony 250 

Convention at Baltimore, 1871: 

All unions furnished new I. T. U. charters 258 

Appeal cases 258 

Arbitration 257 

Charters issued and surrendered 252 

District unions , . 258 

Fast typesetting 256 

Female labor 253 

Jurisdiction over pressmen 257 

Membership 258 

National executive committee, 1871 258 

'National labor congress 256 

Negro question 258 

Officers, 1871 252 

Per capita tax reduced 258 

Report of Miss Lewis 253 

Strikes 253 

Traveling printers 257 

Convention at Richmond, 1872: 

Artemus Ward fund 262 

Charters 262 

Chicago fire 260 

English and French unions in Montreal 264 

Female labor 262 

Government printing office 262 

Legislation 262 

National executive committee, 1872 266 

Officers, 1872 259 

Resolutions 264 

Unsuccessful strikes 260 

Convention at Montreal, 1873: 

Artemus Ward fund 269 

Charters, etc 269 

District unions 269 

1 150 



INDEX 

Convention at Montreal, 1873 — Continued. page 

Female labor 268 

German printers 267 

Government printing office 268 

National executive committee, 1873 271 

Officers, 1 873 267 

Pressmen's unions 268 

Resolutions 269 

Sub-lists 269 

Convention at St. Louis, 1874: 

Brooklyn union 273 

Centennial exposition 275 

Charters 273 

District unions 274 

Election of officers 272 

German union 275 

Interchange of membership cards 274 

Membership 275 

Monthly journal 274 

National executive committee, 1874 276 

Officers, 1874 272 

Per capita tax 273 

Resolutions 275 

Secretary-Treasurer Collins defaults 275 

Uniform constitution 273 

Unsuccessful strikes 277, 

Women's Typographical Union 271 

Convention at Boston, 1875: 

Defalcation of secretary-treasurer 279 

Delinquent unions 281 

Executive committee discontinued 279 

Greeley monument 279 

Inharmonious laws 277 

Membership 279 

National Labor Congress 278 

New constitution 278 

Officers, 1875 283 

Resolutions 282 

Convention at Philadelphia, 1876: 

Amendments and resolutions 288 

Decisions , 286 

Defense fund 285 

Erasing names from charters 284 

General amnesty refused 283 

Greeley monument 286 

Jurisdiction limited 284 

Membership 285 

Officers, 1876 288 

Sub-lists 287 

Uniform constitution for subordinate unions 285 

Convention at Louisville, 1877: 

Date of meeting 295 

Delegate to Paris 292 

n=;i 



INDEX 

Convention at Louisville, 1877 — Continued. page 

Depressed trade conditions 289 

Digest of laws 295 

French-Canadians , . 292 

Gift of Italian printers 294 

Greeley memorial 292 

Lack of discipline 292 

Officers, 1877 296 

Representation 295 

Uniform constitution . 295 

Union Printers Home 295 

Convention at Detroit, 1878: 

Female compositors 299 

Insurance plan 306 

International strike fund 299 

Jurisdiction of subordinate unions 306 

Lowest membership 296 

Minor legislation 306 

Officers, 1878 306 

Organization and discipline 296 

Permits 298 

Vice-President Griffin expelled 305 

Convention at Washington, 1879: 

Arbitration 315 

Biennial conventions 315 

Charters 314 

Defense fund 308 

Delegate to Paris 314 

Discouraging conditions 306 

Inception of the A. F. of L '....'. 315 

Insurance 315 

Limitation of foreman's authority 308 

Negro members 307 

Officers, 1879 315 

State unions 314 

St. Louis charter 311 

Visit tomb of Washington 316 

Convention at Chicago, 1880: 

Continental Federation of Trades 323 

Insurance plan rejected 326 

Officers, 1880 2> 2 7 

Prize for best reorganization plan 326 

Separate charter for job printers refused 326 

Tariff on paper and printed matter 325 

The Brotherhood 3 2 ° 

Typographia traveling cards 327 

Convention at Toronto, 1881: 

Campaign of education 328 

Federation of trades 3 2 S 

General prosperity 333 

Good times 327 

Officers, 1 881 335 

Official organ 334 

1152 



INDEX 

Convention at Toronto, 1881 — Continued. page 

Opening session with prayer 334 

Reorganization plans 333 

The Brotherhood 334 

Convention at St. Louis, 1882: 

American Federation of Labor 336 

Conflicting laws 336 

Declaration of principles 34^ 

Expense of representation 350 

Federation of trades organized , 336 

French-Canadians 353 

Officers, 1882 • ■ 356 

Pressmen 355 

Reorganization plans 35 2 

Results of the Pittsburgh congress 349 

Secret organizations 354 

State deputies 356 

Sub-lists • • 35^ 

The Pittsburgh convention 339 

Union Printers Home 355 

Work of the convention 35 2 

Convention at Cincinnati, 1883: 

Charters 358 

Federation of Trades 359 

French-Canadian union 358 

Government printing office 362 

Membership 361 

Officers, 1883 368 

Official organ 361 

Organization work 357 

Per capita 361 

President's address 357 

Revision of laws 368 

State deputies 368 

Strikes 358 

Sub-lists 361 

Union Printers Home 360 

Convention at New Orleans, 1884: 

Agreement with Typographia 373 

Arbitration 374 

Boycott 375 

Charters 371 

Chief organizer 371 

Endowment fund 374 

Federation of Trades 376 

Female labor 372 

Membership 374 

Officers, 1884 377 

Official organ 371 

Per capita tax 374 

Relations with Knights of Labor 369 

State deputies 376 

Strikes 375 

1153 



INDEX 

Convention at New York, 1885: p\GE 

Federation of Trades 381 

Forerunner of priority law 380 

Growth retarded 378 

Insurance plan 381 

Officers, 1 885 381 

Pressmen 380 

Strengthening influences 379 

Strike fund 379 

Structural errors 377 

Sub-lists 381 

Convention at Pittsburgh, 1886: 

Childs-Drexel gift 3S9 

Disposition of gift 391 

Federation of trades 387 

Gift accepted 391 

Insurance feature 393 

Knights of Labor and Federation of Trades 383 

Officers, 1 886 394 

Official organ 392 

Organizing 382 

Relations with pressmen 388 

Strike fund 382 

Union label 392 

Convention at Buffalo, 1887: 

Childs-Drexel fund 406 

Insurance 405 

Nine-hour day 409 

Officers, 1887 410 

Organization 396 

Pascoe defalcation 394 

Printers Home 407 

Relations with Knights of Labor and the American Federation of 

Labor 397 

Reorganization 4U5 

Strike fund law 395 

Unfinished business 409 

Convention at Kansas City, 1888: 

American Federation of Labor 420 

Childs-Drexel fund 418 

Committee on laws 412 

Defense fund 413 

Executive council created 412 

Executive council meeting. 422 

Headquarters established 411 

Insurance 413 

New constitution 410 

Nine-hour day 413 

Officers, 1 888 4 2 3 

Official circular . 412 

Organizing 413 

Pascoe defalcation 418 

Per capita tax 4 1 - 

"54 



INDEX 

Convention at Kansas City, 1888 — Continued. PAGE 

Printers Home 4 T 9 

The Brotherhood 422 

Convention at Denver, 1889: 

Biennial elections and conventions 431 

Colorado Springs selected 4 2 8 

Delegates to American Federation of Labor and Paris Exposition 435 

Executive council 432 

Insurance plan 433 

Minor legislation 433 

Pascoe defalcation 431 

Relations with American Federation of Labor 429 

Reorganization 426 

The referendum 432 

The Typographical Journal 434 

Union Printers Home 426 

Convention at Atlanta, 1890: 

American Federation of Labor 436 

Delegates to Paris congress 444 

Home trustees 442 

Minor legislation 443 

Officers, 1 890 445 

Organization 439 

Pressmen 440 

Printers Home 441 

Six-day law 443 

Stereotypers 441. 

Strikes 439 

The referendum 442 

Convention at Boston, 1891: 

Amendments to constitution 452 

American Federation of Labor 446 

Burial benefits 453 

Copyright law 449 

Important legislation 451 

Membership, etc 448 

Nine-hour day 451 

Officers, 1891 455 

Pressmen , 448 

Priority 453 

The referendum 447 

Typesetting machines 453 

Union Printers Home 455 

Convention at Philadelphia, 1892: 

American Federation of Labor 462 

Apportionment of funds 459 

Burial fund 461 

Constitutional amendments 463 

Finances 461 

Membership 461 

Minor legislation 466 

Nine-hour day 459 

1155 



INDEX 

Convention at Philadelphia, 1892 — Continued. page 

Officers, 1892 470 

Organization work 458 

Pittsburgh strike 470 

Pressmen 461 

Priority 465 

Review of officers' reports 456 

Secretary McClevey resigns 467 

Six-day law 465 

State unions 462 

Strike fund 466 

The injunction 469 

Union Printers Home 467 

Convention at Chicago, 1893: 

Allied trades 474 

Black-balling 474 

Charters , 474 

Constitutional amendments 480 

Copyright law 476 

Death of former President Hammond 489 

Death of Harry E. Gamble 490 

Five-day law 484 

International fund 484 

Machinists 477 

New organizing districts 49 1 

Nine-hour day 482 

Officers, 1893 490 

Organization work 473 

Reorganization 476 

Review of officers' reports 471 

Seceding pressmen 478 

Secretary-treasurer's report 479 

Shorter hours 475 

Sick benefits 484 

„Stereotypers , . . . 479 

Typesetting machines 482 

Typographia amalgamation 485 

Union Printers Home 488 

Convention at Louisville, 1894: 

Allied trades councils 500 

American Federation of Labor political platform 494 

Constitutional amendments 512 

Deaths of Messrs. Childs and Drexel 516 

General laws 5 J 4 

Indianapolis bank failure 495 

Machinists 497 

Nine-hour fund 516 

Officers, 1 894-1 895 5 T 7 

Officers' reports 49 2 

Organization work 493 

Out-of-work fund 515 

Pressmen and bookbinders 5°3 

Secretary-treasurer's report 512 



II56 



INDEX 

Convention at Louisville, 1894 — Continued. page 

Shorter hours 501 

Six-day law 5 1 7 

Stereotypers 511 

Typesetting machines 496 

Union Printers Home 514 

Convention at Colorado Springs, 1896: 

Additional constitutional amendments 539 

Additional vice-presidents 537 

After the Colorado Springs convention 537 

American Federation of Labor 525 

Biennial conventions 538 

Civil service 528 

Constitutional amendments 528 

Deaths 525 

Home trustees 525 

Hospital annex 528 

Important recommendations 522 

Increased per capita 527 

Minor legislation 527 

Nine-hour-day struggle 531 

Officers, 1896-1897 536 

Officers elected by referendum 541 

Organization work 521 

Organizers , 525 

Out-of-work fund 526 

Percentage dues 537 

Referendum elections 527 

Review of officers' reports 519 

Secretary's report 523 

Secretary-Treasurer Wines' retirement 536 

Stereotypers 523 

The Brotherhood 518 

The label 522 

Typesetting devices 527 

Typographia 523 

Typographical Journal 524 

Union Printers Home 521 

Unique incident 526 

Convention at Syracuse, 1898: 

Allied trades 548 

American Federation of Labor 559 

Amnesty 548 

Annual conventions 562 

Charters 548 

Childs-Drexel Home 560 

Constitutional amendments 572 

Death of Henry George 566 

Defense fund 551, 574 

Discussion of economic subjects at union meetings 562 

District organizers 568 

Functions of local unions 550 

Funds 558 

"57 



INDEX 

Convention at Syracuse, 1898 — Continued. page 

General laws 574 

German- American Typographia 552 

Government bonds 559 

Indianapolis bank failure 551, 569 

Journal free list 567 

Location of headquarters 566 

Machine tenders 549, 567 

Mailers 553 

Manner of administering obligation 543 

Minor Home affairs 567 

Minor recommendations 551 

Mortality statistics 558 

New obligation 562 

Newswriters 553 

Nine-hour day achieved 563 

Nine years' finances 558 

Organization work 547 

Organizers 559 

Organizing system changed 561 

Photo engravers 553, 568 

Postal telegraph 568 

President's address 543 

Proofreader members 549 

Propositions rejected • 562 

Referendum 550 

Referendum laws amended 561 

Resolutions 574 

Retiring official honored 569 

Review of officers' reports 543 

Seals 551 

Shorter workday committee 560 

Sick benefit fund. 550 

Secretary Bramwood's report 553 

Stereotypers and electrotypers 552 

Stereotypers' trade district 566 

Strikes 552 

The Home 551 

To abolish referendum 569 

Tripartite conference 575 

Typographical Journal 555 

Union label 55<>, 569 

Use of defense fund 562 

Convention at Detroit, 1899: 

American Federation of Labor 592 

Annual reports '..... 576 

Constitutional amendments 594 

Controversy with Chicago publishers 599 

Controversy with the machinists 602 

Copyright law 585 

District organizers 599 

Funds 584 

General laws, resolutions, committee reports, etc 596 

II58 



INDEX 

Convention at Detroit, 1899 — Continued. page 

German-American Typographia 586 

Government ownership 585 

Government ownership and the copyright law 600 

Home trustees 593 

Labels 600 

Machine tenders 584, 598 

Mailers 586 

Miscellaneous propositions 600 

Newswriters , 587 

New York Sun strike 599 

Officers, 1900-1901 613 

Organization wotk 578 

Organizers' reports 592 

Photo engravers 588 

Pittsburgh lockout : 610 

Postal savings bank 598 

Proprietor members 584 

Relations with allied crafts 580 

Secretary-treasurer's report ^. . . . 588 

Shorter workday 579 

Shorter workday committee 593 

Socialism 600 

Stereotypers and electrotypers 585 

Strikes 578 

Subordinate union affairs 601 

Typographical Journal 591 

Union Printers Home 601 

Convention at Milwaukee, 1900: 

American Federation of Labor delegates 636 

Annual conventions 618 

Burial fund 634 

Chicago stereotypers 626 

Conciliation and arbitration 641 

Conditions in Pittsburgh 640 

Constitutional amendments 636 

Defense fund 616 

Disreputable campaign literature 619 

District organizers 640 

General fund 634 

General laws 638 

Home trustees 636 

Injunctions 628 

Jurisdiction 618 

Kansas City trouble 621 

Machine tenders 627 

Mailers 629 

Minor recommendations 628 

Newswriters 630 

New York Sun strike 620 

Nine-hour day 625 

Official business 635 

Organization work 619 

I 159 



INDEX 

Convention at Milwaukee, 1900 — Continued. page 

Organizers' reports 635 

Photo engravers 631 

Pittsburgh strike 622 

President Donnelly's retirement 656 

President's address 615 

Relations with allied trades 626 

Request for tripartite conference 641 

Resolutions 639 

Secretary-treasurer 632 

Stereotypers 629 

Stereotypers ask to withdraw . 640 

Tripartite agreement 651 

Typographia 629 

Typographical Journal 634 

Union Printers Home 634 

Convention at Birmingham, 1901: 

After the convention 688 

American Federation of Labor 677 

Arbitration agreement 663 

Arbitration agreement renewed 689 

Benefits 668 

Chinese exclusion 687 

Constitutional amendments 679 

Economic policy 667 

Executive council 665 

General laws , 683 

Home trustees 677 

Label 667 

Liberty of the press 669 

Limited membership 686 

Mailers 671 

Miscellaneous subjects : 669 

Newswriters 671 

Officers, 1902-1903 688 

Organization work 676 

Organizers 666 

Organizing districts abolished 683 

Photo engravers 672 

Propositions defeated , . . . 684 

Relations with publishers 688 

Resolutions 683 

Review of officers' reports 661 

Secession of photo engravers 662 

Secretary-treasurer's report 673 

Stereotypers' affairs 669 

Stereotypers' separation movement 663 

Strikes 668 

Tripartite agreement 664 

Tripartite agreement abrogated 688 

Typefounders 673 

Typographia 670 

Typographical Journal 676 

Withdrawal of stereotypers 680 

Women's auxiliaries 686 

I l60 



INDEX 

Convention at Cincinnati, 1902: page 

American Federation of Labor 706 

Apprentices 698 

Burial benefits 703 

Constitutional amendments 7°9 

Eight-hour day ' 7 l 9 

Eight-hour day must come 698 

Finance 697 

General laws, resolutions 710 

Local contracts 697 

Los Angeles Times 7 1 2 

Mailers 699 

New organizing system 696 

Newswriters 700 

Organizers' reports 705 

Photo engravers 700, 718 

Relations with allied trades 695 

Relations with the printing pressmen 713 

Relations with publishers and typothetae 693 

Review of officers' reports 691 

Secretary-treasurer's report 701 

Strikes : . . 703 

Typefounders 7° 1 

Typographia 698 

Typographical Journal 7°4 

Union Printers Home 707 

Convention at Washington, 1963: 

Agreement with allied trades 726 

Allied trades agreement ratified 747 

American Federation of Labor J32 

Arbitration agreement 723 

Arbitration developments 739 

Atlanta strike 725 

Code of procedure 744 

Committee on benefit features 732 

Constitutional amendments 733 

Eight-hour day 749 

General laws, etc 735 

Hats off to N the printers 750 

Home trustees 732 

Kansas City 726 

Los Angeles Times 748 

Mailers 728 

Meeting with A. N. P. A. representatives 741 

Miscellaneous 727 

Officers 1904-1905 751 

Organizers' reports 731 

Organizing work 725 

Per capita tax 727 

Photo engravers 728 

Relations with newspaper publishers 735 

Review of officers' reports 721 

Secretary's report 729 

Strikes 731 

Il6l 



INDEX 

Convention at Washington, 1903 — Continued. page 

The developments in Spokane 740 

Trade union incorporation 726 

Typefounders 729 

Typographia' „ y 2 j 

Typographical Journal 1 ' 731 

Convention at St. Louis, 1904: 

Arbitration 756 

Arbitration agreement 771 

Beneficial features 759 

Boston and Louisville strikes 755 

Changes in the laws 765 

Eight-hour day 754, 775 

Label 759 

Los Angeles Times 78s 

Mailers 761 

Newswriters 761 

Organization 757 

Photo engravers 783 

Review of officers' reports 753 

Secretary's report 761 

Strikes 753 

Typefounders 761 

Typographia 760 

Convention at Toronto, 1905: 

Address of Samuel Gompers ' 837 

Address of Max Hayes 838 

Affiliated unions and the joint agreement 800 

Arbitration 801 

Brief review of officers' reports 795 

Constitutional amendments 799 

Eight-hour day 810 

Los Angeles Times 808 

Mailers 796 

Newswriters 797 

Officers, 1906-1907 844 

Philadelphia case 787 

President Ellis' address 819 

Report of the committee on eight-hour day 824 

Secretary's report 797 

St. Louis charter revoked 801 

Typefounders 797 

Typographia 796 

Union Printers Home 798 

Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906: 

Assistance from American Federation of Labor 857 

British strikebreakers 851 

Constitutional amendments 858 

Eight-hour assessments 854 

Eight-hour day - 863 

General conditions 851 

Home affairs 853 

Home library 847 

IT62 



INDEX 

Convention at Colorado Springs, 1906 — Continued. page 

Injunctions 850 

Membership 857 

Mailers 854 

Officers' reports 848 

Old age pensions 879 

President's address 848 

Relations with publishers 851 

Report of convention's eight-hour committee 878 

Report of International eight-hour committee 863 

San Francisco disaster 859 

Secretary-Treasurer's report 854 

Typographia 854 

Convention at Hot Springs, 1907: 

After the convention 910 

Burial fund 887 

Constitutional amendments 889 

Eight-hour campaign 892 

Home fund 887 

Label 884 

Los Angeles Times and Philadelphia Inquirer 886, 902 

Membership 888 

Officers, 1908-1909 910 

Officers' reports 88 1 

Old age pensions 881, 905 

One-man shop 884 

Publicity campaign 883 

Report of convention's eight-hour committee 900 

Sanitary composing rooms 885 

Secretary Bramwood's report 887 

Trade and technical schools 908 

Typographia 887 

Union Printers Home 886 

Convention at Boston, 1908: 

After the convention 930 

American Federation of Labor 927 

Burial fund 920 

By-laws, general laws, etc 925 

Constitutional amendments 921 

Cost of eight-hour struggle 921 

Distinguished visitors 929 

Home fund 920 

Los Angeles Times and Philadelphia Inquirer 928 

Membership 920 

New agreement with stereotypers 926 

Officers' reports *. 913 

Old age pensions 917 

President's address 913 

Presentation to International eight-hour committee 912 

Priority law 923 

Resignation of Secretary-Treasurer Bramwood 932 

Secretary-Treasurer's report 919 

Typographia 919 

Address of Commissioner Kellogg 953 



I 163 



INDEX 

Convention at St. Joseph, 1909: page 

After the convention 953 

Brief review of officers' reports 934 

Burial fund 943 

By-laws, etc 946 

Constitutional amendments 946 

Finances 940 

Home fund 943 

Increased mortuary benefits 947 

Label campaign 938 

Los Angeles Times and Philadelphia Inquirer 951 

Mailers 942 

Membership 944 

Mortuary benefits 936 

Officers, 1910-1911 953 

Old age pensions 937 

Organizing work 939 

Pension roll , 944 

President's report 934 

Report of executive council 945 

Secretary-Treasurer's report 943 

Supplemental trade education 941 

Typographia 942 

Convention at Minneapolis, 191 o: 

Address by Charles Francis 983 

After the convention 987 

Bonding local officers 968 

Executive council 971 

First convention on Pacific coast 986 

Health campaign 965 

Increased mortuary benefits 957 

Increased mortuary benefits again defeated 973 

Joint ownership allied label 976 

Los Angeles Times and Philadelphia Inquirer 985 

Mailers 966 

Membership 968 

Mortuary benefits 967 

Officers' reports 955 

Old age pension fund 969 

Old age pension law amended 976 

Organizing work 956 

Other legislation 974 

Receipts and benefits 969 

Relations with allied trades 958 

Secretary-Treasurer's report 966 

Typographia t 965 

Convention at San Francisco, 191 1: 

Betterments 99^ 

Commissioner Kellogg's address 1 o 1 4 

Constitutional amendments 1 000 

Executive council 999 

General conditions 992 

Illegal strike at Chicago 1 o 1 5 

Increased mortuary benefits 1 004 

Loan to United Hatters 1 026 

I 164 



INDEX 

Convention at San Francisco, 191 1 — Continued. page 

Mailers 995 

Membership 997 

New arbitration agreement 1 009 

Officers, 1912-1913 1029 

• Pension fund 998 

Pension law amended 1002 

Presentation to Hugo Miller 1027 

Salaries increased 1001 

Secretary-Treasurer's report 995 

Summary of officers' reports 989 

Summary of office work 991 

The Brotherhood 1027 

Typographia 994 

Tuberculosis campaign 997 

Union Printers Home 993 

Convention at Cleveland, 1912: 

Addresses by distinguished visitors 1051 

Arbitration 1038 

Benefit features 1036 

Burial benefits .' 1 044 

Chicago pressmen's strike 1049 

Facts and figures 1032 

Executive council 1046 

Mailers 1 043 

Membership 1 044 

Officers' reports 1031 

Pensioners 1 045 

Referendum propositions 1048 

Secretary-Treasurer's report 1043 

Strikes 1 046 

Strike of Chicago web pressmen 1033 

Typographia 1 042 

Tuberculosis campaign 1043 

Union Printers Home 1 040 

Volume of business 1 044 



1 165 



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